January is for fresh starts. While you're setting revenue targets, there's a list of legal and compliance tasks that quietly need attention too. Here's a plain-English checklist for UK small businesses heading into 2026.
For a complete set of ready-to-use documents, see our small business legal templates.
Contracts and Terms of Business
- When did you last update your terms? Employment law, data-protection rules and tax thresholds all shift.
- Are your terms actually being used? Check every client has signed current terms.
- Do you have scope documents? Every engagement should have a Scope of Work or Programme Outline.
Employment and HR
- Employment contracts up to date? Every employee needs a written statement from day one.
- Employee handbook current? Review policies annually. The Employment Rights Bill will require further changes.
- Right-to-work checks? Document checks for every employee.
- Holiday pay calculations correct? Rules for irregular-hours workers were reformed in 2024.
Data Protection and Privacy
- Privacy notices up to date? Check website, employee and client notices.
- Data-retention housekeeping. Securely delete what you don't need.
- Cookie consent. Ensure your banner requires affirmative consent.
- Processor agreements. Have DPAs with third-party tools.
Insurance
- Renew and review. PI, public liability and employers' liability current?
- Cyber insurance. Consider if you handle client data or process payments.
Tax and Compliance
- VAT threshold. Currently £90,000 – plan ahead if approaching.
- MTD for Income Tax. Phased in from April 2026 for income over £50,000.
- Companies House filings. Confirmation statement and director details current?
How Our Templates Help
Whether you need:
- The legal checklist for wellness coaches
- The contract checklist for freelance creatives and agencies
- HR templates for employment contracts and handbooks
Each pack is written in plain English for UK small businesses and updated to reflect current law.
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Browse Our Template Packs
Get your paperwork sorted with our solicitor-drafted legal templates – contracts, terms and policies for UK small businesses across all sectors.