(a) That's correct. Legally, there is no distinction between the person operating as a sole trader and their business. From the point of view of the law, they are one and the same thing. All the legal rights and liabilities acquired in the course of a sole trader's business accrue directly to the owner of that business.

By definition, a sole trader cannot share the ownership or liabilities of their business with another person. If that is what business operators wish to do, they will need to choose a different structure, such as a partnership or joint venture.

As a sole trader, Edward will be personally liable for all the business obligations that he incurs.