UK Knowledge Collection | Regulatory Outlook, the EU's single market strategy, and FIRS
Published on 30th May 2025
Welcome to this week's Knowledge Collection
Our Regulatory Outlook explores what's coming up in 19 areas of business compliance. This month, it includes the UK's Data (Use and Access) Bill reaching the ping pong stage of its passage through Parliament, with amendments being sent back and forth between the Lords and the Commons, and provisions relating to AI being the most contentious. You can hear more about developments in data law at our data forums, in London and Bristol, next month.
Advertising restrictions relating to "less healthy" food and drink have been delayed again, as the government consults on draft secondary legislation. Our in-person advertising law update event takes place in our London office next month, and will cover this and other changes.
The European Commission has announced a new single market strategy, intended to improve investment and trade, and reduce barriers for smaller businesses in particular. Significant reforms are proposed, including for products regulation and data protection. Our Insight looks at the proposals, and the potential impact on the construction and life sciences sectors.
July will see the provisions for FIRS (the scheme requiring businesses to register arrangements in which foreign powers direct them to undertake certain activities in the UK) come into force under the National Security Act 2023. Our Insight looks in detail at the requirements and at what businesses should consider as the deadline approaches.
Recent Insights
Regulatory Outlook
A look at recent regulatory developments, including in ESG, health and safety, and consumer law.
Read more >
What can be learnt about the future of English collective action settlements from Walter Merricks v Mastercard?
The Competition Appeal Tribunal has set out its approach to calculating a litigation funder's return and provided useful guidance on making settlement approval applications.
Read more >
The Energy Transition | UK and EU reset relations and strike energy deal
As part of the UK government's pledge to reset its relationship with the European Union, it has reached a new agreement with the bloc.
Read more >
European Commission publishes new single market strategy to further develop the European market
The strategy identifies and aims to tackle the "terrible ten" most harmful barriers reported by businesses.
Read more >
UK government announces launch date, revised guidance and new secondary legislation for the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme
FIRS will come into force on 1 July 2025 and businesses should identify any arrangements that might require registration.
Read more >
Events
Eating Compliance for Breakfast | Spring webinar series
Tuesdays and Thursdays | 09:00-09:30
3 June: Is sustainability sustainable in the new world order?
5 June: What is the EU Omnibus Directive and how should business prepare for it?
10 June: Director accountability: the impact of corporate ethical non-compliance
12 June: Lessons from the Post Office scandal: ethics for compliance officers and in-house counsel
Register now >
Employee ownership trusts: insights and takeaways
3 June | 10:00-11:00
Becoming an employee ownership trust-owned company has many benefits, particularly when considering a future sale, but is not without complexities. This webinar will be of interest to owners looking to transition their company to an EOT structure as well as investors and companies interested in acquiring EOT-controlled businesses.
Register now >
Annual Data Forum
10 June | One London Wall | 08:30-13:00
17 June | Halo, Bristol | 13:30-18:00
Practical insights into some of this year's hot topics in data, including AI, data localisation, overlapping regulatory regimes and evolving cyber laws.
Register for London or Bristol
Unravelling the EHDS - what does it mean for health and life science companies?
12 June | 10:00-11:00
The webinar explores the complexities of the new European Health Data Space regulation and its implication on health and life sciences companies.
Register now >
Pensions Coffee Break
12 June | 11:00-11:30
Recent developments and what they mean for trustees and employers, including the upcoming Pension Schemes Bill, the government's pensions review, and consultation responses.
Register now >
The latest in advertising law changes so far in 2025
17 June | 09:00-11:00
Hear about the latest developments in advertising law, together with practical takeaways for your business's compliance programmes, including a summary of leading cases, regulator activities and law/code changes.
Register now >
