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Business Legal Services
EMI Share Scheme Solicitors
Incentivise your team and benefit from great tax advantages with an expertly designed EMI share option scheme.
Setting up an EMI scheme can be complex and time-consuming, diverting your attention from running your business. Plus, any mistakes in its design increase the risk of extra tax costs for both your company and employees, especially as your business becomes more valuable.
Having helped many early-stage businesses design and launch EMI schemes tailored to their unique needs, our solicitors will ensure you have an effective tool in encouraging business growth.
How we support you
Setting up an EMI scheme
Our process is centred around getting to know your business. By understanding your model, sector, and future aspirations, we can leverage our experience to tailor the EMI scheme to provide the maximum benefit. Our approach ensures that your EMI scheme not only complies with HMRC requirements but also supports your business strategy and growth plans. Our team of experts will guide you through every step of setting up your scheme, including:
Establish that your company qualifies for an EMI share option scheme (and if not, find an alternative approach to providing tax efficient incentives, such as growth shares).
Apply for advance clearance from HMRC that your company qualifies to grant EMI options where there are any points of uncertainty.
Design and draft the EMI scheme rules and share option agreements.
Agree on a valuation of the shares underlying EMI options with HMRC.
Review any pre-existing shareholders’ agreements and articles of association to check if any amendments are necessary, or if particular consents are required for introducing the scheme.
Prepare board minutes and shareholder written resolutions.
Make filings at Companies House.
Report the grant of the EMI option to HMRC.
Advise on HMRC compliance, including notification of EMI option awards to HMRC and annual on-line reporting.
Once EMI shares have been granted, we can support you with ongoing operation, such as dealing with grants, exercises, joiners and leavers, and the implications of corporate events.
Who we help
Senior leaders in ambitious businesses
By offering share options, you can reward your team, align their interests with your company’s growth, and provide competitive compensation without impacting your cash flow.
EMI schemes also offer significant tax advantages for both your business and your employees, making them an excellent choice as you plan for future growth or an eventual exit or public offering. You may want to consider setting up EMI share options before a funding round as this can give greater value to the option holders, whilst providing a larger Corporation Tax benefit for your company in the future.
Testimonials
What our clients say
Our clients have peace of mind knowing that we provide tailored solutions rather than one-size-fits-all answers. If you need more proof that you’re making the right choice, just listen to what our clients have to say about their experiences with us.
Harper James is a brilliant example of a company disrupting a traditional industry. Suddenly Solicitors become relevant and accessible for start-ups & small enterprises, with the best in-class knowledge of all major legal areas. I’ve used the business now for a year, and the Enable plan has been perfect for budgeting my company’s outgoings, and has given me a piece of mind when tackling key, decisive issues. Thank-you HJS!
Koral Ibrahim
Founder & MD,
The Ready House
Harper James solicitors don’t speak in the legalese which I have heard too many times from other solicitors and which is totally unhelpful. What I’m after is focused, considered advice about the specific situations that I face. By which I mean, do you think this is a good idea? Their response might be ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. One word is often all I’m looking for! My solicitor gives a view and I really value that.
Tom Davenport
MD & Co-Founder,
Alvius
For us, the support of Harper James Solicitors has been a gift. The collaboration we have had has been of tremendous importance. The service has been superb value for money.
Iraklis Bourantas
COO,
Novoville
Harper James have been incredibly professional and responsive. They immediately understood the challenges we have. Not only those of any small business, but those relating to building a piece of complex tech, and they have been able to help us navigate that from a legal perspective.
Alastair MacGregor
Founder,
Do IT
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
The extend service we get from Harper James allows us to combine their expertise with that of our own in-house counsel. It means we can get quick and trustworthy legal advice from specialists in every legal area, as and when we need it. There are no hidden extras and the service we have received has always demonstrated an awareness of our fast-moving commercial requirements.
Amelia Guilfoyle
Head of legal,
Zoopla
Ease of use, a familiar legal team supporting my business who understand my business, and provide value for money.
Daniel Lawrence
CEO,
Bots For That Ltd
It was a pleasure working with Tristan, Matt and James. We are very pleased with the quality of advice and your team's in depth knowledge.
Raymond Lam
Executive Director,
Aeramine Limited
Harper James is a brilliant example of a company disrupting a traditional industry. Suddenly Solicitors become relevant and accessible for start-ups & small enterprises, with the best in-class knowledge of all major legal areas. I’ve used the business now for a year, and the Enable plan has been perfect for budgeting my company’s outgoings, and has given me a piece of mind when tackling key, decisive issues. Thank-you HJS!
Koral Ibrahim
Founder & MD,
The Ready House
Harper James solicitors don’t speak in the legalese which I have heard too many times from other solicitors and which is totally unhelpful. What I’m after is focused, considered advice about the specific situations that I face. By which I mean, do you think this is a good idea? Their response might be ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. One word is often all I’m looking for! My solicitor gives a view and I really value that.
Tom Davenport
MD & Co-Founder,
Alvius
For us, the support of Harper James Solicitors has been a gift. The collaboration we have had has been of tremendous importance. The service has been superb value for money.
Iraklis Bourantas
COO,
Novoville
Harper James have been incredibly professional and responsive. They immediately understood the challenges we have. Not only those of any small business, but those relating to building a piece of complex tech, and they have been able to help us navigate that from a legal perspective.
Alastair MacGregor
Founder,
Do IT
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
The extend service we get from Harper James allows us to combine their expertise with that of our own in-house counsel. It means we can get quick and trustworthy legal advice from specialists in every legal area, as and when we need it. There are no hidden extras and the service we have received has always demonstrated an awareness of our fast-moving commercial requirements.
Amelia Guilfoyle
Head of legal,
Zoopla
Ease of use, a familiar legal team supporting my business who understand my business, and provide value for money.
Daniel Lawrence
CEO,
Bots For That Ltd
It was a pleasure working with Tristan, Matt and James. We are very pleased with the quality of advice and your team's in depth knowledge.
Raymond Lam
Executive Director,
Aeramine Limited
Meet our team
Why choose our employee share schemes solicitors?
We get a kick out of helping businesses navigate challenges and grow. Our team have considerable experience not only in EMI shares but also in alternative share schemes. When working with us, we can leverage additional experience from our colleagues, such as our employment, business immigration, or corporate teams, to provide the legal foundations which enable your business to succeed.
Many of us have not only worked for some of the most highly regarded law firms in the UK but have also served as in-house legal counsel or senior leaders in businesses. This diverse experience allows us to offer practical and insightful legal advice tailored to your needs.
Find out more about who you’ll be working with:
Pricing and service plans
Legal support designed
to fit your business needs
Our three transparent service plans are designed to give you the widest possible access to high-quality legal advice, whatever the size and nature of your business:
Engage
Flexible access to senior solicitors at highly competitive rates
An alternative to our subscription plans, offering access to full service legal expertise on a project-by-project basis.
Enable
Purpose built legal support for start-ups and smaller businesses
Monthly subscription plan for £219 per month, with £149 monthly credit and access to all legal services at 50% discount on our Standard Rates.
Extend
Comprehensive legal partnership for established businesses
Fully account managed and scalable annual subscription plan with support from a curated team of partners and senior solicitors, with up to 36% discount on our Standard Rates.
Understanding EMI share schemes
EMI share options will give your employees the right to buy shares in the future at a set price. If the value of those shares increases over time, employees can gain significant value. Additionally, your company can benefit from a corporation tax deduction equal to the value of the options at the time they are exercised.
Find out more about EMI benefits and frequently asked questions below.