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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.

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.

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.

From pay, hours and time off to discipline, grievance and hiring and firing employees, find out about your legal responsibilities as an employer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Campaign honours "trailblazing" female entrepreneurs

12 January 2021

Small Business Britain is recognising some of the UK's most inspiring female entrepreneurs for the contribution they've made to their communities and to the economy during the pandemic.

As part of its annual f:Entrepreneur campaign, Small Business Britain is showcasing 100 trailblazing female entrepreneurs that lead small businesses alongside other responsibilities, including volunteering, mentoring and community support - activities that have been critical during the COVID-19 pandemic.

From beekeepers to PPE suppliers, this year's campaign celebrates inspiring and resilient female entrepreneurs that have flourished during the pandemic, with many still growing or starting new ventures.

Among this year's 100 is Georgina Burrows (pictured), who founded lockdown business Sussex Eggspress while her events business was on hold. Initially set up as an organic egg delivery service during the first lockdown, Sussex Eggspress now provides a range of local produce to over 500 customers' homes every week. As well as eggs, Georgina delivers honey, cheese, butter, cream, condiments and other fresh produce.

Other chosen entrepreneurs include Jane Weller, founder of Clear Expression Masks, making clear plastic masks that allow for lip-reading in medical settings. Another inspiring entrepreneur, Rhian Parry runs Workplace-Worksafe, a health and safety PPE company that was one of the approved key suppliers for Welsh companies.

Now in its fourth year, f:Entrepreneur #ialso100 was launched in 2017 to highlight female role models and inspire small businesses, through content, stories and events. It is led by Michelle Ovens, founder of Small Business Britain and director of Small Business Saturday UK.

"Congratulations to all the inspiring women chosen to join this year's #ialso100," said Michelle Ovens. "Despite the significant obstacles thrown at them in the last year, female entrepreneurship continues to grow and flourish. We need to continue, and increase, our support for these incredible women and celebrate their amazing strength and success in the face of huge challenges.

"We have seen so many women embracing change, generating and exploring new ideas, rallying around their communities and supporting their peers. This resilience is hugely valuable and will set them up for success as they will be at the very heart of the UK's recovery."

The campaign is sponsored by online banking provider Tide. Liza Haskell, Tide's chief administrative officer, said: "Research tells us that role models are hugely powerful in empowering women to start and grow their own businesses, meaning it's incredibly important that the stories of the inspirational women running brilliant businesses are told and shared."

Written by Rachel Miller.

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