Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Investment and business structuring involves choosing the right legal form, setting ownership and governance rules, and arranging financing and ownership transitions. In the United Kingdom, core company law is shaped by national legislation with Scottish practice often reflecting Scots law concepts in contracts, property, and liability. Glasgow businesses commonly rely on a mix of UK-wide statutes and Scottish-specific commercial norms.
The legal framework covers company formation, share structures, governance documents, taxation considerations, and investor arrangements. The Companies Act 2006 provides the overarching regime for most UK companies, while tax relief schemes such as the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) support investment into fledgling Scottish businesses. See: Companies Act 2006 and EIS. For ownership transparency, the PSC regime requires disclosure of individuals with significant control. See: PSC regime.
Recent developments have focused on corporate governance efficiency and resilience in times of economic change. The Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 introduced temporary rescue procedures and flexible processes to support viable businesses during disruption, including in Scotland. See: CIGA 2020 and related guidance on gov.uk guidance.
You are forming a Glasgow company and need compliant Articles of Association, a cap table, and a shareholder agreement. A solicitor can tailor documents to your sector, clarify rights, and ensure compatibility with Companies House filings.
You are restructuring a family-owned business in Glasgow to plan succession and tax efficiency. An attorney can draft a buy-sell agreement, update governance rules, and align transfer provisions with Scottish inheritance and tax rules.
You intend to raise equity from investors using EIS or SEIS. A solicitor can structure share issuances, prepare investor agreements, and ensure HMRC eligibility criteria are met.
You are acquiring a Glasgow SME and require due diligence, integration planning, and post-acquisition governance alignment. Legal counsel can coordinate risk reviews and deal documentation.
You need to understand your PSC obligations for a Scottish company and file timely information with Companies House. A lawyer can map ownership, control links, and filing requirements.
You anticipate cross-border suppliers or customers and want to structure a UK or Scottish parent to optimize tax and liability. A solicitor can design a structure that aligns with UK and Scottish regulations.
The primary framework for business structuring in Glasgow sits within UK-wide legislation, with Scots law nuances in contract and property aspects. The Companies Act 2006 governs formation, directors, reporting, and internal governance for most UK companies. It applies to Scottish entities and shapes daily corporate operations in Glasgow.
The PSC regime requires identifying and disclosing individuals with significant control over a company. This regime has direct implications for shareholder agreements, corporate transparency, and regulatory compliance in Scotland.
In response to business disruption, the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 introduced temporary measures to support viable businesses and streamlined processes for restructuring and governance. Glasgow businesses may rely on these provisions during downturns or reorganisations. See also gov.uk guidance.
For investment, tax-relief schemes help attract funding to Scottish ventures. The Enterprise Investment Scheme and Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme provide relief to investors in smaller, higher-risk companies. Legal structuring should align with eligibility requirements and compliance rules published by HMRC.
“The Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 provides temporary rescue procedures and flexibility for corporate restructuring.”
Source: official government and legislation resources including CIGA 2020 and PSC guidance.
A limited company is a separate legal entity with limited liability for shareholders, while a partnership is generally a pass-through arrangement for taxation and risk. In Scotland, Scots law governs contract and liability nuances, but company formation remains UK-wide under the Companies Act 2006.
You generally file with Companies House, prepare a Memorandum and Articles of Association, and provide director and PSC details. A solicitor can manage the filings and ensure the documents reflect your ownership and governance needs.
Engage a solicitor before issuing a letter of intent or signing a heads of terms. Early legal involvement helps structure the deal, perform due diligence, and draft a robust share purchase agreement.
Registration occurs with Companies House. In Scotland, consider local business premises licensing, commercial property law, and any sector-specific Scottish regulation that may affect the entity’s operations.
Due diligence identifies hidden liabilities, environmental or contractual risks, and financial commitments. It informs post‑sale integration planning and helps set appropriate warranties and indemnities.
Yes, if you are raising seed or early-stage funding, EIS/SEIS offers tax reliefs to investors and can improve fundraising terms. Ensure eligibility criteria and compliance requirements are met before presenting to investors.
PSC obligations apply to UK companies including those in Scotland. You must identify and maintain accurate records of people with significant control and file PSC information with Companies House.
Scottish Limited Partnerships are available but use requires careful consideration of regulatory and practical implications, including governance and transparency obligations. Consult a solicitor to assess suitability for your goals.
Typically 24-72 hours for standard online registrations, assuming no complex share classes or unusual legal structures. Complex structures or bespoke governance documents may extend the timeline to several weeks.
Formation fees with Companies House are modest, while solicitor fees vary by complexity. Expect to budget for drafting Articles, shareholder agreements, and initial governance documents in addition to filing costs.
Companies must file annual accounts and confirmation statements within set deadlines each year. A solicitor can coordinate accounting deadlines, draft required documents, and ensure timely compliance.
Yes. A share purchase agreement clarifies price, warranties, indemnities, and post‑closing covenants. In Scotland, specific contract provisions may reflect Scots law principles and enforceability considerations.
Official guidance on eligibility, investor reliefs, and compliance for EIS funding in the UK. Learn more.
Authority for filing company information, registering new entities, and keeping the PSC register up to date. Visit site.
Official body supporting business growth in Scotland, including guidance on funding and growth strategies for Glasgow-based companies. Website.
Define your business goals and determine the preferred legal structure (e.g., limited company, partnership, or LLP). This informs governance, tax planning, and investor readiness. Allocate a 1-2 week planning window.
Gather essential documents for review, including identity documents, anticipated share structure, existing contracts, and any prior agreements. Plan for 1-2 weeks of compilation and coworking with your legal team.
Research Glasgow-based solicitors or corporate law firms with experience in investment structuring and Scottish governance. Target a shortlist of 3-5 firms and request written proposals within 2 weeks.
Schedule initial consultations to discuss structure, costs, and timelines. Expect 60-90 minutes per session and request a clear engagement letter outlining scope and fees.
Request a detailed engagement plan with milestones for formation, governance documentation, and any investor agreements. Include estimated costs and anticipated regulatory filing dates.
Review proposals for compliance with the Companies Act 2006, PSC requirements, and any EIS/SEIS considerations. Seek clarity on ongoing annual obligations and reporting deadlines.
Once you select a solicitor, sign the engagement letter and provide any outstanding information to begin drafting Articles, Shareholder Agreements, and any investor paperwork. Set a project timeline and regular progress updates.
Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Glasgow through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Investment & Business Structuring, experience, and client feedback.
Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.
Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Glasgow, United Kingdom — quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.
We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.
