United Kingdom: Corporate/Commercial Law

The independent education sector is experiencing significant consolidation through mergers and acquisitions, raising critical questions about when schools should conduct due diligence. With budgets under pressure and governing bodies scrutinizing every resource commitment, moving directly into full transaction processes can prove costly if fundamental issues only emerge after substantial investment, making preliminary due diligence an increasingly attractive alternative.

A High Court decision demonstrates the judiciary's readiness to impose substantial costs orders against parties whose unreasonable conduct obstructs estate administration, particularly where charitable beneficiaries face prolonged delays in receiving their entitlements. The case involved a seven-year dispute over a residential property estate where persistent objections and meritless challenges prevented distribution, ultimately resulting in indemnity costs orders exceeding £148,000 against the obstruc

The Charity Commission's 2026 Risk Assessment reveals a troubling 67% increase in cases of charitable status abuse over two years, with generative AI now enabling sophisticated fraud in registration and grant applications. As public trust remains high but vulnerabilities grow, what governance measures can charities implement to protect against private benefit exploitation and technological threats?

Business owners preparing for a sale often focus on financials and operations, but uncertainty around share ownership, gaps in historic records, or complex share structures can quickly derail transactions. Buyers scrutinize corporate records during due diligence to verify ownership, rights, and restrictions—any inconsistencies can lead to delays, increased costs, and reduced deal value.

The global financing landscape has undergone a structural transformation as private credit has evolved from a niche institutional allocation to occupy a central position in leveraged finance. Capital solutions has emerged as one of its most dynamic sub-strategies, offering bespoke hybrid instruments at the intersection of debt and equity that serve critical functions in complex capital structures.

One of the first requests from any adviser approached in connection with an exit is to see a copy of the company’s business plan, but it is surprising how many SME’s do not have a prepared plan that is expressly formulated for exit.

The UK Pensions Regulator outlines expectations for DC schemes preparing for value for money and guided retirement reforms, while DB schemes should establish endgame objectives. Updates include draft pensions dashboards reporting standards for daily data submission and the Ombudsman's progress report on rising demand and future strategies.

The UK's regulatory framework for alternative investment fund managers is undergoing its most significant overhaul since AIFMD was transposed into UK law in 2013. This webinar explores the proposed new FCA sourcebook, size-based tiering system, and how these reforms will reshape day-to-day requirements for AIFMs while positioning the UK as a competitive financial center.

This collection showcases recent legal insights spanning national security investment screening, tax compliance obligations, maritime trade disruptions, cybersecurity developments, employment verification requirements, construction bond disputes, pension regulations, railway infrastructure strategy, and land registry transparency reforms.

Portugal’s rise as one of the world’s most sought after property destination has been remarkable. Once viewed as one of Europe’s quieter markets, it is now firmly on the radar of international investors seeking both lifestyle and long-term value. From Lisbon’s cultural revival to the Algarve’s enduring appeal, Portugal’s property market continues to attract buyers looking for more than just a second home.

European defence technology start-ups secured a record $8.7bn in venture capital during 2025, creating unprecedented challenges in talent retention and incentive design.

What would it take for Britain to build its first trillion-dollar company and ensure the benefits of its success are shared more widely? This episode explores the ambition, capital and talent needed to turn promising British start-ups into global companies that stay and grow in the UK, examining how policy changes could help close the country's scale-up gap.