Professional businesses such as consultants, freelance writers, virtual assistants and online traders are subject to legislation covering, for example, standards of service, marketing and advertising standards, ecommerce, data protection, copyright and design rights, and tax.

Professional legal advice should always be taken before making business decisions.


See also: Legislation checklist: Professional and technology


Standards of service

Services provided by a professional business must meet certain standards:

  • The service must be carried out with reasonable skill and care.
  • If the price has not been agreed in advance, the amount charged for the service must be reasonable.
  • If the timescale has not been agreed in advance, the service must be carried out within a reasonable time.

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