Regulatory Reform

UK Government Initiatives Successive UK Governments over the last 25 years have attempted to cut “red tape” and the regulatory burden on businesses. The initiative has sought to remove or simplify unnecessary licensing requirements and facilitate business generally. Under these initiatives, government departments and bodies were obliged to review regulation and come up with proposals […]

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Licensing and Regulation in England and Wales

No Specific Licensing The vast majority of businesses do not require to be licensed. Generally, it is lawful to conduct a business either in the UK or from Ireland into the UK without a licence unless there is a specific licensing or regulatory scheme in place. Even where there is licensing or regulation in place […]

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Environmental Law Compliance

Permits and Licences Environmental legislation in England and Wales is broadly similar to that which applies in Ireland.   Much of the legislation has a common European Union origin. Environmental legislation was reformed and streamlined in April 2008.  Existing pollution prevention and control permits and waste management licences automatically became  “environmental permits” on that date. Environmental […]

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Harmonised EU Standards

The approach of EU Law   The European Union has harmonised product standards across numerous areas in order to facilitate free movement of goods throughout the EU.   Numerous Directives have been made at EU level which has become law in England and Wales setting out the minimum standards for products and goods over the last […]

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Some Regulatory bodies

The Bar Standards Board is the regulatory body for barristers. It was established in January 2006 by the Bar Council to separate the regulatory and representative functions previously carried out by the Bar Council. It sets standards and publishes a code of conduct. It operates a complaints and disciplinary mechanism. The Charity Commissioners are the […]

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European Union Harmonisation

Overview European Union law is of assistance in facilitating Irish businesses in trading with and providing services into the UK. See our separate guides in relation to using European Union legislation to trade. This legislation has gone very far to harmonise rules in relation to standards for goods and services. EU law provides a general […]

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