When a company which is already established outside the UK wishes to have a permanent presence in the UK, it is required by law to have a formal establishment in the UK. This may be achieved by registering a branch office in the UK, incorporating a new UK company or buying an existing UK company.

In addition to formally establishing a presence in the UK, there are many practical issues which must be addressed before trading in the UK can commence, for example:

• Immigration matters
• Employment issues
• Property matters
• Trading contracts

Healys has extensive experience and expertise in advising foreign businesses coming to the UK, whether by establishing a branch or a new subsidiary, or acquiring an existing UK company. We can advise on all legal aspects of the matter, including company formation, employment law, trading contracts and terms of business, property law and business immigration. We also work closely with other professionals, such as foreign lawyers, accountants, tax advisers, real estate agents, recruitment consultants and relocation agents, and can introduce clients to a wide network of such professionals where necessary. We take a realistic and commercial approach to a client's needs, always ensuring that we understand the commercial needs of the new UK establishment, in order to tailor the advice and documents to best fit the client's requirements.