Privately owned or private equity-backed SME businesses account for 99.9% of the UK’s business population, 60% of the employment and around half of turnover in the UK private sector. We advise these businesses across a spectrum of industry sectors on the legal aspects of business incorporation, funding rounds, regulatory compliance, acquisitions and disposals, employment and the wide range of commercial contracts that are part of the corporate lifecycle.
In addition to advising on corporate matters, we also advise on other transactional activities including real estate finance, banking, conveyancing, dispute resolution and private client services for business owners and senior executives. We also advise private equity funds seeking to develop market-leading businesses through the acquisition and integration of businesses in fragmented or growing sectors. As well as advising on strategic buy-and-build transactions, we often go on to act for the businesses established in this way.
Lawrence Stephens is led by its founders and as such, our ethos and approach is very much aligned with other founder-led and owner-managed businesses. We understand the issues they face as independent businesses, as we often face the very same challenges.
This commitment is reflected in the communities we engage with and the practical, hands-on support we provide beyond day-to-day legal advice.
A key part of this approach is our partnership with the ‘Ideas Community’. We see our partnership as a long term investment in the UK’s entrepreneurial community. We show up where founders are, contribute value early, and build relationships that last well beyond any single event or milestone.
Partnership with the Ideas Community
We are proud to partner with The Ideas Community, one of the UK’s most established and influential founder networks, connecting entrepreneurs, business leaders and fast‑growth companies across the country.
The Ideas Community brings together founders at every stage through awards programmes, research, curated events and festivals, creating spaces where ideas are shared, challenges are discussed openly, and ambitious businesses can build relationships that move them forward.
How We Show Up for Founders
Through our partnerships, we focus on direct, human support, the type of relationships we create with our clients, rather than passive sponsorship.
This includes:
- Founder‑focused events and roundtables, where we contribute legal insight in an open, discussion‑led environment
- Access to legal clinics designed to help founders navigate real‑world challenges as they arise
- Thought leadership and education, covering topics founders consistently tell us matter most, from structuring and governance to investment readiness, exits and long‑term planning
- Long‑term relationship building, supporting founders before they formally instruct us, and continuing to support them as their businesses grow and evolve
How We Add Value for Founders
We support founders at every stage of their growth journey:
- For those at the very start, our Flourish programme provides tailored, fixed‑fee legal support designed specifically for start-ups
- Beyond legal advice, we also share practical insight for founders and entrepreneurs through our newsletter, The Fineprint, which explores the real-world challenges faced by owner‑managed businesses
- This long‑standing commitment to the SME community is recognised by our Band 1 ranking in the Chambers UK 2026 SME‑focused Firms category, with Chambers & Partners widely regarded as the leading independent legal directory
Want to know more about how we support founders through events, partnerships and the legal work we do? Get in touch.
