Company Law Solicitors

Adding value to your business over the corporate life cycle

Here at Hart Brown Solicitors, we understand it can be difficult to keep up to date with company and commercial legislation and how it affects your business. Our company law solicitors regularly provide their expert guidance on new legislation. We have a wealth of experience in advising businesses on legal processes and procedures from an operational, management and equitable perspective.

As part of our company law guidance process, we have particular expertise in advising on  good governance of businesses. In unlisted enterprises this is not about the relationship between the board and external shareholders, but more about establishing a framework of processes and attitudes that add value to the business. Our company law solicitors  use their expert knowledge to ensure the long-term continuity and success of your business, helping  build  a strong reputation.

We seek to provide each business with an effective governance framework which defines roles, responsibilities and an agreed distribution of power between the shareholders, the board, management and stakeholders. The intention is to provide a framework for owners, partners, founders and investors as they plan the development of their business over the corporate life cycle.

Our corporate governance solicitors regularly provide advice on the following:

  • Articles of Association
  • Board constitution
  • Classes of shares and rights
  • Directors’ duties and appointment
  • Directors’ conflicts of interest
  • Minority interests
  • Resolutions and Meetings
  • Share purchase out of profits or capital (Share Buy Back)
  • Share option schemes
  • Takeovers

For advice on governance from a specialist company law solicitor, call us today on 01483 887766 . Alternatively, please email info@hartbrown.co.uk or start a live chat.

Talk to a Legal Expert Today

James Lamont

Partner, Head of Commercial & Corporate

Partner, Head of Commercial & Corporate

James Lamont

Legal Expertise:

James has specialised in corporate and company commercial law for twenty five years advising on new business ventures, legal structures, sales & acquisitions, mergers, buy-outs, corporate investments and a wide range of commercial contracts.

He represents a wide variety of clients across various sectors including in media & advertising, branding & web design, engineering & manufacturing, transport & logistics, technology & software solutions, professional services, property investment, the drinks & fashion industries and sports & entertainment. He is known for his commitment to his clients, sound business sense and calm legal authority.

Recent transactions include the sale of a number of technology and IT businesses, acquisition of a transport and logistics business (aviation), acquisition of an event management company, acquisition of a business solutions provider and subsequent joint venture with a leading international management consultancy firm, sale of an energy technology business, restructuring of a property investment portfolio and the sale of a technology, media and communications group.

Background:

James was educated at Eton College and Bristol University. He then trained at the College of Law before qualifying with Cumberland Ellis LLP an established London firm and joining their commercial department in 2000, becoming a partner there in 2006. James joined the partnership at Hart Brown in October 2010 and now heads up the Commercial & Corporate Department.

Other business related positions include (i) member of the Havaianas Club (an exclusive entrepreneurs business club) (ii) involvement in Euro juris and related international legal networks and (iii) trustee of the Betty Riseley Trust and The Woodspring Trust.

Past times and hobbies include a fair amount of sport, particularly tennis and cricket and hiking, sailing, surfing or skiing whenever the chance arises. More sedate interests include reading (preferably historical novels), the occasional game of chess or poker and, hiking in the South Downs or days on the water in Chichester Harbour.

    Nigel Maud-Partner -Commercial & Corporate

    Nigel Maud

    Partner, Commercial & Corporate, COLP

    Nigel Maud-Partner -Commercial & Corporate

    Partner, Commercial & Corporate, COLP

    Nigel Maud

    Nigel read Psychology and Politics in South Africa. He went on to qualify as a solicitor in 1995 and initially practiced as a prosecutor before moving into private practice where he specialised in commercial work. He then moved into the business recovery and restructuring department at Pricewaterhouse Coopers broadening his understanding further of the problems and challenges a business faces.

    Relocating to England in 1999 Nigel joined Hart Brown in 2002 and became a partner in 2004.

    Nigel often received praise from his clients, these are just a few of the comments:

    "Very efficient, cost effective service."

    "This marks the end of a very long (15 years) and successful relationship with Hart Brown on the liquidation of the company. We thank the partners and staff at Hart Brown for all the advice and wise counsel they have given us over the years."

    "You have an excellent team of people who make sure they understand the needs of the client."

      Nick Richardson

      Consultant, Commercial & Corporate

      Consultant, Commercial & Corporate

      Nick Richardson

      Nick qualified as a solicitor in 1984 and lives with his family in Cornwall. Nick loves boats, watersports and motorcycles. He is hoping to find more time for reading and just enjoying views.

      He is part of the Hart Brown commercial and corporate team acting for a variety of clients, some of whom he has been acting for over a period of many years. Nick is what is known as Group Counsel, but he uses his experience to quickly apply a process of narrowing down the requirements and opportunities that each client’s unique circumstances will bring.

      He has helped a variety of clients from small SMEs to larger multi-national companies, but his approach is always the same – sensible, down-to-earth and pragmatic. Nick applies himself with vigour, energy, enthusiasm and pragmatism, as well as sympathy for the individual client’s circumstances and he never loses sight of the ultimate aim in each case. He has a deep sense of fairness and will apply that for his clients.

      Nick's specialisms are buying and selling businesses, whether by way of shares or asset based deals, Shareholders’ Agreements or Cross Option Agreements.

        Contact Us Today

        Email Us

        We will return your email within 24 hours during our office hours.

        Submit Enquiry

        01483 887766

        Call us today if you would like to discuss your legal issue.

        Come and see us to book an appointment

        At one of our five offices.

        Our Offices