An increased focus on governance and individual accountability has led to directors and officers having greater responsibilities, and coming under greater scrutiny, than ever before.
In addition to setting the strategy and leading the business, you will also have a wide range of legal and fiduciary obligations, as well as being personally responsible for ensuring that the company complies with company law. If these powers are abused or breached then you could face serious financial or even criminal penalties.
That is why it is increasingly important for directors to take specialist advice on their duties and on specific compliance issues. Our multi-disciplinary team will take the time to understand your particular requirements and provide the best possible expertise and support.
Setting up your company
Becoming a director of a new company is an exciting and challenging prospect. There can be many pitfalls that you need to think about and a number of statutory duties that you must fulfil – as outlined in the Companies Act 2006.
We specialise in acting for entrepreneurs, owner managed businesses (OMBs) and directors, and can advise on a full range of corporate governance and directors duties, including:
- Conflict issues
- Issues regarding powers/authority/execution of document
- Policy documentation, including regarding anti-bribery and corruption, and anti-money laundering
- Drafting commercial contracts
For more information, please read our Corporate, Commercial & Finance page.
Director's duties
As a company director you can be held personally liable for losses incurred by a business which are proven to be the result of board decisions or a failure to act properly. Each sector will have its own requirements and it is vital that you stay up to date if you are to protect yourself, your business and your reputation.
We advise and support professionals and businesses in all aspects of their dealings with UK regulators and can help you to understand all of the regulatory obligations that apply to your business - especially across the financial services, finance, legal and healthcare sectors.
Our expertise includes:
- Meeting your Health & Safety At Work obligations
- Fire Safety Law
- GDPR & Data Protection
- Financial Services Regulation
- AML compliance
Employment considerations
When you become a director there are a number of new issues and challenges that you will face. You will need advice on your service agreement, your remuneration structure and ensure you are protected for future eventualities.
Our specialist employment lawyers will guide you every step of the way, protecting your interests and minimising the risk of disputes. So that you can provide strong leadership, reward excellence, and deal with any underperformance or difficulty that arises.
Our services include
- Contracts including non-executive director (NED) appointment letters
- Remuneration
- Directors’ indemnities and directors’ and officers’ liability insurance
- Employee Incentives
- Restrictive covenants
- Personal liabilities including whistleblowing, discrimination and health and safety
- Statutory duties and liabilities, including under the Companies Act Senior Managers & Certification Regime
- Remuneration
For more information, please read our Employment law page.
Nicola Finnerty
Criminal Litigation
White Collar and Financial Crime
Financial Services
Partner
Alun Milford
Criminal Litigation
Partner
Fiona Simpson (Français)
Dispute Resolution
Partner
Fiona Simpson
Dispute Resolution
Partner
Adrian Crawford
Employment
Senior executives, hires and terminations
Financial Services
Partner
Ilda de Sousa
Immigration
Partner
Emily Carter
Public Law
GDPR and Data Protection
Public Inquiries and Inquests
Partner
Hannah Eales
Regulatory
Partner
Julie Matheson
Regulatory
Partner
Julie Norris
Regulatory
Partner
Luke Gregory
Corporate, Commercial & Finance
Restructuring and Insolvency
Associate