Entrepreneurs and small to medium size business owners can often find themselves covering all sorts of tasks and functions. Bookkeeping, stock checking, ordering and procurement, human resources, payroll, negotiation and contract drafting all being additional tasks that have to be covered before actually just doing the job! You’re expected to be an expert in everything. Legal and HR issues are no different and with all this in mind we’ve put together a basic list of the top legal issues any business owner should be aware of. We hope these help you avoid making a mistake or becoming involved in anything that could end in a lengthy courtroom battle! 1. A contract doesn’t need to be in writing to be binding A verbal contract is equally valid in law. If there is nothing in writing the difficulty is usually in proving the terms of the contract and what was actually agreed, but nevertheless it is legally sound for an agreement not to be set out in writing. A contract is formed when there is an offer, an acceptance, an intention to create legal relations, and where the terms are sufficiently certain. 2. Employing a member of staff? Think about what will [...]