Writing a agreements between undertakings is one of the most important things you do as a business owner - yet it is something many people neglect. Whether you're starting a new partnership, hiring a subcontractor or finalising terms with a customer, you need a clear, written contract that protects both parties.
In this guide, we go through everything you need to know: what the contract should contain, common mistakes to avoid, and how digital contract management can save you hours every month. We also share a checklist and tips on how to streamline the whole contracting process.
Although oral contracts are legally valid in Sweden, in practice they are almost impossible to prove in a dispute. A written contract agreements between undertakings gives you:
According to a survey by Almi, more than 30 % of Swedish small businesses lack proper written agreements with their partners. This is a risk that can cost hundreds of thousands of kronor.
Whatever the industry, there are basic elements that should be included in every business contract. Here is a complete checklist:
Full name, organisation number, address and contact person of both companies. Also indicate who is authorised to sign the contract.
Describe clearly what the co-operation is about. The more specific you are, the fewer misunderstandings. What will be delivered? What services are included? What is included not?
Define what each party is responsible for. This could be deliverables, resources, staffing or technology. Be specific - ”reasonable endeavour” is not enough.
Specify the price, invoicing interval, payment terms (usually 30 days net) and any penalty interest. Also include conditions for price changes.
Decide on the start and end dates, any automatic renewal and the notice period. Tips: Start with short-term contracts (6-12 months) for new partnerships.
If you share business secrets, customer data or strategic information, the contract should include a confidentiality clause. Specify how long the confidentiality will last - even after the contract ends.
Decide how any disputes will be resolved: negotiation, mediation, arbitration or court. Also specify the applicable law (Swedish law) and the competent court.
A contingency clause (pandemic, natural disaster, war) that can affect delivery. Covid-19 showed that this clause is not just a formality.
| Checkpoint | Status |
|---|---|
| The parties' details are correct (company registration number, signatory) | ☐ |
| Purpose and deliverables are clearly defined | ☐ |
| Payment terms and prices indicated | ☐ |
| Contract duration and cancellation terms specified | ☐ |
| Secrecy clause included | ☐ |
| Limitations of liability defined | ☐ |
| Dispute resolution clause in place | ☐ |
| Force majeure clause included | ☐ |
| All annexes attached and referenced | ☐ |
| Legal review carried out (for large contracts) | ☐ |
We see the same mistakes over and over again. Avoid these:
Many companies still manage contracts in Word documents and emails. But there is a better way. Here's how traditional contract management differs from a digital contract management system:
| Function | Paper / Word / E-mail | Digital contract management |
|---|---|---|
| Creating agreements | Manually in Word, copy-paste | Templates with pre-filled fields |
| Version management | File name as ”agreement_v3_FINAL_2.docx” | Automatic version history |
| Signing | Print, sign, scan, email | Digital signing with BankID |
| Storage | Scattered in emails, folders, binders | Central contract database with search function |
| Reminders | Manual calendar notes (maybe) | Automatic reminders for renewal |
| Overview of the programme | None - you hope for the best | Dashboard with all contracts and status |
| Time spent per contract | 30-60 minutes | 5-15 minutes |
Boomr Contract is built for Swedish companies that want full control over their contracts - without hassle. The system lets you:
Med Boomr Contract you avoid the fragmented process of Word files, email chains and paper files. Everything is in one place - and you get a clear overview of the entire contract cycle.
Whether you use templates or write from scratch, follow these principles:
A business-to-business contract should include the details of the parties, the purpose of the contract, responsibilities and obligations, payment terms, confidentiality clause, duration of the contract, cancellation terms and dispute resolution. Depending on the sector, you may also need clauses on intellectual property rights, force majeure and limitation of liability.
Legally, oral contracts are valid in Sweden, but they are very difficult to prove in case of dispute. Written contracts are always recommended between companies to protect both parties and clarify the terms.
It depends on the nature of the co-operation. Start with short-term contracts (6-12 months) with the possibility of extension. This gives you flexibility and the opportunity to evaluate the co-operation before making a long-term commitment.
Digital contract management means creating, storing, signing and monitoring contracts digitally instead of on paper. With a tool like Boomr Contract you get automatic reminders, version management and full traceability - without manual labour.
Yes, if the contract contains a cancellation clause. Without one, the Contract Act applies and you can cancel the contract in case of material breach. Always include clear cancellation terms so that both parties know what applies.
A well-written agreements between undertakings protect your business, prevent conflicts and create clarity in collaborations. Key points to take away:
Ready to take control of your business contracts? Testa Boomr Contract and bring all your contracts together in one place - with digital signing, automatic reminders and full visibility.
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