At Accounts and Legal, we're on a mission to help small business achieve their full potential.
In addition to a full range of accounting and taxation services, we have a team of solicitors who specialise in a range of legal disciplines configured around the needs of SMEs.
For entrepreneurs setting out on their journey, our solicitors can help with company formations and our team of accountants can get you set up for corporation tax and payroll with HMRC.
One of the key things that determines the success of a growing business is its access to capital. Our accountants can help you write a business plan and model your cashflow, so you can go to a bank or prospective investor with a credible business plan.
Once you've secured your investment, it is a good idea to use a shareholders agreement to document the rights and responsibilities of each shareholder. This is particularly important when one type of shareholder may be very active in the business, whereas another may just provide capital. We can also provide advice to shareholders and directors, in the event of a shareholder dispute, or where new share capital needs to be issued for a particular corporate purpose.
It is good practice to record major decisions regarding fund raising or distribution of shareholders funds using board minutes. We can help with this and are also to provide training to your team so this can be done on an ad hoc basis internally.
As a multi-disciplinary firm with both solicitors and accountants under one roof, we are uniquely place to help with mergers and acquisitions. Combining the legal and financial requirements when carrying out due diligence on a business that you are considering acquiring or merging with is particular efficient - saving money and time. Our accountants have a wealth of corporate finance experience and can also help with company valuations.
Lastly, we can help wind up your business if you no-longer wish to continue trading. And equally, if your company has been removed from the register by Companies House (which can happen if you haven't submitted your returns in time), we can help you get the company restored so that you can continue trading.
Rachel has a wealth of experience in corporate and commercial law, having worked in practice and in-house since she qualified in 1993.
Rachel runs our legal team at Accounts and Legal, and specialises in drafting bespoke commercial contracts, shareholder's agreements, loan agreements, commercial leases and share option schemes.
Her colleagues also have specialisms in employment law and intellectual property, and cover the full spectrum of disciplines required by entrepreneurs and small business owners.
So if you have a specific requirement, or think you might benefit from a company health check, please don't hesitate to drop her a line.