Goal Ltd is a property development company. Before its incorporation 12 months ago, its business was carried out by Hope, as a sole trader. On the formation of Goal Ltd, Hope expanded the business by asking three of his business contacts to supply additional capital in return for which they, together with Hope, became its directors. Although never formally appointed, Hope took the role and title of chief executive and the other directors left the day-to-day running of the business to him and were happy simply to receive feedback from him at board meetings.Six months ago Hope entered into a contract, on Goal Ltd’s behalf, with Ima to produce plans for the redevelopment of a particular site that it hoped to acquire. However, Goal Ltd did not acquire the site and due to its current precarious financial position and their fear of potential losses, the board of directors has refused to pay Ima, claiming that Hope did not have the necessary authority to enter into the contract with her.Required:Analyse the situation with regard to the authority of Hope to make contracts on behalf of Goal Ltd, and, in particular, advise the board of directors of Goal Ltd if the company is liable on the contract with Ima. (10 marks)
