This guide is intended to provide broad advice on the main legal requirements that will need to be complied with or considered on setting up a business in England and Wales. Essentially, the main issues addressed are those of liability, capital commitment, business style and taxation. Some business models are better suited to certain styles whilst not to others, and each mode has distinct advantages as well as disadvantages.

The principal forms of trading entities considered in this guide are partnerships, limited liability partnerships, private limited companies and public limited companies. There are other commercial modes available such as sole trader, franchising or licensing.....