Regulatory enforcement can cause a great headache for many businesses. As a company owner you are expected to be compliant at all times and need to be prepared for any issues which may arise in relation to regulations and your obligations to your stakeholders. Ignorance is no defence and there could be occasions where you may run into difficulties. If you do, our regulatory enforcement team is extremely experienced in advising and representing individuals and businesses that are under investigation as well as offering advice on preventative measures to ensure that regulations are met.
Asbestos
The tightening of recent legislation in relation to the management of asbestos in property has meant new liabilities for businesses. As a business owner your obligation to consider Asbestos in your property, especially in respect of commercial properties, is now mandatory and risks criminal sanctions. Working closely with our Business Services Team, we offer advice and representation to those concerned about their obligations to avoid prosecution, as well as for those suspected or accused of breaching the regulations, including in investigatory interviews and enforcement action.
Health and Safety
No business can risk overlooking workplace health, safety and welfare obligations. If you have control of a workplace or public place you are liable to be scrutinised by either your Local Council Health and Safety Department or the Health and Safety Executive. There is a duty on the authorities to proactively investigate and take enforcement action in respect of potential health and safety breaches. Falling foul of the rules can be extremely serious. We are experts in this complex area of law, with experience in both Health and Safety planning and prevention and in defending or resisting regulatory enforcement action. This combination of experience allows us to represent and advise individuals and businesses across the region on a variety of Health and Safety related issues. This includes both preventative interventions and for those subject to investigation or prosecution, including in investigatory interviews, notice appeals and prosecutions.
Environment Agency
Failure to comply with environmental regulations is a serious business. It can lead to prosecution for breaches of environmental legislation for issues such as Hazardous Waste, Pollution and Environmental Permits. The Environment Agency, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) take a very strong approach to regulation and a negative outcome from an investigation can often be detrimental to a business’s reputation. We provide advice and representation to businesses and individuals throughout the investigation and regulation process, including in investigatory interviews, notice appeals and prosecutions. We aim to limit the damage to your business.
Planning Breaches
Whether you are involved in a small, local development or a major commercial operation, the process of dealing with alleged infringement of the planning regulations can be arduous and often demands specialist and early advice. We have considerable technical expertise in dealing with Enforcement procedures in relation to alleged breaches of the Planning rules and regulations. We conduct appeals against Enforcement Notices and Planning Enquiries and defend prosecutions for alleged breaches of Enforcement Notices, in the Magistrates' and Crown Court.
Other Agencies
Regulatory enforcement can be undertaken by a range of agencies including HM Revenue and Customs, UK Border Agency, Utility Companies, RSPCA and the Gangmasters Licensing Authority. If you come under agency investigation, we have extensive experience in dealing with investigations and enforcement actions by all of these agencies, both at the investigatory stage and in Court.
SERVICES FOR BUSINESSES
- Business Services
- Commercial Property
- Commercial Contracts
- Employment
- Regulatory Enforcement
- Business Crime
- Business Disputes
Meet the team
Matthew Graham
Parner and Head of Crime and Mental Health
DDT: 01225 400666