Business Owners & Advisers: HMRC’s Data Collection Is Being Felt
Now in effect from the 2025–2026 tax year HMRC has fundamentally changed how it collects and uses taxpayer data which means more granular data, cross-matching, earlier risk identification and more targeted investigations. HMRC says the objective is to improve data quality, support compliance and create a more resilient tax system. That may be true but from […]
Broader regulatory trends to watch
Why compliance a board-level issue Beyond high profile investigations and prosecutions, several quieter regulatory developments are reshaping what good governance looks like in practice. Cyber security, data protection and corporate reporting are increasingly intersecting with traditional regulatory law, creating new expectations for boards and senior leadership teams, becoming part of mainstream risk oversight. What’s developing […]
HSE prosecutions and enforcement trends
What recent cases tell us about regulator priorities Recent Health and Safety Executive prosecution summaries continue to show a familiar pattern. Serious injuries and fatalities are still being linked to failures in basic safety controls rather than complex or unforeseeable events. For businesses, these cases are a reminder that enforcement is not focused on rare […]
2026 Regulatory Reform
The compliance areas businesses should not ignore this year Regulatory change in 2026 is not arriving as one single reform, but as a series of shifts that together raise the bar on compliance expectations. Health and safety, building safety, mental health, asbestos and fire risk are all moving from guidance-heavy territory into practical, enforceable obligations. […]
Building Safety Regulator acknowledges new independence
What this means for property and construction responsibilities As of 27 January 2026, the Building Safety Regulator now operates as a standalone body, separate from the Health and Safety Executive. While the Building Safety Act itself is not new, this is an important move for building safety enforcement. For businesses with property portfolios, projects or […]
Community outrage over chemical contamination in North Yorkshire
Why environmental enforcement is back in sharp focus Concerns raised by residents in Bentham, North Yorkshire, over alleged PFAS contamination have triggered an ongoing investigation by the Environment Agency into possible environmental permit breaches. PFAS, often referred to as forever chemicals, are known for their persistence in soil and water and their potential long-term health […]
UK regulator launches probe into deepfake AI content
What this means for businesses using AI Artificial intelligence is no longer sitting in a regulatory grey area. This month, Britain’s media regulator opened a formal investigation into X (formerly Twitter) over the hosting of AI-generated sexual imagery. The investigation relies on new criminal offences introduced under recent online safety legislation and marks one of […]
A Guide to Businesses’ Rights in Criminal Investigations
Businesses, like individuals, have the right to access criminal justice services when they are victims of crimes. Recognising and exercising these rights is vital; it allows organisations to receive the necessary support while assisting an underfunded police force and prosecution service with their essential work. The Victims’ Code The Victims’ Code provides a set of […]
New Fire Safety Rules April 2026
New fire safety rules will come into force in England on 6 April 2026, introducing Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for qualifying residential buildings. These duties are expected to affect multi-occupied residential properties that: Property owners and those with legal responsibility for building safety, including Responsible Persons, landlords, freeholders and managing agents will need to review their […]
Capping Costs in UK Judicial Review Proceedings – A Practical Guide
Judicial Review is a vital mechanism in the UK for holding public bodies accountable however bringing a claim can be expensive and financially risky. To reduce this barrier to justice, the courts have the power to grant a Judicial Review Costs Capping Order (JRCCO) which limits a party’s exposure to legal costs. This article explains what JRCCOs […]