Consultancy arrangements carry two risks that a handshake will not cover.
The first is ownership; work created by a consultant belongs to the consultant unless it is assigned to you in writing, so the deliverables you paid for may not be yours.
The second is status. If the arrangement looks like employment in practice, HMRC can pursue the tax and the individual can claim employment rights, and the label on the document counts for very little against the day-to-day reality.
A consultancy agreement engages an individual or a consultancy business on a self-employed basis.
We help with:
- consultancy agreements for engaging consultants and contractors;
- terms for your own consultancy business, if you are the one being engaged;
- IP assignment and confidentiality so you keep what you pay for; and
- engagements through personal service companies and agencies.
We cover deliverables and fees, expenses, IP assignment, confidentiality, substitution and control, insurance, and sensible restrictions when the engagement ends.
Status and IR35 are a bigger question than the contract alone, and for medium and large businesses the responsibility for getting the call right sits with you: see Employment Status & IR35 under Employment Law.
Our Approach
Legal advice that makes running and growing your business easier.
We start with your business, not the law.
Before we open a document, we want to understand what you are trying to do commercially. The legal answer is only useful if it serves that.
We get to the point.
You get a clear view of what matters and what does not, in plain English, with the real risks separated from the noise.
We give you an answer.
Not a menu of options and a shrug. We tell you what we would do, why, and where there is a genuine judgment call for you to make.
We stay available.
Whether you work with us on a single project or on a subscription, we are here for the follow-up question. We would always rather you asked.
Ways of working together
Fixed-fee projects
A single, defined piece of work for an agreed fixed fee, communicated before we engage. Reviewing a contract, drafting your terms, handling a negotiation.
No surprises and no hidden fees
Flagship Subscription
Ares Access
Ongoing support on a fixed monthly subscription, for businesses that need commercial legal input regularly rather than as the occasional one-off.
- Dedicated lawyer
- Fixed monthly fees
- Commercial advice on demand
From £500 plus VAT per month
Legal Health Check
Fixed fee of £2,000 plus VAT
Any questions?
Phone: 02382 420035
