If you are thinking of starting your own business you need to talk to solicitors in Edinburgh before you take another step.  Starting up a company is a dream for many people but it can quickly turn into a nightmare if the proper precautions aren’t taken.  There are many areas of the law that new business owners need to be aware and a solicitor will be able to help you identify them and avoid the most common problems that affect new businesses.

Some of the most common issues that affect new business include questions about company structure, finance, insurance and taxation.  A good solicitor will be able to help you resolve any of the questions you will have about any of these issues and many more besides.

One area that catches out many new business owners is employment law.  Employment law is notorious for being very complex and it is constantly changing as new rules and regulations are being constantly introduced.  Here is a quick checklist if your business is going to be taking on members of staff:

• Is there a contract of employment for each employee which has been drafted or checked by a solicitor?
• Are there written procedures in place in the event you should need to fire a member of staff?
• Are you aware of the latest rules and regulations surrounding the minimum wage, maternity rights and working time?
• Are you sure that you don’t discriminate against anyone on the grounds of race, age, gender etc?

These are just of the issues that solicitors in Edinburgh can help you to resolve.  Before you employ anyone it is well worth going over these and other issues with a solicitor to make sure that you avoid any nasty surprises in the future.