Director and shareholding advice

Good advice on shareholders’ agreements and directors’ roles will strengthen the success of your business.

If you’re setting up a business or buying into an existing business, we recommend having a shareholders’ agreement. It’s an effective way to prepare for the changes or challenges that can affect any business, however well-run.

What’s involved

A shareholders’ agreement sets out how you and other shareholders will manage the business and handle various ‘what-if’ scenarios. By planning for these ahead of time, you’re better placed to support long-term stability and growth.

Using a partner-led approach, our Corporate team will help you tailor an agreement that suits your own circumstances. Depending on your own company, we may look at:

• Roles and responsibilities of shareholders
• Distribution of profits
• Mechanisms for decision-making and resolving disputes
• Deadlock provisions
• Provisions for shareholders departing the company, selling shares, or becoming unable to work
• Any specific dynamics linked to having spouses or family members involved in the business, or to the business being a joint venture.

With these in place, we can help to safeguard the wellbeing of the business and shareholders, whatever happens in future. In this sense, it’s similar to setting up a Power of Attorney or Will in your personal life.

We understand SMEs

All our Corporate team members have extensive experience of dealing with companies across a wide range of company sizes and sectors. These include companies working in technology, renewables, hospitality and leisure, pharmacies, nurseries, dental and veterinary practices, and many more.

We always keep our explanations and solutions as straightforward as possible, while also ensuring you feel confident navigating more complex situations.