Introduction

The UK is one of the world's leading innovators, coming fourth out of 132 countries, according to WIPO's 2023 Global Innovation Index (GII) and second in terms of intangible assets and trademarks by origin. The UK also contains some of the most intensive science and technology clusters in the world, through analysis of patent-filing activity and scientific publications documenting geographies with the highest densities of inventors and scientific authors. As Europe's second largest economy by GDP and sixth largest globally, the UK is a highly attractive place for investors.

However, navigating the UK’s legal and regulatory hurdles can be complex and requires both knowledge and understanding of our internationally recognised and respected legal system.

Our guide provides insight into the requirements, regulations and challenges of the UK market. An overview of what you need to address to establish and/or operate a business in the UK. Topics include business structure, taxes, IP, immigration, employment, data privacy and ESG.

This guide is a snapshot of the key legal requirements and aspects of its subject matter and is not intended, nor should it be relied upon, as comprehensive. It addresses the key legal requirements of doing business in England and Wales only. The laws of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland may differ in certain aspects.

This guide reflects the legal position as of October 2024 and will not reflect any changes to the information it covers after this time.

Note: In this guide we frequently refer to common law and statute. Common law is made by judges and developed through the principle of binding precedent and the decisions of the courts. Statute is created by Parliament through legislation. The position in the UK contrasts with civil law jurisdictions in which the primary sources of law are found in codes in which core principles are established. English common law is used in jurisdictions across the world and creates a predictable, consistent body of law.