Owner-Managed and Family Business Legal Advice in Birmingham, London and Northampton

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Regulations for owner-managed and family businesses are increasing. Understandably, this can limit the passion required to run a successful privately owned business. If you are struggling to balance corporate governance with your day-to-day business priorities, there is no need to worry.

Since 2014, our corporate lawyers have been providing expert legal advice to family-owned businesses nationwide, allowing them to achieve their commercial goals and spend more time on the things that actually matter to them.

With our combination of corporate law and dispute expertise, we can help you navigate through the ever-changing private business landscape. We will minimise the challenges that usually come with running an owner-managed or family business, such as strained relationships, divorce and family disagreements.

To protect your commercial and personal interests, contact our highly trained corporate lawyers by sending an enquiry to info@witansolicitors.co.uk.

Our Experience

Whether you are looking to grow, finance or sell your business, we are here to help you at every stage. But more than that, we have a proven track record of providing practical legal advice on key issues, such as succession planning, divorce and wealth management.

Our Expertise

Our highly experienced lawyers excel at advising family business owners on the complexities they may face due to their personal and professional lives being so closely linked. Whether you are an SME or a fast-growing family business, our multidisciplinary team has a wealth of experience advising businesses in a wide range of industries. We will provide practical and timely advice on key matters, including:

Legal Structures

It is important to have a clear understanding of who is an owner in your family business, as well as where responsibilities lie. More importantly, it is crucial to set out how each individual will benefit financially. Without a clear structure or agreement in place, disputes may arise. Our knowledgeable solicitors will help you determine the best structure for your business and can advise on related decisions, such as the division of shares and tax structures. We can even help you reorganise the structure of your family business.

Corporate Governance

Having agreed practices in place can help you ensure that your business operates professionally. Our corporate lawyers specialise in producing governance agreements, helping you avoid disputes.

Employee-Related Issues

Generally, family businesses involve both family and non-family members. Our experienced employment lawyers can advise on complex HR issues so you can avoid claims of discrimination stemming from nepotism. Plus, we will ensure that a balance is maintained between personal relationships and commercial outcomes.

Dispute Resolution

It is fair to say that the relationships between family members can be complicated, especially if you work together. Thankfully, our experts are on hand to help you navigate through conflicts. We have a strong record of success in resolving disputes and can put agreements in place to set out how disputes should be managed before they arise.

Family Business Agreements

Family business agreements set out how the family business and wealth will be managed. While these agreements are not legally binding, they can provide clarity on how important issues will be dealt with. Our solicitors will help you create an agreement that is bespoke to your family business.

Succession and Tax Planning

To ensure a smooth transition from one generation to the next, it is important to agree on how the business and wealth will be passed down. Our solicitors will provide expert advice to help you avoid unnecessary tax and ensure your business remains in good hands.

Divorce

While it may not be something that many of us want to consider, you need to make sure your business is protected in the event of divorce. We will advise on the legal mechanisms that are available so you can safeguard your assets and avoid losing control of your family business.

Administration of Estates

We excel at advising beneficiaries and personal representatives who have an interest in an estate that includes a stake in a family business.

Buying and Selling

We have extensive experience representing buyers and sellers in the sale of family businesses to a third party. This unique experience makes us the perfect legal partner for those looking to sell or buy a family business.

Who We Can Help

With a strong track record of successfully working with a range of owner-managed and family businesses, you can be confident that we will provide you with practical legal advice across the lifecycle of your company. Whether you own a local restaurant or a fast-growing real estate company, we will tailor our legal expertise to address the needs of your business.

Why Choose Witan Solicitors?

Owner-managed and family businesses usually come with additional challenges that typical business owners may not face. That is why we will be by your side every step of the way, providing clear advice to help you balance your personal and professional life. Our commercially-minded corporate lawyers will help you protect your family assets and wealth. With us as your legal partner, you benefit from:

• More than 100 years of combined legal experience
• Representation from a Legal 500 recognised law firm 
• Practical and jargon-free advice
• Proven track record of working with owner-managed and family businesses
• Corporate lawyers in London, Birmingham and Northampton

Legal Resources for Family Businesses

• Brexit - Our legal expert breaks down how Brexit may impact your business
• Legal Advice for SMEs - A guide on how to access professional legal advice for your SME
• Director Duties - Our corporate law specialist explains the duties and responsibilities of directors