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.
Lawrence Stephens is led by its original founders and as such, our ethos and approach is very much aligned with other founder-led/owner-managed businesses. We understand the issues they face as independent businesses, as we often face the very same challenges.
We also advise private equity firms seeking to develop market-leading businesses through the acquisition and integration of businesses in fragmented or growing sectors. As well as acting on strategic buy and build transactions, we frequently continue to act for the businesses established in this way.
Lawrence Stephens is part of this ecosystem that includes the professional advisers, investors and funders that serve this market. As part of this focus, we are a corporate partner of FEBE (For Entrepreneurs, By Entrepreneurs), the organisation behind The Growth 100, an annual list and awards that shines a light on the finest and fastest-growing privately owned businesses in the country, where the founder or founders are still involved.
“Lawrence Stephens in London is deeply involved in the SME and entrepreneurial ecosystem, advising clients in all manner of business sectors on incorporation, commercial contracts, commercial property, employment, funding rounds and M&A transactions. The firm also advises private equity firms looking to develop successful businesses in fragmented sectors with high growth potential.”
– Chambers UK 2025
