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LEGAL


Payne Hicks Beach

A sound business, and certainly a business looking to raise funds, needs to be set up on a formal legal basis, with everything structured appropriately at the earliest stage thereby preventing problems arising at a later date. At a minimum, we would suggest (and an investor will insist) that an early-stage business needs to appoint a lawyer to ensure that you have:

  • a draft terms sheet to help you easily conclude investment
  • a shareholder agreement which fully protects both the shareholders and the company directors as the company grows
  • formal Articles of Association
  • fit for purpose employment contracts / service level agreements for directors and employers
  • an employee share option scheme to enable you to attract, reward, and motivate staff
  • protected your intellectual property
What they say about themselves:

Payne Hicks Beach are a medium sized, 29 partner law firm based in Lincoln's Inn, London. We provide legal services to UK and international companies and financial institutions as well as private clients. Although we draw strength from our long standing traditions, our character and outlook are entirely modern.

Our company commercial department provides a full range of corporate services, acting for both public and private companies in connection with their private equity and corporate finance requirements. We have a particular expertise in advising entrepreneurs and start-up organisations.

We also have a wide range of expertise in respect of acquisitions and disposals of substantial private and family companies, capital raising, reorganisations, joint ventures, agency and distribution agreements, intellectual property, marketing and sales of goods, partnerships and employment matters.
What we like about them:
Our main contact is Matthew Cowan, a Partner within the Company & Commercial team. We have worked with Matthew for a number of years now and like his refreshing approach of providing answers rather than searching for problems. He is very good at simplifying the complexities of fundraising for early-stage ventures and has extensive experience of working on M&A, venture capital deals, and advising SME’s on a wide range of legal and commercial issues.

Bob Taylor, Partner, Envestors LLP

Exclusive offers for friends of Envestors:
Free one hour consultation with a Payne Hicks Beach Partner for clients of Envestors.
Contact: Mathhew Cowan, Payne Hicks Beach, 10 New Square, Lincoln's Inn, London, WC2A 3QG
t: 020 7465 4300         e: mcowan@phb.co.uk         
www.phb.co.uk