Doing business in the UK: legal support for international companies

Every successful market entry begins with selecting the most appropriate legal structure. We advise on the full range of options – from private limited companies and LLPs to partnerships and UK branches – and provide step-by-step guidance through:

• Company incorporation with Companies House
• Drafting Articles of Association and Shareholders’ Agreements
• Director appointments and statutory compliance
• Ongoing corporate governance obligations

Our commercial and sector-specific expertise ensures your business meets its regulatory obligations from day one. We support clients across a wide range of regulated industries – including technology, finance, retail, and manufacturing – offering advice on:

• Licensing and registration
• Data protection and GDPR compliance
• Environmental, trading, and health and safety standards

Adapting to the UK labour market requires a clear understanding of employment rights and workplace obligations. We assist with:

• Employment contracts and service agreements
• Policies and procedures aligned with UK legislation
• Employee onboarding, benefits, and retention strategies
• Resolution of workplace disputes and grievances

A successful UK expansion strategy must include securing and enforcing your intellectual property rights. We assist with:

• UK trademark and patent registration
• IP audits and portfolio management
• Licensing and assignment agreements
• Enforcement action and dispute resolution

Our IP team works closely with international businesses to safeguard innovation and commercial assets.

BPE’s team is highly experienced in managing the legal complexities of cross-border operations. We help ensure consistency and cohesion between your UK entity and overseas operations by advising on:

• Multijurisdictional compliance and reporting
• Group governance and structural alignment
• Supply chain and commercial contract harmonisation
• Long-term strategic planning and risk mitigation

Through our partnerships with other professional service providers, we offer access to a multidisciplinary team of financial, tax, and HR specialists who can support your UK operations with:

• Global entity setup and registration
• Tax structuring and compliance
• Payroll and benefits administration
• HR systems integration and employee relations
• A single point of contact for coordinated service delivery

Together, BPE and our partners deliver a joined-up approach to international expansion that simplifies the process and strengthens your UK market presence.