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Built on Rock: The busy entrepreneur’s legal guide to start-up success Paperback – November 23, 2021
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***BUSINESS BOOK AWARDS 2022 SHORTLISTED TITLE***
Starting a business is one of the most exciting things you can do. It’s also one of the most daunting. There’s so much that can go right, and so much that can go wrong.
That’s why you need to understand and minimise the legal and commercial risks involved. When your new business is built on rock, you can relax in the knowledge that you won’t lose access to life-changing opportunities or waste time and energy on fighting legal challenges. Instead, you’re free to get on with what you do best ― coming up with fresh ideas, finding ways to make them a reality, and selling your products or services to an ever-expanding customer base.
This book makes the complicated aspects of start-up law simple. In everyday language, it walks you through the key legal and commercial considerations.
- Setting up your corporate structure for maximum advantage
- Discovering your risks and how to minimise them
- Finding out the best sources of investment
- Learning how to value your company
- Negotiating with investors for long-term success
MICHAEL BUCKWORTH is a qualified solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales, and the founder of Buckworths (www.buckworths.com), the only law firm in the UK working exclusively with start-ups and high-growth businesses. He has a passion for entrepreneurialism, and has advised countless start-ups over the last ten years. He’s been ‘entrepreneur in residence’ at London South Bank University and University College, London, for several years, and is a regular speaker at industry events.
- Print length240 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherPractical Inspiration Publishing
- Publication dateNovember 23, 2021
- Dimensions5.5 x 0.62 x 8.5 inches
- ISBN-101788603079
- ISBN-13978-1788603072
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Editorial Reviews
Review
Michael's book is exactly what every cofounder should have in their locker when embarking on a new venture.
Overall the book is a thoroughly comprehensive guide for what to do & what not do when trying to build a sustainable business.
Each chapter covers different legal / operational elements that all start ups from ideation to funding ought to be aware of and address.
Michael makes the information relatable by ending each chapter with a summary of an example case study of a founder who goes through the regular challenges at each particular stage of getting their business off the ground.
The content is in an easily digestible format which is great given the density & complexity of the knowledge being shared.
I stumbled across this book whilst on here looking for something new to read. This is a book that gets you thinking about the nuts & bolts of your business, everything from how to structure your business, clauses in contracts, getting funded & more . Well worth the buy! ― Amazon
Review
Michael Buckworth has written a must-read primer for anyone considering setting up a business. Read this book - and learn from one of the best. Duncan Cheatle, co-founder of StartUp Britain, founder of Learn Amp and The Supper Club (home to hundreds of the UK’s most successful founders) *** There are so many things founders have to get right in the first few months of their start-up’s life, and the fear of getting something wrong can hold back even the most enthusiastic entrepreneur. Built on Rock explains what you should and shouldn't do, and is your best friend as you navigate the legal and business challenges of your new business. This is the book that will get ideas out of your head and turn them into a start-up. Mirela Yordanova - Associate, LaunchLab Ventures *** Michael Buckworth takes the reader on an educational journey from incorporation through launch and ending on raising an investment round. This is a must-read guide for students of entrepreneurship and anyone who wants to get a handle on the legal issues to think about when setting up a business. Jerry Allen - Director for Entrepreneurship, UCL Innovation and Enterprise, Director of Enterprise Educators UK, Advisor to the UN *** Built on Rock is written by one (legal) entrepreneur for another. However, forget legal speak, long words and complex explanations: this book focuses on what matters and gives practical advice on how to approach challenges. If you confuse your pre and post money, or think that fully diluted relates to the amount of ice in your G&T, this is a book you simply must buy. Mark Tayler - Director, SFC Capital *** Setting up a start-up can feel incredibly risky, particularly for young entrepreneurs. “Built on Rock” explains in simple terms how to identify and manage the legal and business risks inherent in a new business, without breaking the bank. Jack Parsons, UK’s Chief Youth Officer *** "Lawyers who can explain complex issues simply are few and far between: Michael Buckworth is one of them. Built on Rock brings Michael's in-depth knowledge of business and law, and over a decade of experience working with and helping entrepreneurs thrive in business. This is an essential guide for ambitious founders who want to set up in business, or take their existing start-up to the next level." Chris Hancock, Founder of Crowd2Fund ***
“Setting up a business is difficult with lots of pitfalls, but it's not rocket science. In this book, Michael demystifies the business and legal aspects by explaining in simple terms what founders should be most concerned about, and what they can sensibly decide to worry about later. This book is full of tips and advice drawn from Michael's work with many start-ups: every reader will discover something they didn't realise they didn't know.” Paul Grant, Founder of The Funding Game
From the Back Cover
Starting a business is one of the most exciting things you can do. It’s also one of the most daunting. There’s so much that can go right, and so much that can go wrong.
That’s why you need to understand and minimise the legal and commercial risks involved. When your new business is built on rock, you can relax in the knowledge that you won’t lose access to life-changing opportunities or waste time and energy on fighting legal challenges. Instead, you’re free to get on with what you do best ― coming up with fresh ideas, finding ways to make them a reality, and selling your products or services to an ever-expanding customer base.
This book makes the complicated aspects of start-up law simple. In everyday language, it walks you through the key legal and commercial considerations.
- Setting up your corporate structure for maximum advantage
- Discovering your risks and how to minimise them
- Finding out the best sources of investment
- Learning how to value your company
- Negotiating with investors for long-term success
MICHAEL BUCKWORTH is a qualified solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales, and the founder of Buckworths (www.buckworths.com), the only law firm in the UK working exclusively with start-ups and high-growth businesses. He has a passion for entrepreneurialism, and has advised countless start-ups over the last ten years. He’s been ‘entrepreneur in residence’ at London South Bank University and University College, London, for several years, and is a regular speaker at industry events.
About the Author
Michael Buckworth is a qualified solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales, and the founder of Buckworths, the only UK law firm working exclusively with start-ups and high growth businesses. He has a passion for entrepreneurialism, and has advised countless start-ups over the last ten years. He’s been ‘entrepreneur in residence’ at London South Bank University and University College, London, for several years, and is a regular speaker at industry events.
www.buckworths.com
Product details
- Publisher : Practical Inspiration Publishing
- Publication date : November 23, 2021
- Language : English
- Print length : 240 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1788603079
- ISBN-13 : 978-1788603072
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 5.5 x 0.62 x 8.5 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #602 in Franchising Law (Books)
- #218,549 in Business & Money (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Michael Buckworth is the founder of Buckworths (www.buckworths.com), the only UK law firm working exclusively with start-ups and high-growth businesses. With offices in London and Manchester, most of the firm’s clients are technology businesses, with half of them in the fin-tech space. The remainder are an intriguing mix of product companies, restaurants, and advisory advisory firms.
Michael has a passion for entrepreneurialism, and in the ten years that Buckworths has been in existence, has advised over 1,200 start-ups. His conviction is that every new business is different and deserves advice that’s tailored to its specific risks. Experience has shown him that one of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is to view legal services as commoditised. This approach exposes them to potential pitfalls, and can deny them valuable opportunities.
Originally Michael studied law at Oxford University. He then spent several years at the London offices of two of the world’s top-ranked law firms. He is ‘entrepreneur in residence’ at several London universities and speaks regularly at industry events.
Customer reviews
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- TheGafferReviewed in the United Kingdom on November 23, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseI stumbled across this book whilst on here looking for something new to read. This is a book that gets you thinking about the nuts & bolts of your business, everything from how to structure your business, clauses in contracts, getting funded & more . Well worth the buy!
- RobertReviewed in the United Kingdom on April 19, 2024
4.0 out of 5 stars Read this before you set up!
Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseClear description of structure and especially required insurance.