BUSINESS FORMATION & STRUCTURING SOLICITORS
The legal structure you choose can affect how your business is managed, financed and grown. It may also influence decision making, personal liability, investment opportunities and the way profits are distributed. Whether you are launching a new venture, selling or acquiring, expanding into new markets, formalising an existing business, or restructuring a growing group, our corporate solicitors can help you establish arrangements that support your commercial objectives. HM3 Legal provides clear, practical advice to founders, directors, shareholders, partners and company investors.
We are experienced business formation and structuring solicitors
Every business has different priorities, risks and plans for growth. Choosing an appropriate structure from the outset can help you protect the people involved, create clear ownership arrangements and prepare the business for future opportunities (including sales, purchases and mergers).
Our corporate law solicitors will take time to understand your proposed activities, management arrangements, funding requirements and long term ambitions. We can explain the available structures, prepare the necessary legal documents and ensure each owner understands their rights and responsibilities for every business stage.
We can advise you on:
- Private limited company formation.
- Partnership and LLP structures.
- Sole trader incorporations.
- Group and holding company structures.
- Share ownership arrangements.
- Articles of Association and other governance documentation.
- Shareholder and partnership agreements.
- Director appointments and responsibilities.
- Different classes of shares.
- Founder and investor rights.
- Business asset transfers.
- Corporate reorganisations.
- Joint ventures.
- Succession planning.
- Companies House requirements.
Our business formation solicitors
Anne Scheland
Partner & Head of Corporate Law
Jessica Cox
Associate
Georgina Anwyl
Senior Associate
Daniela Keogh
Trainee Legal Executive
Business formation and structuring legal services
Company formation and incorporation
Forming a limited company involves more than registering a name at Companies House. The company’s ownership, management and constitutional documents should reflect how its founders intend the business to operate. Our corporate solicitors can advise on governance and legal operational documents: share ownership, director appointments, voting rights and different classes of shares. We can prepare tailored Articles of Association, shareholder agreements, board resolutions and other documents required to establish the company properly (and ensure procedures and policies support business goals).
If you currently operate as a partnership, we can also advise on transferring the business into a limited company. This may involve moving assets, contracts, employees, Intellectual Property (IP) and commercial relationships into the new structure. HM3 Legal will work with your accountants and other advisers to make the incorporation process clear, coordinated and commercially practical.
Partnership, LLP and joint venture solutions
Not every business needs to operate through a private limited company. A traditional partnership, limited liability partnership (LLP) or joint venture may provide a more suitable structure depending on the owners, activities and commercial objectives involved. Our solicitors can explain the legal differences between each option and help you understand how they affect management, ownership and personal liability. We can prepare partnership agreements, LLP members’ agreements and joint venture documentation covering financial contributions, profit sharing, responsibilities and decision making.
Clear agreements can also establish what happens when a new owner joins, an existing owner leaves or the parties disagree about the direction of the business. By setting expectations from the beginning, HM3 Legal can help you create a structure that supports collaboration while reducing the risk of future uncertainty and potential costly disputes.
Group structures and corporate reorganisations
As a business grows, its original structure may no longer support its commercial, operational or investment needs. Creating a holding company, separating business activities or reorganising ownership can provide a clearer platform for expansion, succession, investment or a future sale. Our corporate law solicitors advise on group structures, share exchanges, business transfers, demergers and other corporate reorganisations. We can prepare the necessary agreements, resolutions, Companies House filings and supporting documentation while coordinating with your tax and accounting advisers.
We will consider how the proposed structure affects shareholders, directors, employees, contracts, intellectual property and business assets. Our aim is to implement the changes efficiently while protecting business continuity. HM3 Legal will ensure the final arrangements reflect your commercial priorities and provide flexibility for the next stage of growth.
Our legal offices
Chester
George Street
Chester
CH1 3EQ
Liverpool
Tithebarn Street
Liverpool
L2 2QP
Manchester
Woodlands Road
Altrincham
WA14 1HF
Wirral
Monks Ferry
Birkenhead
CH41 5LH
Reasons to instruct HM3 Legal
Plain English promise.
A jargon and waffle-free zone. Helping you to understand your options and make the right decisions.
No chase pledge.
Peace of mind. Removing the frustrations of wondering where things are up to and what is next.
Fixed fees options.
Removing uncertainty. With fixed fee options and clear pricing we will not land you with a surprise bill.
One central point of contact.
Looking at your needs holistically. Chances are, your business operations do not work in silos so neither do we.
Business restructuring key contact: Anne Scheland
Head of Corporate & Commercial
Anne Scheland is a highly experienced corporate lawyer who advises shareholders, directors and business owners on complex commercial matters. With over 25 years’ experience, she specialises in mergers and acquisitions, business sales, management buyouts, reorganisations, employee incentives and shareholder arrangements. Recognised as a Leading Individual in The Legal 500 2025, Anne is known for her direct, commercial approach and ability to explain complex issues clearly while finding practical solutions that protect her clients’ interests.
Are you choosing a structure for your business?
The right legal structure can provide greater clarity, protect commercial relationships and make it easier to attract investment or plan for future growth. Taking legal advice early can also prevent ownership and management problems from developing later.
Our approachable corporate solicitors will help you compare the available options and establish arrangements suited to your business. We can support you from initial planning and company formation through to documentation, implementation and future restructuring.
Contact HM3 Legal today to discuss the most appropriate legal structure for your business.
This year they were asked to make some changes and redraft and set up two LPAs. What they did was to farm out this task to a bunch of total cowboys working out of Manchester or Derbyshire(who knows?). This company has proved to be unprofessional and unbusiness-like (1.6/5 on Trust Pilot!). I asked Hillyer and McKeown (who have been taken over yet again) why this had happened without us being told and not agreeing to this and was told,”It’s what we do now. I can’t give you any more information.”
The “agency” as they are called the company are already not returning phone calls nor acknowledging e-mails…although they’ve taken all our money before we’d even signed a letter of engagement.
I can’t believe this is allowed to happen and will be taking further action. In the meantime they Hillyer and McKeown (HM3 Legal now) won’t be getting any more work from this estate.
Who sub-contracts work to a company with a 1.6/5 rating? Obviously somebody who couldn’t care less about their clients. To say I’m annoyed with them is an understatement !
During my visits to the Chester office, I was always treated well by all members of the team.
All my queries were resolved in a satisfactory manner, and I now have the safe knowledge that my will has been updated.
My only negative is your introduction, in that you addressed me as Barry James. The latter is indeed my middle name, but not my surname..
Deana has been extremely proactive employing her natural communication skills, moving the process forward very quickly, and achieving a swift conclusion. She explained the legal jargon clouding the agreement, putting it into straightforward language. Making it clear to understand, and combined with her most amiable manner, Deana ensured the process was both pleasant and enjoyable, whilst maintaining a highly professional legal service.
I can wholeheartedly and without any reservation recommend the services of HM3 Legal for top notch advice, service and speed.
Thank you.
The advisory team, led by Justine and supported by Megan and Deana, has done a fantastic job. They consistently exceeded my expectations, managed all communication seamlessly, and kept me proactively updated at every stage of my case. Their fee structure was entirely transparent, I was always informed of the costs upfront before any work started.
I would not hesitate to use their services again.
Throughout the last 5 months, Deana has been straight forward in her advice, being true to her word from day one. She is honest, avoids talking jargon and took into consideration the needs of the people involved and their personal circumstances.
The entire team at HM3 have treated us with the upmost compassion and we never once felt overwhelmed with the information and advice we were given. Deana worked at our pace and ensured we never felt pressured. She continually reassured us with our questions and concerns though our the entire relationship.
Highly recommended and thank you so much for all your support. We will always be grateful
Would recommend
I would definitely use HM3 Legal myself and recommend anyone in need of a trusted firm..
She was prompt with communications and kept us informed in the process.
We managed to recover 75% plus of money after more than a year of back and forth.
Thank you.
The whole team are responsive and demonstrate a real desire to provide guidance across a range of disciplines. .
HM3 Legal delivered better service than expected and I would highly recommend them for wills and estate planning.
Robbie Oates was also great at keeping me updated throughout and nothing was too much trouble.
This is not a nice thing to have to go though but thanks to Holly and Robbie, I felt fully supported the whole 2 years 7 months through! I would definitely say they both provided a WOW service.
Ian reviewed the lease promptly, identified the key issues, and explained everything in a clear, concise and easy to understand way. Rather than overwhelming me with legal jargon, he provided practical advice that gave me complete confidence in the decisions I needed to make.
The whole team were professional, responsive and a pleasure to deal with throughout. Their excellent communication and attention to detail made what could have been a complex and time consuming process feel straightforward and stress free.
If you're looking for commercial solicitors who combine first class legal expertise with exceptional client service, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Ian Millington and the team at HM3 Legal.
Jill Walker
Managing Director
Indigo Home & Gift
I would highly recommend Clare to any of my peers. Her professionalism was exceptional.
From our initial meeting with Frances, we were informed of the methods and techniques to structure our wills in the most efficient formats.
Frances explained complex legal structures in easy to understand terms and was a pleasure to deal with.
Shannon was excellent with the back office work making sure everything came through promptly and in the right fashion.
Many thanks to everyone at HM3.
Only 4 Stars because we were never notified as to the change from Hillier & McKeown to HM3 Legal.
It was only when we wanted to alter the wills that by good fortune I still had phone number of Hamilton Square. Well done to Ceri for patience and knowhow.
Paul Roberts
They kept me informed at every stage, explaining any legal details in a straightforward and accessible way, which made what can often be a stressful experience feel much more manageable. Emails and calls were always responded to promptly, and I felt confident that everything was being handled thoroughly and carefully.
What really stood out was their attention to detail and proactive approach. Any potential issues were identified early and resolved quickly, helping to avoid delays and keep both transactions moving smoothly. We had a few challenges with the sale of our property, but the team provided clear solutions with phone calls to explain next steps and alternative options if we needed them/
I would highly recommend HM3 to anyone buying or selling a property. Their expertise, reliability, and friendly approach made a significant difference, and I would not hesitate to use their services again in the future.
They kept me informed at every stage, explaining any legal details in a straightforward and accessible way, which made what can often be a stressful experience feel much more manageable. Emails and calls were always responded to promptly, and I felt confident that everything was being handled thoroughly and carefully.
What really stood out was their attention to detail and proactive approach. Any potential issues were identified early and resolved quickly, helping to avoid delays and keep both transactions moving smoothly. We had a few challenges with the sale of our property, but the team provided clear solutions with phone calls to explain next steps and alternative options if we needed them/
I would highly recommend HM3 to anyone buying or selling a property. Their expertise, reliability, and friendly approach made a significant difference, and I would not hesitate to use their services again in the future.
She kept me posted at all times and always returned telephone calls.I recommend her.
They both have been very diligent, responsive and solid in their responses and actions.
I would highly recommend their services. Happy to expand on my experience if anyone would like to know more!
I’m very happy with the service. I would gladly recommend this firm to anyone looking for trustworthy legal assistance.
Fees were clearly explained before work commenced and were fair and competitive. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Ruth and HM3 to anyone seeking expert legal support with personal or family matters.
Business restructuring FAQs
What legal structure should I choose for my business?
The appropriate structure depends on your activities, number of owners, funding requirements, attitude to personal liability and plans for growth. Common options include operating as a sole trader, partnership, limited liability partnership or private limited company. Each structure has different legal and administrative implications. HM3 Legal can explain these differences and work alongside your accountant or tax adviser to create arrangements that support your commercial goals while clearly defining ownership, management responsibilities and decision making.
What is the difference between a sole trader and a limited company?
A sole trader operates a business personally and is generally responsible for its debts and obligations. A limited company is a separate legal entity owned by its shareholders and managed by its directors. Incorporating may limit personal liability, but it also introduces additional filing, governance and reporting responsibilities. The best option depends on your risks, income, growth plans and commercial relationships. Legal and tax advice should be considered together before deciding whether to form a limited company.
What is a holding company structure?
A holding company is a company that owns shares in one or more subsidiary companies. This structure may be used to separate different business activities, protect particular assets, facilitate investment or support future acquisitions and sales. It can also provide a clearer framework for managing several businesses under common ownership. However, group structures introduce additional governance, administration and tax considerations. Legal and accounting advice can help determine whether a holding company would provide genuine commercial benefits for your business.
When should a business consider restructuring?
Restructuring may be appropriate when a business is growing, bringing in investment, separating activities, preparing for succession or planning a future sale. It may also help where the current ownership or management arrangements have become inefficient. A restructure can involve creating a group, introducing a holding company, transferring assets or changing share rights. HM3 Legal can assess the legal implications, prepare the required documentation and coordinate implementation with your accountants and tax advisers.