01245 850165

Power Of Attorney For Business Owners

What is power of attorney?

A lasting power of attorney is a legal document that business owners should have in place. This document is essential, particularly for sole traders or self-employed individuals with no other business partners, as it states what would happen to the business in the event of the business owner being incapacitated. A power of attorney is a selected third party who is trusted to make decisions on behalf of the owner.  

Utilising a power of attorney

If a business owner becomes sick, passes away or is abroad and not contactable, a lasting power of attorney is a legally agreed person who can make decisions on the business owner’s behalf.

A lasting power of attorney must, therefore, be a person who is trusted by the business owner to make decisions that benefit the business and can continue its growth during the owner’s absence or in the event of their death. This lasting power of attorney should be chosen, and the paperwork completed, whilst the business owner is fully capable of comprehending the purpose and effect of the document.

Speak to an Adviser

Consequences of not having a lasting power of attorney

If a business owner becomes unable to make business decisions but does not have a lasting power of attorney in place there can be disastrous consequences for the company.

The business may need to apply to the Court of Protection for a deputy, someone who can be placed in charge and able to access bank accounts. However, this process is very time consuming and can take months. In that time, bank accounts could be frozen, leaving the business unable to pay staff, suppliers, or tax. Thus, resulting in the business not surviving the death or incapacitation of their owner.

Lasting power of attorney makes business sense

Appointing a lasting power of attorney is protecting the future of the business. Even if a business owner is young and in good health, having a backup plan in case of an unexpected and unwelcome event can be the difference between the business the owner has worked hard to build surviving or failing. The cost of sourcing a deputy is not only time consuming but also costly. The cost of appointing a lasting power of attorney is relatively inexpensive, especially for the potential savings it could generate.

Lasting power of attorney experts

No power of attorney document is the same because every business is different. It is a bespoke document, created for the business, the business owner, and the power of attorney and each party’s needs. Each business owner will want their business left and managed in a particular way. Speaking to an expert can help business owners figure out what their plan would be, should they become unable to make decisions themselves.

The experts at Active work with clients every day to source the right lasting power of attorney documents to suit their business and their personal needs. Having a lasting power of attorney is all part of a continuity plan that a business owner should be planning for: let Active make it happen for you. Booking a consultation is easy…

Speak to an Adviser

Credit check

Check your credit score with checkmyfile…

Find out more

Wills guide

Download our latest mortgage guide…

Find out more

Contact us

Got a question, feel free to contact us…

Find out more

What our clients say...

5/5
Absolutely Fantastic you are in safe hands with Sally
Ka
Great service, helped me get an excellent mortgage offer very quickly and all went through without a hitch!
Nik
This company are amazing from start to finish. I couldn't have asked for better service.
Gemma Turner
Previous
Next

You need Active

Speak to an Adviser

Our wills range

Trustpilot

Book a call with one of our team to talk about your requirements.

Book a call with one of our team to talk about your requirements.

Please fill in your details below to receive your free ebook.

Book a call with one of our team to talk about your requirements.