About us
I am a partner in Buckworths specialising in startups and small businesses. I have set up this group as a forum to provide legal advice to start-ups in Manchester. I believe that there is a core of legal knowledge that can and should be shared for free.
I am planning to hold monthly meetups initially focussing on one relevant legal topic at each meetup.
Any start-up in Manchester is welcome to join.
Hashtag #startuphacks
Upcoming events
8
- ÂŁ10.00

Raising Investment: What Founders Need to Know
¡OnlineOnlineThis practical and informative event will cover the investment process, explain what investors are really looking for, and provide clarity on SEIS and EIS tax reliefs, one of the most powerful tools available to UK startups raising capital.
đ°What Youâll Learn
Sources of Funding for Startups
Weâll explore the main sources of funding available to startups and growing businesses, including angel investors, SEIS and EIS investment, early-stage funds and private investment. Youâll learn when each option is most appropriate and how founders should think strategically about funding stages.Tax Reliefs for Angel Investors
Understand why SEIS and EIS are so attractive to angel investors, how tax reliefs reduce investor risk and how founders can use this knowledge when engaging with potential investors.SEIS and EIS Explained Clearly
Learn how the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) work, why they matter to investors and how they can significantly improve your chances of raising funding.Weâll cover:
- Company eligibility requirements
- Investor qualification rules
- Timing and advance assurance
- Common pitfalls that delay or prevent approval
- How to prepare properly before approaching investors
- How to engage with investors
đ˘Getting the Maths Right
Weâll explain the importance of valuations, dilution, investment structure and financial assumptions, helping founders understand the numbers behind a funding round and avoid issues later.âĄď¸Top 3 Mistakes Founders Make When Raising Investment
Learn from real-world experience as we highlight the most common mistakes founders make when raising investment and how to avoid them.đInvestment Documents and Deal Readiness
Understand the key legal documents involved in raising investment, why they matter, and how early decisions can impact future funding rounds.đŹLive Q&A with an Expert
The session will conclude with a Q&A, giving you the opportunity to ask practical questions relevant to your own business and funding plans.đŻWho Should Attend
This event is ideal for:- Startup founders and co-founders
- Early-stage and scaleup businesses
- Entrepreneurs planning to raise investment
- Business owners who want to understand SEIS and EIS before speaking to investors
- No prior fundraising experience is required
đ¤Speaker
Michael Buckworth
Founder of Buckworths and author of Built on Rock: The Entrepreneurâs Legal Guide to Start-Up Success.Michael advises founders and high-growth businesses on investment, growth and risk management. His work focuses on helping entrepreneurs avoid common legal pitfalls and build businesses on strong foundations. Built on Rock simplifies complex startup law into clear, practical guidance and is widely used by early-stage businesses across the UK.
đFree SEIS/EIS Eligibility Calculator
We also offer a free SEIS/EIS Eligibility Calculator, allowing startups to complete a few simple steps and receive a tailored SEIS/EIS eligibility report directly to their inbox within 2 business days.SEIS/EIS Eligibility Calculator:
https://www.buckworths.com/eis-sense-eligibility-calculator/1 attendee 
How to Make Your Startup More Attractive to Buyers
¡OnlineOnlineUnlock strategies and tools to make your startup irresistible to acquirers
Ready to sell your startup and get the best deal possible without the usual legal headaches?Selling your company can feel overwhelming: finding the right buyer, navigating complex negotiations and managing high legal fees. In this free live webinar, Michael Buckworth, founder of Buckworths, will show you exactly how to make your startup more acquirable and close your exit faster.
In this session, weâll cover:
- How to get exit-ready and clean up your cap table
- How to present your terms confidently with Heads of Terms
- How to make due diligence simple and secure for buyers
- How to list your business anonymously and find serious buyers
- How to close deals faster with legal documents
- Common pitfalls that slow down exits and how to avoid them
- Plus, get a practical overview of the process from preparing your company, finding buyers, negotiating and completing the legal steps to close your deal efficiently.Who should attend?
- Founders planning or preparing to sell their startup
- Entrepreneurs who want to understand what buyers are really looking for
- Startups seeking a faster, cheaper and simpler exit
- Anyone interested in making their business more attractive to investors and acquirersWhy attend?
Because buyers ask one question first:
âIs this startup ready for a smooth exit?â
If you canât answer confidently, this is the event for you.Q&A with Michael Buckworth
Bring your questions! This is your chance to ask the UKâs top startup solicitor anything about your startup exit.
Meet the Speaker: Michael Buckworth, the founder of Buckworths and author of Built on Rock, the entrepreneur's legal guide to start-up success. Michael makes complex startup law simple and provides actionable advice you can implement immediately.
Download Chapter One of Built on Rock for free and start building your business on solid legal foundations: click here1 attendee
Scale Your Startup Like a Pro: Tips, Tricks & Tactics
¡OnlineOnlinePractical strategies every founder needs to grow with confidence
Scaling a startup is exciting but itâs also where many founders stumble. From raising funds and managing investors to hiring talent and protecting your business legally, the challenges multiply as you grow.
In this free live webinar, Michael Buckworth, founder of Buckworths, will share proven tips, tricks and tactics to help you scale like a pro. We work exclusively with startups and high-growth businesses, so we know exactly what it takes to grow smart, avoid pitfalls and attract the right investors.
In this session, weâll cover:
â How to structure your company for scale from day one
â Legal essentials to protect your IP, team and investment
â Practical strategies for raising funds and keeping investors onside
â The key contracts and documents every scaling startup must have
â Common founder mistakes that slow down growth and how to avoid them
â Insider tactics to prepare for future exits and acquisitions
Live Q&A with Michael Buckworth
Your chance to put your scaling and legal questions directly to Michael Buckworth, the founder of Buckworths and author of Built on Rock, the entrepreneur's legal guide to start-up success. Michael will answer your questions live, giving you tailored insights from his experience advising hundreds of startups.
Who should attend?
đFounders getting ready to scale their startup
đ¸Early-stage companies planning their next raise
đEntrepreneurs who want to grow smarter, not riskier
đAnyone interested in building a business thatâs investment-ready and built to last
Download Chapter One of Built on Rock for free and start building your business on solid legal foundations: click here1 attendee
Raising Investment
¡OnlineOnlineđ Are you ready to supercharge your business growth and secure the funding you need to achieve your entrepreneurial dreams? Join us for an inspiring session that will change the way you think about investment.
đ Unlock the Secrets:
Discover the key sources of investment that could catapult your startup to the next level. Learn how to harness the power of SEIS and EIS tax reliefs to your advantage and watch your business thrive. We'll delve into the company and investor qualification requirements, guiding you through the entire process for qualifying for these game-changing reliefs.đ Investment Unwrapped:
Dive deep into the world of investment documentation and ensure you're equipped to make the right moves. Our expert will reveal the insider tips and tricks to avoid common pitfalls and secure the funding your venture deserves.đŹ Your Questions, Our Answers:
The session will conclude with an open Q&A, providing you with a unique opportunity to get your burning questions answered by the pros. Don't miss this chance to gain invaluable insights.đ¤ Speak with the Expert:
Michael Buckworth, the founder of Buckworths, the only law firm in the UK working exclusively with startups and high growth businesses. Michael is also the author of Built on Rock, the entrepreneur's legal guide to start-up success. Advising on the risks and pitfalls to avoid when setting up your own business, this book makes the complicated aspects of start-up law simple. Chapter one is now available to download for free, click here to find out how to build your business on rock.This is your chance to revolutionise your business journey! Secure your spot now and be on your way to investment success. Don't delayâyour future awaits!
1 attendee
Past events
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