ASSIGNMENT TASK:
This report is based on the case study of Supportify, a mental health support platform. The task is to critically evaluate the business and provide recommendations. You are to assess the different company structures and recommend an appropriate structure for Supportify, with justifications. In addition, you are required to provide advice on company law in relation to the administration, management, and operation of Supportify, including considerations such as Corporation Tax, VAT, business transactions, contractual obligations, and other relevant legal factors .The case study is below.
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Case Study: “Supportify” – A Mental Health Support Platform Business Name: Supportify Business Slogan: Support is just one call away — We got you. Business Concept: Supportify is a platform. designed to connect individuals with mental health professionals for quick consultations via an app. Similar to Uber, it operates on an on-demand, gig-based model, aiming to provide immediate access to mental health support. About the entrepreneurs: • A team of three friends, Jake, Josh, and Anna, has come together to establish the company, |
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| Jake
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Josh
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Anna
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| Jake, aged 19, is the only
person to have contributed money into the business of £12,000 of his own savings to help establish the company. Jake has saved this money for one year having worked in DPD as a factory worker. |
Josh, 27, has developed an
app designed to connect mental health specialists with the public through an Uber-like platform. Using his advanced coding skills, he has created a working prototype that he believes is ready for market. Currently employed as a computer coder in the civil service with a salary of £38,500, Josh has built the app alongside his full-time job. However, due to significant financial commitments, including a large mortgage and other expenses, he finds it difficult to save money and feels unable to commit to the business full-time at this stage. |
Anna, 23, is currently
unemployed but has known Jake and Josh for some time. She is willing to dedicate her time and effort to running the business during daytime operating hours, as both Jake and Josh have decided to keep their jobs due to the lack of sufficient funds in the business to support them full-time. |
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| Launch Plans:
• The three entrepreneurs plan to launch the app in London and Birmingham on 7 June 2025, with ambitions for steady expansion into international markets within the first few months of its launch. • Their current plan is to invest £8,000 in promotion within the first year, believing this will help generate a predicted turnover of £120,000. • The remaining £4000 will be kept as contingency. The problem: The main problem the three entrepreneurs are currently facing is a lack of knowledge in business and business law. As a result, they have approached you for assistance. They are open to offering you a stake in the company for your expertise and advice, or alternatively, a fixed fee for your services. They believe your input will be valuable to the business in the years ahead. |
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MARKING CRITERIA:
1. Introduction to the report and the business (10 marks)
2. Assess different company structures and recommend an appropriate business structure for the company. (40 marks)
3. Advise and make recommendations for the business on company law in relation to the administration, management, and operation of the company. This may include potential considerations such as Corporation Tax, VAT, business transactions, contractual obligations, contract validity, future lease agreements, third-party partnerships, licensing requirements, financing laws, and duties related to finance and capital (40 marks)
4. Adhere to the report structure and include and apply appropriate references throughout your work, the expectation is 10-20 references. (10 marks)
TASK AND DOCUMENT FORMAT GUIDANCE:
Your role in this report is to conduct a thorough critical evaluation and analysis of the tasks outlined below, using the Supportify case study as the basis for your recommendations. The report should follow a formal business structure, incorporating appropriate referencing and analytical depth.
1. Introduction
The introduction should clearly state the purpose of the report and provide an overview of the chosen business from the case study. Briefly outline the key areas that will be analysed in the report. The introduction should be concise yet informative, setting the stage for the analysis.
2. Company Structures Analysis & Recommendation
This section should define and compare different types of company structures, which may include:
• Sole Trader
• Partnership
• Limited Liability Company (LLC or Ltd)
• Public Limited Company (PLC)
• Non-Profit Organizations
Provide a well-justified recommendation for the most suitable structure based on factors such as ownership and liability, tax implications, growth potential, and legal obligations.
3. Company Law Considerations & Business Operations
This section should provide legal and regulatory guidance on business operations, which may address concerns such as:
Corporate Tax & VAT
• Explain corporation tax requirements if registering as a limited company.
• Discuss VAT implications if turnover exceeds the VAT threshold (£90,000 as of 2024).
• Outline tax planning strategies to optimise financial efficiency.
Business Transactions & Contracts
• Define contractual obligations between Supportify and mental health professionals.
• Explain key terms of service and liability disclaimers to protect the company legally.
• Discuss employment vs. contractor agreements for specialists on the platform.
Third-Party Partnerships
• Address legal requirements when forming partnerships with investors, advertisers, and service providers.
Licensing & Regulatory Compliance
• Identify any regulatory approvals needed to operate a mental health platform.
Financial & Capital Management
• Explore legal considerations regarding investment agreements, shareholder rights, and financial reporting.
• Discuss the legal framework for raising additional funds in the future.
Where relevant, reference specific UK laws such as the Companies Act 2006, Contract Law, GDPR regulations, and tax legislation.
4. Report Structure & Referencing
The report should follow a structured format, which may include:
• Title Page
• Table of Contents
• Introduction
• Company Structures Analysis & Recommendations
• Recommendations for Company Law and Business Operations Considerations
• Conclusion & Recommendations
• References
All sources should be cited using Harvard Referencing. The report should be well-organised, with clear headings and subheadings for readability.
E-SUBMISSION GUIDANCE:
● This assignment will require you to submit your work by uploading a document in Word or PDF format to Canvas. Please follow this online guide on document submissions and contact the DICE team on dice@ucb.ac.uk if you need any further support.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
1. Compare and contrast the different trading structures for forming a business enterprise.
2. Summarise company law in the administration, management and operation of a company.
ACADEMIC SKILLS OUTCOMES:
● The Academic Skills Outcomes to be developed by completing this assignment can be found here.
● For Apprenticeship programmes, identify the applicable Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours the assignment seeks to test.
SKILLS OUTCOMES:
● The skills outcomes to be developed by completing this assignment can be found here.