For the purposes of this Q&A we have assumed this is an otherwise enforceable business to business commercial contract with an effective date which is retrospective from the actual date. We also assume that such document is a simple contract and not a deed, and that no specific laws or legislation apply to the specific subject matter of the contract.
The date on which an agreement is intended to take effect can be different to the date on which it is signed. Unless otherwise provided, an agreement takes effect once signed by all parties. If the effective date is not the date on which the document is signed by all the parties this should be made clear in the agreement itself in a separate commencement clause. See the Drafting Notes to Precedent: Commencement and term clause and Practice Note: Executing documents—deeds and simple contracts for more information.
Consideration too should be given to the general