Smithson Law Firm LLP is offering free initial legal consultations to new business start ups throughout May. For more information call 0191 233 1444.

A leading law firm is helping new ventures safeguard their future business as they get set to trade.

Established legal practice Smithson Law Firm LLP are giving start up businesses free advice to help them guard against legal pitfalls as they prepare to operate.

Senior partner at the Newcastle-based firm, Michael Smithson, has been speaking at the Start Your Business 2008 events in Newcastle, Durham, Morpeth and in Middlesbrough on this Saturday (April 26).

Mr Smithson said: “Starting a business can be thrilling and exciting. However, those planning to do so should be prepared to put in the groundwork before opening their doors to clients or customers to avoid costly pitfalls at a later date.”

Urging new businesses to seek out legal advice at an early stage, Mr Smithson said:

“With the best will in the world, full compliance with the law is virtually impossible for any start up business. Seeking legal advice from the very start is beneficial to all new ventures, but particularly for those selling services or who are involved in joint ventures or collaborations. Legal advice is a valuable way of helping new enterprises set priorities and build a timetable that allows them to work towards legal compliance.”

Stressing the need for new businesses to forge strong links with their solicitor, Mr Smithson said:

“It pays to build up a good relationship with your solicitor to allow them to build a clear picture about your business so they can advise accordingly. That way, should obtaining advice become a necessity then you won’t be talking to a stranger.”

Mr Smithson added that new businesses are often deterred from seeking legal advice because of fears of the high costs involved.

“Setting off on the wrong track legally can be crippling to a fledgling business in terms of wasted time and finances, whereas investing in good advice initially can safeguard a new business and protect its future assets,” Mr Smithson said.

“New ventures must consider the fact that initial legal advice costs far less than the cost of seeking assistance to rectify a problem that has arisen.”