A recent high-profile case of EDS v BSkyB has demonstrated the importance of following proper procedures when completing a bid, tender or informal pitch.

The Chancellor made a number of announcements in the Pre-Budget Report that will affect small businesses. We have produced the checklist below that highlights some of the more important issues for small businesses.

If you take on a franchise, you will invest a great deal of time and money into the franchised business and the franchisor will be making a substantial commitment to you.

On 1 October 2009, the final instalment of the Companies Act 2006 came into force. The latest changes:

The introduction of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for almost all commercial buildings in October 2008 aimed to improve the energy performance of buildings and, eventually, for EPCs to have a significant impact on the value placed on eco-friendly buildings.

With all businesses looking to cut costs at the moment, some tenants have been failing to keep their properties in a good state of repair.

Since the abolishment of empty property business rates relief last year, most landlords benefit from only three months grace for non-industrial premises and six months for industrial premises before having to pay the full amount of business rates.

Whether you decide to remain in your existing premises or move, those tenants who prepare their strategy well in advance of the end of their Lease will reap rewards particularly in the tenant's market which currently prevails.

Shareholder relationships have been likened to a commercial marriage with similar personal and financial stress resulting from a relationship breakdown.

What is the right?

An eligible employee whose child is due on or after 3 April 2011 will have the right to apply for up to six months' additional paternity leave (APL) before their child's first birthday.

What is the right?

From 6 April 2010 a new right for employees to request time off work for study or training will come into force. It will initially apply to businesses with 250 or more employees and will be extended to all employers, regardless of size, from April 2011.

With businesses looking for opportunities to reduce costs, what should employers consider when the economy suffers a downturn?

A new centralised vetting and barring system introduced by the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) came into force on 12 October 2009, as a response to the Bichard Inquiry following the Soham murders in 2002.

The Government has recently announced a new code of conduct for alcohol retailers. This checklist will help you keep track of the implementation dates for the five new mandatory licensing conditions.

Contrary to popular belief, legally there is no such thing as a 'common law marriage'.

Have you ever thought about what would happen to your wealth if you were to marry, and then get divorced?

Perhaps you have already built up a successful business or received inheritance that you want to protect from division in the event of a divorce.

With repossession properties being sold on average at a third less than their market value, and in some instances even less, you are right to think that they offer excellent opportunities to investors, developers, first time buyers and a wide range of purchasers.

Anyone wishing to put their house on the market should shop around for their Home Information Pack.

Naturally your first consideration in making a will is to take care of your family and friends.

You have been asked to be someone's executor, what does this mean?

When someone dies, the executor's job is to deal with the administration of that person's estate, including ensuring that the terms of the will are carried out.