Business & Commercial Law
Business & Commercial Law
Business or commercial law is concerned with the formation and operation of business and the conduct of commercial transactions. Greenhalgh Pickard has extensive experience in this area.
Starting a Business
Businesses can operate under several legal forms, known as entities.
At the simplest level these are:
Sole trader
Company
Partnership
Trust
There are, however, more complex versions of some of these entities and arrangements using a combination of these entities. The first three of these entities are all have a legal “personality”, either as actual or natural persons – such as a sole trader or partnership – or created by law, which is the case of a company.
While trusts are often recognised as entities for taxation or other purposes, they are a legal relationship of rights and obligations between certain parties.
The entity adopted to run a business will have important effects on such things as:
The amount of control over the business
The level of complexity and cost to set up
The way in which the business is taxed and the rate of tax
The level of regulation and reporting required
Access to capital
The degree to which an owner is liable for debts of the business
Ownership of profits
The cost of running the business
Running a business
Contracts are the foundation of business and provide certainty in business transactions. Without certainty, a business can’t successfully operate.
Some of the basic contracts a business may require include:
Property lease, where business premises are rented
Sales documents such as invoices, credit contracts, quote, order forms and terms of sale
Purchase contracts and purchase orders
Service contracts, where doing contract work or using contractors
Employment letters of offer and/or agreements
A partnership agreement if the business is owned by more than one person
More complex transactions
More complex contracts required by a business can include:
Joint Venture Agreements
Business Mergers and Acquisition
Shareholders Agreements
Unit Holders Agreements
Trusts – whether unit, discretionary or hybrids
Self-Managed Superannuation Funds
Agency Agreements
Distribution Agreements
Loans and Securities
Put and Call Option Agreements
Insurance Agreements (for partner buy out)
Licence Agreements
Intellectual Property Licensing
Franchise Agreements
Good advice is essential
While in the past business may have been able to operate on a handshake, the business environment is now more complex and uncertain. Good advice, appropriate structures and clearly-written, enforceable contracts are necessary for a successful business.
All business transactions have potential tax consequences (GST, FBT, CGT, income tax etc).
A business should have their accountants and lawyers periodically review:
The business structure
Business transactions for legal and tax compliance
That no more tax is being paid than is lawfully required
That your personal exposure to loss and legal liability is minimised
While a business may change its operating entity at any time, the cost of doing so will increase because of such things as taxes on transfers of assets. It is better to get good advice before you start out in business, as changes along the road may be costly and you may be unnecessarily putting yourself and personal assets at risk.
Greenhalgh Pickard’s Business and Commercial Law Team
Complete Advice
Greenhalgh Pickard’s solicitors and accountants have a team of experienced lawyers and accountants who can give you good commercial advice about commencing and running a business, as well as any of the difficulties or problems you may encounter. Call (07) 5444 1022 today.
The Legal & Accounting Services Firm
Greenhalgh Pickard Solicitors and Accountants is an innovative Queensland accounting firm and law firm, with clients predominantly living and working on the Sunshine Coast and on the Whitsunday Coast but with many clients also located throughout Queensland, interstate and even overseas.
With offices in Caloundra, Kawana, Coolum Beach and Airlie Beach, Greenhalgh Pickard takes pride in being trusted legal guides and financial business accountant advisers to clients everywhere.
Recent News
Here are some thoughts from us
QBCC Licensing Requirements – clearing up the confusion
In January 2019, the QBCC introduced the new Minimum Financial Requirements (MFR) regulation to help ensure building contractors in Queensland have a strong and financially sustainable business, with an adequate level of working capital. The goal has been to protect...
Small Business Series: Business Structures
I’m wanting to start a business – What’s the best business structure for me? So you’re thinking of starting your own business? Congratulations, this is an exciting step! You probably have a lot of questions running around in your head – what’s the right...
7 tips on managing your cash flow
Helpful tips to manage your business cash flow Surprisingly, cash flow is an often neglected area of business. Not only is cash flow important for the long-term survival of your business, but it will also help to maintain healthy working capital to see you...
Contact Your Nearest Office
If you are interested in meeting with an accountant or lawyer regarding your business or commercial interests, please fill out the form to book an appointment or call (07) 5444 1022