In this post, we examine the most critical legal developments affecting UK businesses in 2024 and how our expert team can support your organisation.
- Corporate Governance & Regulatory Compliance
UK businesses face increasing scrutiny from regulators, with a growing emphasis on:
Enhanced reporting requirements under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA) 2023.
Stricter anti-money laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) obligations
Sustainability disclosures under the UK’s Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR)
- How We Help: Our corporate compliance team conducts audits, policy reviews, and board training to ensure adherence to evolving regulations.
- AI, Data Protection & Cybersecurity Risks
With the UK GDPR and Data Protection and Digital Information Bill (DPDI) progressing, businesses must:
Strengthen cybersecurity frameworks to prevent breaches
Assess AI-driven decision-making for compliance risks
Update data processing agreements to reflect new requirements
How We Help: We provide data protection impact assessments (DPIAs), compliance strategies, and breach response planning to mitigate legal exposure.
- Employment Law & Workforce Management
Key employment law shifts impacting UK corporates include:
Updates to the UK Equality Act 2010 and workplace discrimination protections
Changes to flexible working rights under the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023
IR35 reforms and gig economy worker classification disputes*
How We Help: We assist with employment contracts, tribunal defence, and workforce restructuring to minimise legal risk.
- Commercial Contracts & Dispute Resolution
With rising commercial disputes, businesses must:
Review force majeure clauses amid geopolitical instability
Strengthen supply chain contracts to mitigate Brexit-related disruptions
Optimise arbitration clauses for faster, cost-effective dispute resolution
How We Help: Our commercial law team drafts robust contracts and represents clients in High Court litigation and ADR (alternative dispute resolution).
- Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and Corporate Transactions
The UK M&A market remains active, but deals face challenges such as:
Increased regulatory scrutiny under the National Security and Investment Act (NSIA) 2021
Due diligence complexities in cross-border transactions
Post-Brexit tax and structuring considerations
How We Help: We guide clients through deal structuring, due diligence, and regulatory filings to ensure smooth transactions.
- Intellectual Property & Innovation Protection
With the rise of AI-generated content and digital competition, businesses must:
Secure trademarks and patents in evolving tech sectors
Monitor IP infringement risks in global markets
Leverage licensing strategies for revenue growth
How We Help: Our IP specialists assist with registrations, enforcement, and commercialisation strategies.
Why Choose Advocate Legal Group for Your Corporate Legal Needs?
Sector-Specialised Lawyers – Deep expertise in finance, tech, retail, and more
Commercial Mindset – We align legal strategy with business objectives
Regulatory Foresight – Proactive advice on upcoming legal changes
Efficient Dispute Resolution – Protecting your interests in litigation and arbitration