Law Society launches video guide to starting a business

The Law Society of Scotland has launched a new video aimed at members of the public wanting to start their own business.

‘Starting a new business’ explains the different issues that someone setting up their own company can come across and encourages viewers to seek advice from their solicitor.

Eilidh Wiseman, Vice President of the Law Society, said: “Setting up a new business can be an exciting time but it also involves making some important decisions and a solicitor can help you to avoid problems further down the line.

“The best way to get advice when starting a new business is to see a local solicitor who can help to protect the business and avoid costly pitfalls. They can provide advice on a range of legal issues from data protection and product liability, to advising what you can say in promotional material, protecting your ideas and applying for licenses.”

Scottish ‘Mumpreneurs’ Julie Wilson and Amy Livingstone, who launched their first Cheeky Chompers product in February 2013 and featured on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den, said: “We realised that right from the start we would require legal advice to protect our intellectual property. We also knew we would need to create templates for contracts with manufacturers and distributors from around the world.

“Our top tip for anyone looking to start a new business would be that it’s best to leave legal matters to the experts! Don’t spend your time getting caught up in anything you can outsource – focus on the business and let the professionals deal with legal matters.”

The Law Society video and more information about how a solicitor can help when someone is starting their own business is available at: www.lawscot.org.uk/startingabusiness.

To find a solicitor, visit www.lawscot.org.uk/find-a-solicitor/

ENDS                                                                          5 August 2015

Notes to editors:

Further information about starting your own business can be found at www.lawscot.org.uk/startingabusiness

For a full case study from Julie Wilson and Amy Livingstone at Cheeky Chompers, visit: www.lawscot.org.uk/for-the-public/what-solicitors-can-do-for-you/starting-a-new-business/case-studies-from-business-owners/

FOR PRESS AND MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Please contact Sarah Sutton on 0131 476 8170. Email: sarahsutton@lawscot.org.uk