Legal advice that guides you through the different situations you’ll encounter on your journey in business.
The big idea
Getting started
Getting on with it
Scaling up
Looking to exit
Harper James works with start-ups through to established businesses that have been running for years, looking to scale, or ready to sell and often build their next business. Whether your business is taking it's first steps or has been trading for years, being prepared and informed will help you make decisions quickly and continue moving forward.
Here's our take on some of the challenges you're likely to face.
Just had your big idea? First time, fifth time setting up a business?
Your probably thinking about protecting your idea as you start to consider the structure and how to fund your business. You’re wondering who can help and how to approach them.
What an exciting time for your business! Our team, many with a business background themselves, will guide you right from the start. We’ll make sure you have the legal fundamentals in place to get your business off the ground, looking and acting like a ‘proper’ business in no time.
Time to get the ball rolling?
You’re likely getting contracts and policies in place to ensure the company structure is built to grow. Recruitment, director duties and shareholder agreements need locking down.
Getting the ball rolling is maybe the hardest part. Reviewing existing agreements at this stage is key. We’ll guide you through what you need to be aware of as a director, making sure your business is future proofed for growth.
Wondering how to optimise and protect your ‘business as usual’?
Things are moving forwards and you’re wanting to ensure the fundamentals are in line with the way you see the business shaping. Small disputes and resolutions are likely cropping up.
Business is going well. Money is coming in and out but panic starts to arise as disputes occur. Don’t worry, we have many years of experience in resolving disputes for businesses like yours and can advise you on the most appropriate and cost-effective method for dealing with your conflicts. Rest assured that you’re in safe hands.
Fasten your seatbelt… Are you ready to take off?
You’ve got targets in mind and an ambitious vision for the future of the business. You’re structuring for a certain scale, internationalisation and acquisitions or mergers.
We can support your scale-up as you reach new heights, transitioning to a different business setup. Our client list includes brilliant businesses big and small, even some unicorns! Whatever your ambition, we can help you get there.
Time to move on?
You’re exiting from your current situation which means you’re looking to sell shares, structure deals and ensure a smooth transition for both the company and your own next venture.
At the inception of your exit plans, our lawyers are able to represent your interests, support you in a handover, and ensure the right legals are in place for a smooth exit.
Testimonials
Harper James provides my small growing business with a scalable, reliable, team-oriented approach to legal advice. Whenever we face a problem, I know that Harper James are there to provide helpful and cost-effective advice, to scope out the options, make clear the costs and risks, and give me the information I need to make decisions.
Bryn Richards CEO, Aeristech
Quick, concise and best of all reasonably priced
Tim Pedley Company Secretary, Biorelate Ltd
Over the years Harper James have helped us navigate complex legal issues and red tape, providing distilled options and legal consultancy that far exceeds the service levels we’ve previously experienced from more traditional law firms. The team act like our own in-house counsel so, regardless of which lawyer we work with, we feel supported and that they truly have our best interests at heart.
Michael Edwards Co-Founder, Inspire Group
I was searching for affordable legal support, and the subscription service allowed me to access legal support when I didn’t think it would be possible. This way I didn’t have to rely on Google! And it’s really important that businesses get the right advice at the start, so they don’t fall short at a later date
Peter Morris Founder and Director, Lockabox
We were very impressed by the efficiency of the service we received. Having strong legal service support in place is vital for any business entering into a funding round.
Alexis Rog Co-founder, Sikoia
8000+
Clients who’ve benefited from our legal advice
85+
Talented lawyers and legal support professionals
17
Years Average PQE
33%
Average YoY Growth for the Last 3 Years