Business Law Flashcards
(2232 cards)
What are the four main types of business organisations in the UK?
- sole trader
- general partnership
- limited liability partnership (LLP)
- company
Limited partnerships (LP) are also discussed but are not one of the four main types.
What is incorporation in the context of business organisations?
A formal process for setting up an LLP or company, creating separate legal entities.
Incorporated bodies include LLPs and companies.
What is the effect of incorporation?
The company or LLP is separate from the people who created it.
This is a key concept of company law.
What is the main statute regulating companies in England and Wales?
The Companies Act 2006.
This act governs companies incorporated and registered in England and Wales.
Who are the people that form a company called?
Promoters.
Promoters are responsible for the formation of the company.
What is a promoter responsible for in the formation of a company?
- Effects registration (submits forms to Companies House)
- Negotiates pre-incorporation contracts
- Finds initial shareholders (subscribers)
These responsibilities are key to the formation process.
What are pre-incorporation contracts?
Contracts with other parties concluded before the company is finally incorporated.
These contracts can involve potential suppliers to the company.
True or False: A promoter is liable for contracts entered into on behalf of a company before it is incorporated.
True.
The promoter is usually personally liable for such contracts.
What is the definition of a sole trader?
A sole trader runs the business alone and is self-employed.
Sole traders own all business assets and make all business decisions.
What are the advantages of operating as a sole trader?
Lack of legal formality and low administration costs.
Small businesses often prefer this structure for simplicity.
What is a general partnership?
A relationship between people carrying on a business in common with a view to making profits.
Governed by the Partnership Act 1890.
What does the Partnership Act 1890 govern?
It sets out specific rules about how partnerships are to run and operate.
Partners can modify these rules through a partnership agreement.
What is a limited liability partnership (LLP)?
An LLP combines benefits of a limited company with the flexibility of a general partnership.
Liability is limited to the amount agreed in the LLP agreement.
What is the liability structure of a limited partnership (LP)?
Has two categories of partners: general partners with unlimited liability and limited partners with liability limited to their capital contribution.
Limited partners must not participate in management to retain limited liability.
What is required for an LP to be recognized legally?
LPs must be registered under the Limited Partnership Act 1907.
Governed by the LPA 1907, Partnership Act, and relevant common law.
What is the role of general partners in a limited partnership?
General partners are responsible for managing the business and have unlimited liability.
They actively participate in the business operations.
Fill in the blank: An LLP has less _______ and more _______ than a company.
controls, flexibility.
This structure allows for more operational freedom compared to traditional companies.
What recent legislation affects limited partnerships?
Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA).
It amends provisions of the Limited Partnership Act 1907.
True or False: Limited partners in an LP can participate in management without losing their limited liability.
False.
Limited partners must not partake in management to maintain limited liability.
What is a partnership agreement?
An agreement that governs the relationship between partners and can supplement or displace provisions of the Partnership Act.
It allows partners to create their own operational rules.
What must be agreed upon for a novation of a pre-incorporation contract?
Consent of all parties including the new company.
This is necessary to relieve the promoter of personal liability after company formation.
What is the definition of a sole trader?
A sole trader runs the business alone and is self-employed.
Sole traders own all business assets and make all business decisions.
What are the advantages of operating as a sole trader?
Lack of legal formality and low administration costs.
Small businesses often prefer this structure for simplicity.
What is a general partnership?
A relationship between people carrying on a business in common with a view to making profits.
Governed by the Partnership Act 1890.