Business Regulation

The landscape in which businesses now operate is highly regulated. Health and safety and trading standards regulations affect almost every business. Property businesses, security businesses, transport businesses, entertainment businesses, financial services providers, food businesses and many other types of enterprise are subject to sector-specific regulation.

Many business activities require a licence, sometimes for both the business and for individual workers. Breach of the conditions of a licence, or other breach of regulations can bring investigation and action by local authority trading standards, planning, or housing departments; by the Health and Safety Executive; by the Environment Agency; or by a variety of other government bodies. Action can range from investigation, through civil or regulatory proceedings, to a criminal prosecution.

Members of Foundry Chambers advise and represent businesses and individuals on all aspects of business regulation. We assist businesses in developing compliance policies, and in conducting internal investigations. We represent individuals in applications for licences, in licence reviews, and in licensing appeals. We advise individuals and businesses who are under investigation for alleged breach of regulations. And we represent corporate and individual defendants in regulatory proceedings in civil and criminal courts. Some members of chambers are able to act on a direct access basis in appropriate cases.

Our members are frequently instructed in commercially sensitive cases. We appreciate that many cases involving action for alleged breach of regulations can lead to reputational damage. Many investigating and prosecuting agencies now combine regulatory action with restraint or confiscation proceedings. We have particular expertise in dealing with this aspect of regulatory enforcement.

Much of our members’ expertise derives from their experience in acting for the bodies charged with enforcing business regulation. To them, we offer counsel experienced in all areas of local authority work, as well as members with skills in health and safety, intellectual property, insolvency and other regulatory prosecutions and investigations.