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 Retail

Retail

Overview

From the High Street to online

We know retail. Our retail team has vast experience advising our clients in the retail sector on the different legal issues, challenges and opportunities that can impact upon your business.

Whether you’re on the high street, a small independent shop or an online retailer we can provide all the legal services you need.

From brand management to franchising, employment law to real estate advice, our team can call upon experienced lawyers in every field from throughout the firm. And they don’t just give advice, they become part of your team, understanding your strategy and goals and making sure you get there.

We work with great brands and retail businesses in Scotland, the UK and internationally, helping to guide them through an ever-changing retail environment – experience which has given us a genuine understanding of what you need from your legal advisers.

We offer a free initial consultation and endeavour to agree a fixed fee for our involvement. We will always be competitively priced and pleased to discuss costs with you.

Services

Our services

Just as it is in retail, we know that quality and value are paramount. We offer a free initial consultation where we can discuss your current legal needs and plans for the future.

Employment and HR issues

Overview

Dealing with attendance, performance, and conduct issues are an unfortunate part of the job for many managers in retail. We guide you through these issues and provide representation should a dispute escalate into a tribunal claim. From standard documentation like employment contracts to advice on changes to the national minimum wage and default retirement age, we assist in all aspects of employment law.

Start-up & investment

Overview

The start-up and high-growth arena in Scotland is thriving and our specialist team is recognised as leading legal advisers to the entrepreneurial community. Along with advising many individuals and businesses, we work closely with the organisations and investors who have helped to drive this growth. Our lawyers work closely with businesses at every stage of their life-cycle, from inception right through to a successful exit. We have extensive experience of helping young, innovative retail companies secure the necessary investment to fuel their growth into strong, successful businesses.

Health and safety

Overview

Retailers have a duty of care to provide a safe environment for both customers and employees. We advise on measures that can be put in place and precautions you can take to keep yourself covered, such as implementing a system of inspections and assessments. Should a claim be made against you, we can also help defend your case.

Commercial property

Overview

The location of your business premises is crucial to the success of your business. We advise on buying, mortgaging, leasing or selling commercial properties. We can also assist with setting up vehicles to protect property or the placing of properties in more advantageous structures, such as Self Invested Personal Pensions (“SIPPs”).

Brand management

Overview

Retaining exclusivity for your brand image is crucial as is ensuring your brand development and management activities are compliant with organisations such as the Advertising Standards Authority, the Office for Fair Trading and Trading Standards. Whether it’s potential conflict with pre-existing brands, trademark prosecution or intellectual property protection, we can help safeguard your products and services.

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Brand management

Franchising

Overview

We help a growing number of retailers expand via franchising both throughout the UK and Internationally. Our services to clients include setting up a franchise system, rolling it out and operating it successfully.

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Franchising

Business law & contracts

Overview

From advising on banking and funding documentation to joint ventures, acquisitions and commercial contracts, our team assists in keeping your business sustainable and your projects on track. We also advise on the preparation of partnership and shareholders’ agreements and provide associated advice on exit strategy and succession planning which are particularly important if your retail business is family-owned, employee-owned or owner-managed.

Licensing

Overview

Licensing law in Scotland is constantly evolving and we provide advice on alcohol law, obtaining liquor licences, complying with strict controls on notices, advertising and promotions in order to keep the operation of premises compliant with the law. Away from alcohol, we advise on public entertainment licences, late hours catering licences, taxi licensing and gambling law. We also represent clients at licensing boards.

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Licensing law

Online, mobile and digital

Overview

For retailers, the relevance of online, mobile and digital methods of customer interaction and marketing cannot be underestimated. This comes with a number of legal considerations, from commercial contracts, consumer protection legislation and managing personal data to relationships with service providers or developers, and we ensure your activities are compliant.

We offer an Online, Mobile and Digital package which includes a fixed-price compliance review service to assist businesses in identifying and addressing areas where remedial action is required.

Restructuring

Overview

We can help make the process of restructuring easier by advising you on issues such as the rights and duties of directors in respect of insolvency, solvent restructuring, schemes of arrangement and the appointment and removal of administrators, liquidators and receivers.

Planning, environmental & construction

Overview

Should you want to create a new outdoor seating area, extend or renovate your current premises or construct entirely new premises, we advise on a full range of services from negotiating and drafting planning agreements to preparing for a planning appeal.

Internationalise

Overview

We are one of Scotland’s largest law firms, with offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Moray, Shetland, Inverness and Thurso. We also advise our clients in their international aspirations, working in multiple jurisdictions around the world every year.

We can also help retailers who are looking to move into the Scottish retail environment adapt their contracts/agreements for Scottish law. As one of the largest retail markets in the UK it’s crucial that Scotland is included in any expansion strategy.

Visit our International business section for details.

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Retail

Speak to us today on 0330 159 5555

Get in touch

CONTACT US

Get in touch

Call us for free on 0330 159 5555 or complete our online form below to submit your enquiry or arrange a call back.