Just starting up? What legal structure should you choose for your business? There are three principle types: a sole trader or partnership; a limited company or a limited liability partnership. For many, a traditional limited company will be the best solution as a company is the best known vehicle for running a business and allows you to limit your liability in the event of insolvency, take on investor shareholders and for the business to hold assets in its own name. For small businesses, there may be nothing wrong in operating as a sole trader or partnership. You keep all your profits and avoid the double taxation element that can exist in companies; and you do not have to file any paperwork at companies house – everything is kept private. The biggest downside is that as a sole trader or partner, you have personal unlimited liability for losses and business debts. A final alternative is to set up a limited liability partnership which is a hybrid, having the tax advantages of a partnership but the ability to own assets in its own name and to allow the partners the protection of limited liability.

Visit Collins Benson Goldhill, Solicitors at the lunch! exhibition. CBG specialises in helping people set up and expand their businesses and acts for a number of well known branded restaurant chains. CBG are experts in advising on the legal aspects of acquiring or leasing commercial property, particularly cafes and restaurants. We work closely in association with other advisers in connection with licensing matters and can recommend surveyors and property consultants who will help you find the ideal site.

Come and talk to us on stand G706 at lunch! on 29 – 30 September 2011

Collins Benson Goldhill LLP
26/28 Great Portland Street
London
W1W 8QT
DX 82973 Mayfair
sh@cbglaw.co.uk
www.cbglaw.co.uk

Tel:020 7436 5151