The UK Market: A legal guide for business entry & growth
International trade
International trade: Strategic support for overseas investors
Following its exit from the European Union, the UK has developed its own international trade legal regime, including by formalising its own membership of the World Trade Organisation and entering into several preferential trade agreements. It is essential to be familiar with the UK’s new international trade law framework to ensure compliance and to benefit from preferential treatment under relevant agreements.
Sanctions and export controls restrict trade, finance and technology transfers with certain entities, individuals, or countries. The UK has its own sanctions and export control framework, and for investors entering the UK, these complex rules can create significant legal and commercial risks. Breaching sanctions and export control regulations can lead to serious civil and criminal penalties. If you are trading cross-border or investing in or establishing operations in sensitive sectors such as energy or defence, compliance with these regulations is essential at every stage.
The UK’s new preferential trade agreements include tariff preferences, market access benefits and investment protection mechanisms, all of which are potentially valuable for investors. Understanding the benefits available and how to access them is important to make the most of the UK’s new trade landscape.
Trade remedies are taxes imposed by the government to counteract harmful practices like dumping, subsidies or import surges that affect UK businesses. The measures aim to protect UK businesses from economic harm. It is important to be aware of trade remedies protections that may be available in the event that your business is harmed by an influx of cheap imports. Equally, if your business benefits from cheaper imports, it is important to be aware of additional tariffs that could be imposed, and which could affect your supply chain. It is possible to make submissions to the Trade Remedies Authority to support an argument that a remedy should or should not be imposed.
Changes to tariffs can have significant impacts on revenue and distribution strategy. In this time of increasing uncertainty around international trade, it is important to monitor changes to tariffs and ensure internal processes are up to speed on tariff schedules, rules of origin and compliance requirements. This helps you assess costs and structure supply chains effectively.
A legal guide for business entry & growth
The UK market guide
This guide provides an overview of the relevant legal considerations when setting up in the UK and explains how our expert team supports you throughout each stage of your expansion journey.
Structure & tax
Explore the best legal and tax structures for entering the UK market. Learn how to minimise risk, ensure compliance and choose the right setup - through subsidiaries, branches or joint ventures.
Commercial contracts
Understand how English contract law supports flexible, enforceable agreements. Discover key principles, common pitfalls and how we draft commercial contracts that protect your interests.
Regulatory Compliance
Understand the UK’s regulatory landscape and how it affects your business. This section covers key areas - helping you manage risk, meet legal obligations and operate confidently across sectors.
Banking & Finance
Navigate the UK’s dynamic finance landscape with expert guidance. Learn how to structure deals, access funding and leverage ESG-linked instruments to support long-term investment strategies.
Leasing Real Estate
Practical insights into UK leasing laws across jurisdictions. Understand registration, energy standards and tenant protections to make informed decisions when leasing in commercial property.
Employment & Pensions
Ensure compliance with UK employment law. Learn how to structure contracts, manage statutory rights while staying ahead of upcoming legal reforms and pension obligations.
Business Immigration
Explore UK immigration routes for business expansion. Understand visa options, sponsorship requirements and compliance risks to ensure smooth relocation and legal planning for personnel.
Data Protection
Stay compliant with UK GDPR and the new Data Use and Access Act. Learn how to manage personal data, lawful bases, international transfers and individual rights with confidence and clarity.
Intellectual Property
Protect and monetise your innovations with UK IP law. Explore patents, trade marks, copyright and design rights - learn how to enforce, license and leverage IP for commercial advantage.
Franchise Laws
Understand the legal framework for franchising in the UK. Learn how to structure agreements, manage IP, comply with competition law and support franchisees while protecting your brand and business.
International Trade
Navigate the UK’s post-Brexit trade landscape. Discover how to manage tariffs, export controls, and trade remedies to protect your supply chain and maximise global opportunities.