Hassle-free help from the UK's best Commercial solicitors.
Transparent pricing, from start to finishGet the support you need, when you need itTrusted lawyers, clear expectations
Transparent pricing, from start to finishGet the support you need, when you need itTrusted lawyers, clear expectations
Amazing experience
After placing an enquiry, I received a call 20 minutes later, and then 2 hours later, I had a solicitor assigned to me. They were absolutely incredible right from the word go - amazing and very prompt with replies, answering all my questions and keeping the process moving. We finally completed today and I am so unbelievably happy. I wouldn’t hesitate to use Lawhive again in the future if needed.
Lily
First class service
I initially made an online enquiry about a tricky conveyancing matter and received an immediate call back. They understood straight away what was needed and gave me a quote that was very reasonable. It was such a pleasure to find someone who was cheerful, professional and completely reassuring as I’d been getting quite anxious about the sale of my house. The service Lawhive has provided is absolutely first class and I cannot recommend them enough.
Charles
Empathetic, professional and efficient
I am an executor, selling my mother's home. I found the assistance I received from Lawhive first rate - empathetic, professional and efficient.
Mark
Great service from Lawhive
We used Lawhive for our conveyancing needs and our solicitor was very helpful, patient and informative. She helped us with our needs with prompt responses and provided a very efficient service.
Kelvin
Great service when you need clarity and calm
Our solicitor was warm, friendly and provided crystal clear communication. A lot of conveyancers assume customers know everything about the process already, so it was really appreciated to hear each stage included in the price given.
Em
Quick and efficient
We used Lawhive for a transfer of property and conveyancing. Our solicitor was so helpful and thorough with the whole process. He responded quickly and efficiently to any questions or requests that we had and explained some of the more complicated issues regarding the process clearly.
Geri
Fantastic service and experience with Lawhive
I had the pleasure of working with Lawhive doing a transfer of equity on a property. Our solicitor’s service was amazing, she responded quickly to any questions or concerns and kept me updated throughout the process. I can strongly recommend her for any conveyancing work that you may need. Fantastic service all round.
Jane
Amazing experience
After placing an enquiry, I received a call 20 minutes later, and then 2 hours later, I had a solicitor assigned to me. They were absolutely incredible right from the word go - amazing and very prompt with replies, answering all my questions and keeping the process moving. We finally completed today and I am so unbelievably happy. I wouldn’t hesitate to use Lawhive again in the future if needed.
Lily
First class service
I initially made an online enquiry about a tricky conveyancing matter and received an immediate call back. They understood straight away what was needed and gave me a quote that was very reasonable. It was such a pleasure to find someone who was cheerful, professional and completely reassuring as I’d been getting quite anxious about the sale of my house. The service Lawhive has provided is absolutely first class and I cannot recommend them enough.
Charles
Empathetic, professional and efficient
I am an executor, selling my mother's home. I found the assistance I received from Lawhive first rate - empathetic, professional and efficient.
Mark
Great service from Lawhive
We used Lawhive for our conveyancing needs and our solicitor was very helpful, patient and informative. She helped us with our needs with prompt responses and provided a very efficient service.
Kelvin
Great service when you need clarity and calm
Our solicitor was warm, friendly and provided crystal clear communication. A lot of conveyancers assume customers know everything about the process already, so it was really appreciated to hear each stage included in the price given.
Em
Quick and efficient
We used Lawhive for a transfer of property and conveyancing. Our solicitor was so helpful and thorough with the whole process. He responded quickly and efficiently to any questions or requests that we had and explained some of the more complicated issues regarding the process clearly.
Geri
Fantastic service and experience with Lawhive
I had the pleasure of working with Lawhive doing a transfer of equity on a property. Our solicitor’s service was amazing, she responded quickly to any questions or concerns and kept me updated throughout the process. I can strongly recommend her for any conveyancing work that you may need. Fantastic service all round.
Jane
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01 overview
Commercial contracts are the backbone of any successful business. They outline the terms of the agreement, ensure legal protection, and help manage relationships with clients, suppliers, and partners.
At Lawhive, we offer expert assistance to help you create, review, and manage your commercial contracts.
Our network of commercial lawyers provides clear, practical advice tailored to your business needs at up to 60% less than high-street firms.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation and fixed fee quote to work with a fully regulated and vetted commercial solicitor.
A commercial contract is a legally binding agreement between two or more parties that outlines the terms and conditions of a business arrangement.
Commercial contracts come in many forms. Some of the most common are:
| Type of Commercial Contract | Description |
| Sales Contracts | Outline the terms for the sale of goods or services. |
| Service Agreements | Specify the terms under which one part will provide services to another. |
| Employment Contracts | Set out the terms of employment, including job responsibilities, salary, benefits, and termination conditions. |
| Non-Disclosure Agreements | Protect confidential information shared between parties. |
| Lease Agreements | Outline the terms for leasing property or equipment. |
| Partnership Agreements | Define the terms of a business partnership. |
| Franchise Agreements | Set out the terms under which the franchisor grants a franchisee the rights to operate a business under the franchisor's brand and system. |
Every commercial contract should include:
A commercial contract begins with an offer from one party and the acceptance of that offer by another.
The offer must be unequivocal, stating exactly what is being proposed.
Acceptance must mirror the terms of the offer exactly; otherwise, it may be considered a counteroffer rather than an acceptance.
This mutual agreement forms the basis of the contract.
Consideration is what each party agrees to give or do for the other. It can be a payment, a service, or an agreement to refrain from a particular action.
For a contract to be legally binding, there must be consideration from both sides.
Both parties must intend for their agreement to be legally binding. In commercial contracts, this intention is generally presumed. Howerver, it's important to clearly state this intention within the contract to avoid ambiguity and ensure both parties are committed to the terms.
The parties agreeing must be of legal age and sound mind, and not under duress or undue influence.
Companies must also make sure that the person signing on their behalf has the authority to do so.
A well-drafted commercial contract should have clear and certain terms, detailing the rights and obligations of each party. This includes payment terms, delivery schedules, and any other relevant details.
Every commercial contract should:
Indemnity clauses are a way of shifting risk from one party to another so that, if something goes wrong, the indemnified party is protected financially.
For example, if one party fails to meet their contractual obligations, the indemnity clause might require them to compensate the other party for the resulting losses.
Indemnity clauses in commercial contracts are importance as they ensure that the indemnified party is compensated for certain losses and clearly define which party is responsible for which risks.
Further, a well-drafted indemnity clause can be enforced if a dispute arises.
A commercial contract doesn't have to be in writing to be legally binding unless it is:
In any case, a written contract provides clear evidence of the agreement and sets out the terms in detail, which can reduce the risk of misunderstandings and disputes.
A written contract also makes it easier to enforce the agreement in court if necessary.
The process begins with both parties discussing the terms of the agreement, such as the scope of work, payment terms, and timelines.
Once the basic terms are agreed upon, the next step is to draft the contract, including important clauses such as warranties, indemnities, limitation of liability, and dispute resolution procedures.
A solicitor can assist with this.
After the initial draft is prepared, both parties should review the contract carefully.
If any terms are unclear or unfavourable, parties should negotiate to reach a mutually acceptable agreement and make the necessary changes to the contract.
If the initial draft is made by the other party, it's wise to have your solicitor review the contract to make sure it meets your legal and business needs.
Once both parties are satisfied with the terms, they must sign the contract to make it legally binding.
You should keep a copy of the signed contract for your records and make sure it is securely stored.
After the contract is signed, both parties should fulfill their obligation as outlined in it.
You should also consider regular reviews or audits of your contracts to make sure they stay relevant and effective.
Here are our commercial lawyers' top tips for negotiating a commercial contract:
To be legally binding, a commercial contract must comply with the UK's basic principles of contract law. These include:
In addition to meeting the basic principles of contract law, your contract must comply with relevant statutory requirements, including:
To make sure your commercial contract is enforceable, you should also make sure it is:
Making sure your commercial contracts are legally binding protects your business from disputes and legal challenges.
As your business evolves, your contracts may need to be adjusted to reflect new circumstances or changes in your business relationships.
Variations and amendments allow you to modify specific terms without renegotiating the entire contract.
To do this, it's important to clearly specify which terms are being amended and how they are being altered. Any changes should be documented in writing and signed by all parties involved.
It's also worth having a solicitor review any amendments to ensure they are legally sound and enforceable.
You might be able to cancel a commercial contract if:
If you believe you have grounds to cancel a contract, consult with a solicitor before taking action and make sure you follow the correct legal process.
For example, if the contract requires notice of termination, make sure to provide it in the manner specified (such as in writing) and within a certain time frame.
This is important because, if you cancel a contract without valid grounds or in the wrong way, the other party may claim that you are in breach of contract.
Even with well-drafted contracts, commercial contract disputes and breaches can happen.
If they do, it's important to address these issues sooner rather than later to minimise disruption to your business.
Usually, communicating with the other party is enough to resolve the issue amicably. However, if a resolution can't be reached, you should consult a solicitor to explore your legal options, such as mediation, arbitration, or as a last resort, litigation.
A commercial contracts solicitor can help draft clear, legally binding contracts and review existing agreements for potential issues.
In particular, they can help identify and mitigate risks, protecting your business from legal challenges or disputes.
At Lawhive, our expert network of commercial contract solicitors offers clear, practical advice on all aspects of commercial contract management and review.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation and fixed-price quote for the services of a specialist lawyer to help with commercial contract drafting, reviews, or disputes.
With straightforward pricing - so you know exactly what to expect at every step.
