General legal information about contract terms in the UK, not legal advice.
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Execution

Execution means signing a document in the way the law requires so that it is binding — by an individual personally, or by a company through its directors or authorised signatories.

Prepared by a retired English qualified solicitor (LLB, LLM) · reviewed · applies across the UK unless stated · how we draft

In more detail

For companies in England and Wales, section 44 of the Companies Act 2006 sets out how documents are executed, including by two directors or by one director in front of a witness.

In Scotland

In Scotland, a company signs under the Requirements of Writing (Scotland) Act 1995, usually by one director, secretary or authorised signatory; adding a witness makes the document probative.

Put it into a contract

Be Contract Wise provides very powerful, carefully prepared tools to draft and review simple or complex contracts under the law of England and Wales or Scots law, explaining every clause in plain English.

England & Wales appScotland app

Reviewed 2026-09-24. General legal information, not legal advice.