Q: CAN I write my own trading agreement, or does it have to be drafted or checked by a solicitor? I am certainly capable of doing the job myself, but am unsure that I am legally allowed to draft my own trading terms. If this is allowed, it would certainly be cost-effective and quick.
Peter Williams of Kadastra replies: Of course you can write your own terms! The problem arises when you need to test them in law because the other party ignores fair business ethics. My advice would be, prepare your terms exactly as you want them then spend a half hour with a solicitor. £60 to £100 spent now could save you a lot more later and will not slow you down. The solicitor will only ever make suggestions and you can take them or leave them in the long run. Having done this myself (and ignored a lot of what was suggested), I know that the advice was sound and that I have the peace of mind in knowing that my terms are OK.
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