For Owners and Managers of SMEs in the UK – Why This and Why Now?
January 24, 2025 - January 24, 2025
99% of companies in the UK are small and medium sized, and their concerns around lawyers / legal advice are often overlooked. Often those who own and / or manage SMEs do not receive, or know how to find, high quality legal advice and/or that advice for a reasonable fee.
Who and where
For most of my legal life I have been a deal-doing /corporate lawyer, working in London. Now I work from Tel Aviv where I am a partner in a virtual law firm, established in London more than five years ago. I blog and tweet under the logo “the common-sense lawyer with mismatched shoes.”
Why this and why now?
My four years as one of the very few (maybe the only?) corporate lawyers working for so long in numerous aspects of the Post Office Scandal – the biggest miscarriage of justice and worst case of corporate corruption in the UK – is coming to an end. I am going back to what I did every day until I got swept up into that work, which seems to be what I am now best known for. Correcting that assumption (which has grown due partly to social media) is another reason for this note.
The Advice and assistance
A wide range of corporate and commercial business law advice and assistance; includes, buying, selling, investing in, financing and restructuring UK companies; joint ventures and shareholder agreements and related matters.
General legal and common-sense advice to directors on their duties and liabilities, including corporate governance; and shareholders on their rights.
Excellent contacts with lawyers in many countries across much of the world.
Deals done
Corporate acquisitions/disposals in industries/sectors including security, food, media and IT. Recent deal sizes range from £30,000 to £30 Million.
Other transactions in sectors ranging from entertainment to telecoms, and previously in shipping and energy.
Clients
Include sole traders /start-ups, and large UK companies as well as overseas lawyers and their own clients.
Fee arrangements
A range of flexible fee arrangements are available. Unlike most lawyers, my firm has no formal billing or other targets. Fee arrangements should always be fair and work for the client and for the lawyers (see comment below). Aria Grace Law CIC is the UK’s only not for profit corporate law firm.
Some recommendations from clients:
“I have worked with Nick for some time now and between myself and my team we find his experience, contacts & diligence second to none. The scary thing for me with Lawyers are big bills you don’t control, this is not the case working with Nick. Not only does he allow and mentor my team to help themselves on legal matters he is very up front about what always reasonable costs. I also find his extended network of experts outstanding.”
“I’ve collaborated with Nick for nearly 30 years across start-ups, acquisitions, and various advisory roles. His work, both domestically and internationally, has been exceptional. One example that stands out is his collaboration with a U.S.-based corporation’s lawyer to establish a European start-up—a testament to his expertise and global reach. Nick isn’t the kind of advisor who’ll just tell you what you want to hear; his integrity ensures that you receive honest advice, even when it’s challenging.”
“I’ve worked with Nick for a number of years now, he has assisted us in a number of different areas across the business. His advice is not only practical, but straightforward (and often simplifies some of the previous work we’ve had done). Unlike others he also understands the need for quick turnarounds that SMEs often require.”
And finally, from one of my sub postmaster clients:
“I have known Nick Gould for over five years. I witnessed his dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment. In 2020/21 relating to the Post Office Scandal, Nick played an instrumental role in our small group’s efforts during the Court of Appeal process where we had our conviction overturned. Along with the other two members, Nick tirelessly worked to ensure that our case was presented effectively and efficiently and pro bono.”
My contact and other details are as below if you would like to discuss how I might be able to assist you / your business.
Nick Gould
Partner
Aria Grace Law CIC
+972 (0)54 818 4994
Nick.Gould@aria-grace.com
