The UK Market: A legal guide for business entry & growth
Regulatory compliance
In today's regulated environment in the UK, businesses face increasing pressure to comply with increasingly complex trading, health and safety, and environmental legislation and avoid serious consequences from regulators (such as the Serious Fraud Office, Competition and Markets Authority, Health and Safety Executive, Advertising Standards Authority, Environment Agency, and Trading Standards).
Product liability and safety: businesses involved in product supply chains in the UK can be liable for damage caused by defective goods as a consequence of the strict liability regime established by the Consumer Protection Act 1987.In addition, the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 require all products to be safe for their normal or reasonably foreseeable usage. There are also specific regulations for some product sectors, which set out additional requirements. Manufacturers and importers placing products on the UK market need to demonstrate that they comply with relevant safety requirements.
Product labelling and packaging: labels much not be misleading about matters such as quantity or size, the price, where the product was made, what it’s made from or what it can do. There are also special product labelling rules for some products, and also for retailers.
Product marketing: separate regulations apply when advertising products to businesses and to consumers. As well as being accurate and honest, businesses must not make misleading comparisons with competitors. There are also 2 advertising codes of practice that describe how businesses should advertise (covering both broadcast media, such as TV and radio, and non-broadcast media /direct marketing). The rules are enforced by the Advertising Standards Authority .
Health and safety: in addition to the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, there are various other regulations which place more specific obligations on employers in the UK (for example, in relation to manual handling activities or fire safety).
Environmental: there are serious consequences if businesses fail to meet legal environmental obligations, permit requirements or waste packaging obligations. Businesses may have to pay both financial penalties and remedial costs.
For more information, see our Green Claims Outlook 2025 report.
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.