Starting a business in the UK is an exciting prospect. Entrepreneurs sometimes find themselves having to conduct business outside the UK, and international companies might need to do business with those in the UK. In such instances, both businesses need the services of UK notaries. So, what is a notary, what do they do, and when would a UK business need them? This article answers these and other questions about these important professionals.

What is a Notary?

A notary public is an officer of the law authorised to attest, authenticate, verify and certify different documents depending on specific circumstances and client needs. They do this for documents intended to be used worldwide for businesses and individuals.

Once they verify that documents are genuine and truthful, they provide a legal stamp or certificate to show that they recognise their validity so that the authorising bodies in a different country can also do the same.

What are a Notary Public’s Main Duties?

Notaries can prepare and witness powers of attorney documents meant to be used outside the UK. They can also help prepare and notarise documents to be used for the purchase or sale of property outside the UK. This function is crucial for businesses that want to expand their operations and thus want to purchase property that allows them to do so.

Sometimes people also need notarised documents for emigration or immigration purposes. Doing so allows someone to apply for work and start the process of becoming a citizen, which then allows them to start a business.

Lastly, notaries public authenticate business and company documents and transactions.

When Do UK Businesses Need the Services of a Notary Public?

There are some common instances where companies in the UK require the services of a notary public.

They Help with the Certification of Corporate Documents

Businesses can hire notaries to verify and certify corporate documents, including articles of incorporation, resolutions, bylaws, and shareholder agreements. Businesses need these certified documents for international business transitions or to establish a presence in a foreign country.

Notarising Documents for Intellectual Property Transactions

Businesses need to protect their intellectual property rights in the UK and abroad. They can hire a Cheltenham Notary to verify and certify documents related to intellectual properties. Businesses can pay notary public fees for a notary to help them assert trademarks, ensure smooth patent applications and confirm licence agreements.

Affidavits and Statutory Declarations

Sometimes businesses need to provide sworn statements, statutory declarations and affidavits. Because of the implications of these documents, they must ensure they are accurate and complete. Notaries public can notarise them for legal purposes by ensuring the accuracy of the information contained in these documents.

Helping with Employee Visas

Expanding businesses need people they can trust to run their offshore operations, at least until they can hire someone local. They can hire a notary public to help with visa applications for their employees.

In some cases, a notary public can also help with these applications for employees and directors who want to move abroad, where they continue working for the same business or want to explore different opportunities.

A notary can help a business in different situations depending on the nature of the business, its activities and interactions with international partners. A notary can also do the same to help it meet regulatory requirements.