United Kingdom: Corporate/Commercial Law

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?

From 6 April 2027, most unused pension funds and pension death benefits will fall within the value of a person’s estate after they have died, for Inheritance Tax purposes. The total value of an estate will, therefore, increase to include these.

Frasers Group's acquisition of Harvey Nichols for £43.3 million has sparked controversy as creditors face significant losses, while Victoria Beckham's fashion empire achieves its first-ever profit after years of financial struggle. Meanwhile, China's luxury market shows signs of weakening recovery amid tax pressures and economic uncertainty, raising questions about the future of global luxury growth.

The Institutional Limited Partners Association has released draft guidance that significantly expands disclosure requirements and governance standards for continuation vehicle transactions in private capital markets.

Business owners in Lancashire are increasingly planning their exits earlier than ever before, driven by a shift in mindset that views businesses as strategic investments rather than lifelong ventures. This trend is reshaping the regional M&A landscape and influencing buy-and-build strategies across the North West.

A High Court ruling has determined that the Solicitors Regulation Authority cannot compel production of legally privileged documents under section 44B of the Solicitors Act 1974, fundamentally limiting the regulator's investigative powers. The decision raises critical questions about the scope of regulatory investigations when client privilege is asserted, particularly in cases involving third-party complaints where the firm and client's interests align.

The Security Industry Authority has published a significant update on the implementation of Martyn's Law, providing crucial details on compliance templates, scope assessments, and the forthcoming notification portal. With the legislation expected to come into force in spring 2027, organisations must now turn their attention from understanding the requirements to preparing for practical compliance and regulatory oversight.

This comprehensive regulatory update examines critical developments affecting legal professionals, from the landmark determination of the SRA's investigative powers under Section 44B to proposed reforms in costs dispute resolution and compliance officer roles. The analysis explores how recent court decisions, regulatory changes, and industry proposals are reshaping the landscape of legal practice management and professional liability.

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.

Sam Tidswell-Norrish, Partner at Access Holdings, shares his journey from founding team member at Motive Partners to leading fundraising and investor relations across London, Baltimore and New York. With extensive experience in alternative investments and financial technology, he discusses building strong investor relationships, supporting portfolio growth, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people rather than treating your career as a single player game.

The latest Investing in Women Code Annual Report 2026 reveals significant progress in funding access for female entrepreneurs, with signatories directing 32% of venture capital to teams with at least one female founder—more than double the wider market rate. While women-led businesses now achieve equal loan approval rates to male-led businesses, they still apply less frequently and request smaller amounts, highlighting persistent gaps in funding confidence and scale.