There are various legal aspects that affect a business. The Business Link website is full of useful information on tax, statutory returns and other legal requirements.

The Company Website and the law

The establishment and use of web sites within business as an essential requirement for business credibility is now an accepted norm. Moreover, the internet has become the resource of first choice for existing and prospective customers looking for goods and services.

When the internet became freely available for public use, there were no laws in the UK to regulate its use, content, business behaviour or privacy. However, in the last few years there have been a number of directives, regulations and laws passed to help establish governance on what is and is not acceptable practice for trading on the internet. These have arrived so quickly that they have escaped the notice of many website operators and owners.

However even with these new legal requirements, you should be aware that many existing laws are also applicable to activity on the internet.

In this section, we hope to make you aware of those laws and regulations that may affect your business. Many of these laws will affect your business off-line operation as well as your internet presence.

For those seeking more information we strongly recommend that you consult your solicitor.

Although we have taken every care in preparing this guide, Pennine Lancashire Business shall not be liable for any misstatements or inaccuracy, nor any indirect damage including loss of profit.