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Corporate and M&A

Company secretarial

We are often asked to advise clients on general company law matters and corporate governance. An in-depth and solid knowledge of the Companies Act means the team are always at hand to help with considered and detailed advice.

Our dedicated team can undertake company secretarial matters for private companies, from a registered office only facility to an all encompassing.

“Very professional, knowledgeable and accessible lawyers.” 

Chambers and Partners

FAQs – Company secretarial

A company secretary is a person chosen by the business to perform administrative tasks like filing paperwork with Companies House and filing returns. They are the chief administrative officer of the company, and share various responsibilities with the directors under the Companies Act.

A company secretary is likely to be in charge of making sure an organisation abides by accepted financial and legal procedures and upholds high standards of corporate governance. The company secretary holds an executive position within the company and has a responsibility to:

  • Provide guidance and support to the chair of the company.
  • Provide advice to the board of directors including but not limited to: statutory duties, disclosure obligations, listing rules (if relevant), corporate governance and board processes.
  • Assist the board on the processes put in place to engage with its stakeholders and report on its outcomes.
  • Assist in shaping and embedding a healthy corporate culture.
  • Understand strategic goals and challenges faced by the business.
  • Ensure the companies objectives are met in a compliant and respectful manner.

A private company that was established prior to 2008 does not need to have a company secretary, unless its articles of association specify otherwise.

The Companies Act 2006 is the piece of legislation that serves as the main source for company law governing the UK.

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Read, listen and watch our latest insights

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  • 12 October 2020
  • Corporate and M&A

Corporate Transparency and Register Reform

Following lengthy consultation that began in May 2019, the Government has now published its response to proposed changes to the role of Companies House, and increased corporate transparency amongst companies and legal entities. The consultation was vast, 1320 formal and unique responses were submitted.

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  • 06 August 2020
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  • Corporate and M&A

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  • 09 July 2020
  • Corporate and M&A

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The coronavirus pandemic has forced businesses to consider the way they operate and, in some instances, consider whether they have the ability to operate at all. Similarly, there will be many business owners who feel the risk of further pandemics in the future or business fatigue

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  • Corporate and M&A

Business Angel Investment in a post COVID-19 landscape: For Growing Companies

The lifeblood of capital for start-up and SME businesses is through equity funding and the future of the succession and growth of these businesses require equity investment.

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  • 09 March 2020
  • Corporate and M&A

Warranties and Indemnities in Share Purchase and Asset Purchase Agreements

The terms “warranties” “representations” and indemnities” are frequently used throughout the sale of assets or the sale of shares process.

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Amit Kotecha, Senior Legal Counsel – BMW Legal Affairs UK & Ireland 

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Ashan Arif is central to our working relationship – we have a high degree of trust and confidence in his work. He was interested in our business from the outset, clear about the firm’s capability and focus, and has provided high-value and cost-effective support.

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“Stuart and the rest of the team provided expert support during a recent corporate restructuring. We were calmly guided through the complex legal process, and realised significant additional benefits directly related to the advice provided.”

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Jerry Izard, Director, Independent Optics Ltd

“Stuart Mullins was great at understanding what my needs were and responded in a timely manner every time. It was great to talk to someone who understood our situation and moved my transaction to completion efficiently and diligently. I really appreciated the extent to which Stuart explained everything to me regarding the transaction agreement, which gave me so much confidence when speaking to the purchaser”.

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