For Business Owners
Your business will go through various stages – some will be as a direct result of your decisions and actions and others determined by the economy and the industry you operate in. As a business owner, you need to anticipate change, be prepared for difficult times and maximise the opportunities that come your way.
Whatever the structure of your business, whether a family business, start up or established company, you need trusted advisors – a team to call upon and use as a sounding board, develop strategy with and go to for solutions.
Find out more about how we can support you through the journey of your business by clicking on the stages of the business lifecycle below.
Your business is more than just an idea. You have done the research and reached out to organisations that support start-ups, such as:
Getting the building blocks right now will give you the right foundations for growth. Take advantage of our experience and trusted contacts. We offer 1-2 hours of legal brainstorming. We can explain your responsibilities as an employer, director and/or shareholder for example or talk through your contracts and agreements with your sales team – whatever you need. We charge a fixed fee for this session. £300 plus VAT is money well spent at this stage. If you take advantage of this offer, a member of the Gotelee team is appointed as your relationship manager and first point of contact should you need us. Make Gotelee part of a network of people who are genuinely interested in your success, and can be there for every step of your journey. These are some of the issues we can help with.
As revenue increases, new opportunities arise and your time becomes even more precious. You may decide to recruit more staff or extend the range of services or products you supply. The opportunity to either extend your current premises or add additional sites could be an option.
You may need to consider refinancing or investment from banks, grants, or leasing options. We offer fixed fee packages on most of our services. Your relationship manager will also discuss the option to review and audit your existing employment contracts, policies and/or handbooks. This service is part of our commitment to helping you grow your business. If recruitment has led to an increase in employee issues, the Gotelee HR Retainer may be of interest.
You have a mature business with its own place in the market, a recognisable brand and a loyal customer base. Your business life has routine and you have confidence in those around you – your advisors, your employees and your customers.
Instead of resting on your laurels you will be keen to improve business practices, invest in technology and increase productivity.
A family business may at this stage have introduced some non family members at senior management level. What will their stake in the business be? You may be considering employee incentives and improved benefit packages for staff.
As a business owner you have a responsibility not only to your family but your employees and stakeholders. At this point in your business life cycle your relationship manager will know you, your family and your business well and can give you the best possible advice in relation to succession (if a family business), Inheritance Tax, Wills and Trusts.
You now have a senior management team and new stakeholders in the business.
You may be exporting to new markets or managing a franchise. Opportunities for mergers or acquiring other businesses or extending product lines.
A family business may want to diversify and take the business in a different direction.
With expansion comes increased risk. Your relationship manager will understand your goals, your strategy and timescales. Legal spend increases and you will want fixed fee estimates for transactional work. Unlike other law firms, we will also discuss any specialist advice you may need that we are unable to provide at a competitive rate. We will give you the options so you can make an informed decision.
The opportunity to cash out after years of hard work by selling the business or handing over the reins to a new family member or group of shareholders.
The partnership between you and Gotelee has worked well so your private affairs are in order and now we can review your Wills at exit and advise on any trusts or tax advantages. You may want to consider lifetime giving, an opportunity to ‘give back’ something to your community or prepare living Wills clearly setting out your wishes for the future.
However you chose to plan your future in retirement, our team will have the benefit of fully understanding your family values and priorities and will work with you all to achieve the best outcomes.
As an established firm, your Wills, deeds and any other valuable documents can be kept at our premises securely at no cost to you.
"This is by far the go-to firm for any issues. You are made to feel valued from the outset and they are so confident in what they do. Wouldn't recommend any other. Thank you Hugh and Max."
- Ros Jones
"Jade Shelton was absolutely fantastic!! Professional and proactive at all times."
- JH
"Prompt, helpful, polite and very professional service."
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"The ease that we could access and speak to Pat Smith - Thank you"
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"Jade made the process of buying our first home quick, easy and took the stress out of a new chapter of our lives"
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"I would like to say thank you for your help, support and guidance over the last two and a half years. Obviously should I need further assistance in the future I shall not hesitate to call you guys."
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"Approachable, very efficient, always willing to take my calls and update me."
- SH
"We were very pleased to have Jade working with us, the service was excellent and we felt kept in the loop which minimised stress."
- CT
