The Fineprint: Edition 3

As we move into the second half of 2026, this edition of The Fineprint focuses on a consistent theme we’re seeing across founder-led businesses: growth is shaped by how well the fundamentals are set early on.

A key thread is the evolving employment landscape. With the Employment Rights Act underway, risk is arriving earlier and with greater impact, particularly around hiring, performance management and unfair dismissal. Alongside this, we explore the shift from informality to structure, from insights by Anthony O’Brien on building a C-suite and introducing governance to protecting your name when it is your brand.

We balance this with founder insight, including Nic Taylor on building for the long term, Joe Roberts-Walker on scaling with purpose, and lessons from a 24-year study into what drives fast growth.

This edition also marks our partnership with The Ideas Community, reflecting our shared belief that founders do not grow in isolation.

As always, our aim is to provide clear, practical insight to support you as you grow.

– Charlotte Hamilton and Alanah Lenten

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In this edition 

What 47 Skin’s Journey Tells Us About Building Something That Lasts

From early product validation to building a long-term brand, the story of 47 Skin highlights how founder priorities shift as a business grows. Alanah Lenten explores what it took Nic Taylor, founder of 47 Skin to move from proving a concept to building something durable, trusted and scalable.

Building Better Businesses Together: Our partnership with The Ideas Community

Lawrence Stephens has partnered with The Ideas Community to support founders through connection, collaboration and practical insight. This article explains what the partnership means in practice, from events and legal clinics to long-term support for growing businesses. This year we will be at Ideas Fest and have an exclusive discount code on tickets for friends of Lawrence Stephens. 

Doing Business for Good: Lessons from Joe Roberts-Walker, Founder of Mejuicer

From starting in his family kitchen to scaling a purpose-driven brand, we share the honest insights from Joe Roberts-Walker on growth, mistakes and building a values-led business. Tilly Kelly and Ella Darnell explore the key lessons founders can take, from the power of community to adapting under pressure. 

What Actually Drives Fast Growth? Findings from a 24-year Study

Insights from a 24-year study of high-growth UK businesses reveal a consistent set of factors behind sustained growth. Alanah Lenten explores the findings from the study by Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE on what matters most, from people and customer relationships to cash discipline and founder mindset.

Keeping It in the Family: How FICs Are Reshaping Long-Term Wealth Strategy

Family Investment Companies are becoming an increasingly popular tool for founders thinking about succession and long-term wealth planning. Amanda Nelson explains how FICs work, why they are gaining traction and when they might be the right fit.

When Old Leases Meet Modern Retail

A High Court dispute between John Lewis and its landlords highlights a growing tension between legacy lease agreements and modern omnichannel retail. Sophie Levitt and Alex King explore how click-and-collect is reshaping turnover rent and what businesses should be considering when reviewing older leases.

Hiring Your First Employee: What Founders Need to Get Right

Hiring your first employee is a major milestone, but it comes with important legal and practical responsibilities. Robert Turner sets out what founders need to have in place from day one, including a clear checklist to help you get it right from the outset.

What’s in a Name? And How to Protect Yours

Building a business around your personal identity can be powerful, but it comes with legal risk if that business is sold or restructured as experience by Jo Malone and Bobbi Brown. Charlotte Hamilton explores real-world disputes and what founders should consider when it comes to name rights, restrictive covenants and protecting their future freedom.

When Is It Time to Bring in a C-Suite?

Knowing when to step back and bring in senior leadership is a common challenge for founders. Charlotte Hamilton’s article includes insights from Anthony O’Brien, CEO of Profici, outlining the key signs to look for and how fractional C-suite support can help businesses scale without overcommitting too early.

The Employment Rights Act 2025: What It Means for Growing Businesses

The Employment Rights Act introduces significant changes that will affect how businesses hire, manage and retain employees. Robert Turner breaks down the key milestones and what founders should be doing at each stage to stay compliant and manage risk.

Are You at Risk of an Unfair Dismissal Claim?

Changes to unfair dismissal rules will significantly increase risk for employers, with employees gaining protection much earlier in their tenure. Robert Turner and Jack Francklin outline what is changing and the practical steps businesses should take now to protect themselves.