UK Knowledge Collection | What to expect in 2026
Published on 9th January 2026
Welcome to this week's Knowledge Collection
The new year promises significant changes for business in a number of areas, including AI governance across sectors, transparency and reporting expansions, consumer protection enforcement, employment law reform and tax rule overhauls. Our Knowledge Lawyers have identified key legal developments that will shape business operations in 2026.
England's real estate market will be profoundly influenced by reforms to landlord and tenant legislation, building safety, property transparency and planning systems, with residential sector changes through renters' rights legislation and leasehold ownership reform. Our property, construction and planning experts explore the changes in more depth in this Insight, and our in-person construction event, later this month, will round up recent case law, legislation and industry news.
A busy regulatory agenda is also expected this year for advertising and marketing in Europe, discussed in our Marketinglaw update.
Next week, our in-person event in London will consider the impact that business engagement and the building of relationships with digital regulators in the UK can have on enforcement risk. Later in the month, our digital regulation experts host a webinar on the EU's Digital Omnibus, with a focus on AI and data privacy.
Recent Insights
What business law changes can the UK expect in 2026?
A look at the most significant judgments, new legislation and shifts in regulatory approaches expected this year.
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What does 2026 hold for the real estate sector in England?
Major changes are set to reshape commercial and residential real estate in 2026, affecting commercial and residential landlords and tenants, developers and investors.
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Employment Law Coffee Break
How to prepare for the changes coming in April 2026 and further reforms, and an important Employment Appeal Tribunal case on collective redundancy consultation obligations.
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ESG Knowledge Update
Our monthly round-up of legal and regulatory developments in the EU, UK and internationally.
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Marketinglaw
What European marketing and advertising law developments to expect in 2026, alongside recent regulatory updates and ASA rulings.
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Events
Engagement over enforcement: interacting with regulators to reduce legal risk
14 January | One London Wall | 09:30-12:00
A panel of senior representatives from the ICO, CMA, Ofcom and UK Finance will give their insights on regulatory priorities on digital regulation, methods of engagement, and their approach to enforcement.
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Behind the screens: Osborne Clarke's media law update
20 January | One London Wall | 09:30-14:00
The principal legal and commercial developments over the past year for the media and entertainment industry.
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Understanding rights to light: what property professionals need to know
22 January | 09:30-10:30
A webinar exploring the fundamentals of rights to light, managing the commercial risks, and legal routes to light protection.
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Digital regulation: a spotlight on the Digital Omnibus Directive
28 January | 14:00-15:00
Our international panel consider the proposed Digital Omnibus with a particular focus on AI, GDPR, e-Privacy and data.
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Construction review of the year
29 January | One London Wall | 08:30-11:30
Practical, case-based updates on key dispute themes and an interactive workshop on applying lessons to live projects, with networking breakfast.
Register now >
