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Setting up a business involves complying with a range of legal requirements. Find out which ones apply to you and your new enterprise.

Every business needs to be aware of its obligations under minimum wage and equal pay laws, as well as recent pensions auto-enrolment changes.

What particular regulations do specific types of business (such as a hotel, or a printer, or a taxi firm) need to follow? We explain some of the key legal issues to consider for 200 types of business.

While poor governance can bring serious legal consequences, the law can also protect business owners and managers and help to prevent conflict.

You must comply with legal restrictions on employees' working hours and time off, or risk claims, enforcement action and even prosecution.

The right employment policies are an essential part of effective staff management. Make sure any policy is clear and well communicated to employees.

Whether you want to raise finance, join forces with someone else, buy or sell a business, it pays to be aware of the legal implications.

While sick employees need to be treated fairly, you need to ensure that 'sickness' is not being used as cover for unauthorised absence.

Marketing matters. Marketing drives sales for businesses of all sizes by ensuring that customers think of their brand when they want to buy.

Most pregnant employees are entitled to maternity leave and maternity pay, while new fathers are entitled to paternity leave and paternity pay.

Commercial disputes can prove time-consuming, stressful and expensive, but having robust legal agreements can help to prevent them from occurring.

As well as undermining morale, illegal discrimination can lead to workplace grievances. Employee discrimination is covered by the Equality Act 2010.

Whether your business owns or rents premises, your legal liabilities can be substantial. Commercial property law is complex, but you can avoid common pitfalls.

Home, remote and lone workers are becoming increasingly commonplace. Key issues include communication and how to manage and motivate people remotely.

With information and sound advice, living up to your legal responsibilities to safeguard your employees, customers and visitors need not be difficult or costly.

The right approach to consulting with and providing information to your employees can improve employee motivation and performance.

As information technology continues to evolve, legislation must also change. It affects everything from data protection and online selling to internet policies for employees.

Disciplinary and grievance issues can be a major burden to employers. Putting in place and following the right procedures is essential.

Following the right dismissal and redundancy procedures helps protect your business and minimise the risk of a legal dispute at tribunal.

Intellectual property (IP) isn't solely relevant to larger businesses or those involved in developing innovative new products: all products have IP.

Employment tribunal claims are a worrying prospect for any employer. A tribunal case is a no-win situation – even if the claim is unjustified.

Knowing how and when you plan to sell or relinquish control of your business can help you to make better decisions and achieve the best possible outcome.

From bereavement, wills, inheritance, separation and divorce to selling a house, personal injury and traffic offences, learn more about your personal legal rights.

Retailers get ready for Small Business Saturday 2021

30 November 2021

The Small Business Saturday campaign is calling on shoppers across the UK to support local small firms and independent retailers this Saturday 4 December.

The British public is being urged to get behind the nation's six million small businesses on Small Business Saturday (4 December) by getting out and spending on local high streets up and down the country.

Last year, Small Business Saturday achieved record-breaking success with an estimated £1.1 billion spent with small businesses across the UK on the day.

As small firms face another challenging winter, with rising costs and supply chain issues, the Small Business Saturday campaign is calling for a big show of public support to celebrate and recognise the contribution of small independents across their communities, especially after all their efforts during the pandemic.

"Small Business Saturday is a chance to get behind small businesses and say thank you for their vital contribution," said Michelle Ovens, director of Small Business Saturday UK.

"Small firms are at the absolute heart of our communities. We all know how much we rely on them - particularly over the last eighteen months - but we must show it too. While we're in a more positive place now, many small businesses are still struggling to get back on their feet, and are facing lots of new challenges. They still very much need our support."

The popularity of small businesses has grown through the pandemic, with over half (51%) of people in the UK saying they now back local independents more than previously, according to research by Small Business Saturday in conjunction with its principal supporter American Express.

Many small businesses take part in the day by hosting events, offering promotions and collaborating with local councils, community groups and business owners. Over 90% of local councils supported the campaign last year and Small Business Saturday trended at number one in the UK on Twitter.

Tim Rundle-Wood owner of natural scents shop Twoodle Co in London said: "Small Business Saturday is a really important campaign for small businesses and a fantastic opportunity for people across the country to show this support, and to continue to get behind their local independents on the day and beyond."

This year, a variety of local events are taking place to mark Small Business Saturday, including winter festivals and markets, Christmas light ceremonies and free parking in town centres. To get involved, visit the Small Business Saturday website.

Written by Rachel Miller.

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