The UK Market: A legal guide for business entry & growth
UK banking and finance
Unlocking opportunities
The UK finance market has a robust financial infrastructure and extensive asset base. This offers diverse opportunities for inward investment. Your approach to financing will largely depend on the type of asset or business you’re acquiring or financing.
Why invest in the UK?
You might be looking to:
- Secure real estate financing: Combining acquisition and development funding.
- Raise corporate debt: Using term loans, revolving credit facilities or cross-border facilities to build financial strength.
- Fund major projects: Across energy, infrastructure or industrial projects in the UK.
- Access acquisition or leveraged finance: For business buyouts or expansion
ESG at the front and centre of UK finance
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors continue to shape the UK finance landscape.
Investors, issuers and borrowers are turning to green, social and sustainability-linked loans and bonds. New instruments – like biodiversity-linked bonds and nature-based financing solutions – are also gaining ground. These products allow you to deliver positive change through your funding choices.
Choosing the right funding arrangement
Every business is different. It’s essential to weigh up which funding arrangement and related commercial terms best fit your business goals.
That means understanding the full lifecycle of a finance transaction, from deal structuring and due diligence to legal documentation and completion. A combination of domestic laws, European legislation and common law principles shape finance transactions in the UK. Familiarity with the wide-ranging legal and regulatory requirements is crucial for a smooth transaction.
Navigating the legal landscape
Beyond general contract law, finance arrangements in the UK are influenced by several legal and sector-specific regulations, which vary depending on the type of financing involved. For example, clean energy, real estate and national security considerations all introduce specific legal requirements.
One key piece of legislation is the National Security and Investment Act 2021 (NSIA), which gives the UK Government powers to scrutinise and intervene in acquisitions (including land, entities and assets) and investments to protect national security across the whole of the UK. The legislation applies to both domestic and overseas investors and covers a wide range of sectors. If your transaction falls within the scope of the NSIA you’ll need to factor in the potential impact on timing and structure. There are also jurisdictional differences in the UK finance market. Scotland, for example, has its own security regime. It’s, therefore, crucial to identify any distinct legal requirements early on and understand how they may affect your transaction.
How we can help: We’re here to help you navigate the complexity. Our finance teams cover the whole of the UK, including Scotland and Northern Ireland, so you get relevant, joined-up advice wherever your deal takes you.
Key contacts
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.