Search results

Green claims update: October 2024

Published on 31 Oct 2024. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Telecoms Sector Lead and Ciara Cullen, Partner, Retail & Consumer Sector Lead and Hettie Homewood , Senior Associate and Sophie Tuson, Senior Associate, Environment and Climate Change Practice Lead

Welcome to our round-up of the key legal and regulatory developments relating to green claims.

Seeing the wood for the trees: preparing for new deforestation due diligence rules in the UK and EU

Published on 24 Oct 2024. By Sophie Tuson, Senior Associate, Environment and Climate Change Practice Lead

The insurance of systemic risks (Trevor Maynard)

Published on 23 Oct 2024.

Welcome to Insurance Covered, the podcast that covers everything insurance. In this episode Peter is joined by Trevor Maynard, Senior Insurance Advisor at Insurtech Sotera and Vice Chair and Executive Director at Cambridge Centre for Risk Studies. In this episode they discuss systemic risks.

Navigating retail's sustainable revolution as ESG shapes the industry's future

Published on 02 Oct 2024. By Kimberley Nanson, Senior Communications Manager and Caroline Copland, Head of Marketing Communications

As the retail regulatory landscape continues to develop at pace and affordability and sustainability remain important for consumers, ESG poses a variety of opportunities and challenges for those in the retail and consumer market.

Sustainability and insurance (with Rachel Delhaise)

Published on 01 Oct 2024.

Welcome to Insurance Covered, the podcast that covers everything insurance. In this episode Peter is joined by Rachel Delhaise, Head of Sustainability at Convex Insurance. In this episode they discuss her role as Head of Sustainability and what that means for insurance.

Green claims update: September 2024

Published on 26 Sep 2024. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Telecoms Sector Lead and Ciara Cullen, Partner, Retail & Consumer Sector Lead and Hettie Homewood , Senior Associate and Sophie Tuson, Senior Associate, Environment and Climate Change Practice Lead

Welcome to our round-up of the key legal and regulatory developments relating to green claims.

Navigating the ISSB’s sustainability disclosure standards: practical insights

Published on 26 Sep 2024. By Sophie Tuson, Senior Associate, Environment and Climate Change Practice Lead and Connor Cahalane, Partner, Head of Public Companies

The global sustainability reporting landscape is evolving fast. In 2025, the UK government will consult on new sustainability reporting standards for large and listed companies based on the ISSB’s sustainability disclosure standards.

Staying green and true: navigating the new FCA anti-greenwashing rule

Published on 30 Aug 2024. By Mike Newham, Partner and Sophie Tuson, Senior Associate, Environment and Climate Change Practice Lead and Catherine Zakarias-Welch, Knowledge Lawyer

In an era where sustainability is now firmly on the investor agenda and under increasing scrutiny, the FCA has recently introduced a new 'anti-greenwashing' rule to prevent firms from exaggerating the green or social credentials of their products and services. The implications of the new rule are significant, with the risk of regulatory action and civil claims for non-compliance. Against this backdrop, IR professionals can play a key role in helping ensure transparency with investors, raising the firm's profile in the sustainability space and mitigating legal risk.

Green claims update: July 2024

Published on 31 Jul 2024. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Telecoms Sector Lead and Ciara Cullen, Partner, Retail & Consumer Sector Lead and Hettie Homewood , Senior Associate and Sophie Tuson, Senior Associate, Environment and Climate Change Practice Lead

Welcome to our round-up of the key legal and regulatory developments relating to green claims.

The EU's Green Claims Directive

Published on 24 Jul 2024. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Telecoms Sector Lead and Ciara Cullen, Partner, Retail & Consumer Sector Lead and Hettie Homewood , Senior Associate and Sophie Tuson, Senior Associate, Environment and Climate Change Practice Lead

The EU's proposed Green Claims Directive (GCD) sets out expansive new rules for companies making green claims in the EU.

The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive expert briefing

Published on 08 Jul 2024. By Sophie Tuson, Senior Associate, Environment and Climate Change Practice Lead and Thomas Jenkins, Of Counsel and Sarah Barrie, Associate and Eve Matthews, Associate

The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) was adopted on 24 May 2024 and was published in the Official Journal of the EU on 5 July. It entered into force on 26 July, and will apply to companies from 26 July 2028.

Green claims update: June 2024

Published on 02 Jul 2024. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Telecoms Sector Lead and Ciara Cullen, Partner, Retail & Consumer Sector Lead and Hettie Homewood , Senior Associate and Sophie Tuson, Senior Associate, Environment and Climate Change Practice Lead

Welcome to our round-up of the key legal and regulatory developments relating to green claims.

Environmental sustainability: a snapshot of a changing regulatory landscape

Published on 01 Jul 2024. By Sophie Tuson, Senior Associate, Environment and Climate Change Practice Lead

Sophie Tuson charts the key legal developments in the UK and EU across the product lifecycle and flags practical considerations for businesses.

Regulatory Radar - January 2024

Published on 08 Jan 2024. By Gavin Reese, Partner, Head of Regulatory

Hello and welcome to the January 2024 edition of RPC’s bi-annual Regulatory radar – a guide to the key regulatory changes worth having on your radar. We hope this will be a useful resource, helping you scan the regulatory horizon and highlight changes that could impact your business.

Context is everything – key takeaways on green claims from the CMA's recent consumer law conference

Published on 18 Jul 2023. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Telecoms Sector Lead and Hettie Homewood , Senior Associate and Praveeta Thayalan, Knowledge Lawyer

On 28 June 2023, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) held a highly anticipated conference on consumer law and enforcement. RPC's Senior Partner Oliver Bray was invited to speak on green claims alongside a stellar panel comprising Anna Jewitt (CMA), Justine Grimley (Advertising Standards Authority (ASA)), Tim Rowe (Financial Conduct Authority), and Rupert Earle (Bates Wells).

Climate-related financial disclosures: what companies and LLPs need to know about the UK's new mandatory rules

Published on 10 May 2022.

The UK's new climate-related financial disclosures: mandatory requirements to come clean

How to comply with the FCA's new diversity and inclusion targets for listed companies

Published on 05 May 2022. By Connor Cahalane, Partner, Head of Public Companies and Karen Hendy, Partner, Head of Corporate

The FCA has finalised its new rules on diversity and inclusion on listed company boards and executive committees. The rules, which are set out in the FCA's policy paper PS22/3: Diversity and inclusion on company boards and executive management, are substantially in line with the proposals set out in the FCA's consultation paper CP 21/24. In scope listed companies are required to include a statement in their annual financial report on whether they have met specific board diversity targets on a ‘comply or explain’ basis, as at a chosen reference date within their accounting period.

A look at climate insurance (With Richard Matsui)

Published on 20 Apr 2022.

Welcome to Insurance Covered, the podcast that covers everything insurance. In this episode Peter is joined by Richard Matsui, Co-founder of kWh Analytics, and they will be discussing the insurance of renewable energy sources with a particular focus on solar power.

'Big Plastic' is an emerging climate risk and a ticking time-bomb for litigation

Published on 14 Apr 2022. By Lucy Dyson , Partner

The tangible commitment to plastics regulation and action will likely trigger a new wave of plastics-related litigation.

Insurers need their own Hippocratic Oath

Published on 22 Mar 2022. By Simon Laird, Partner, Insurance Sector Lead and Peter Mansfield, Partner

Does insurance have a role to play in setting the ethical standard for corporate ESG and promoting a ‘do no harm’ philosophy?"

Shell directors facing potential UK ESG shareholder derivative lawsuit

Published on 18 Mar 2022. By James Wickes, Partner

In the wake of COP26, more focus than ever is being given to the climate risks which apply to every aspect of business. Scrutiny of a company's climate awareness and adherence to applicable regulation is at the forefront of minds of companies' stakeholders.

ESG claims in the banking and financial markets Sector: will "greenwashing" claims soon be common in the UK?

Published on 14 Feb 2022. By Chris Ross, Partner

Environmental, Social and Governance "ESG" funds are an attractive avenue for investors seeking responsible investment choices.

A look at sustainable insurance (a podcast with Julian Richardson)

Published on 20 Jan 2022.

Welcome to Insurance Covered, the podcast that covers everything insurance. In this episode Peter is joined by Julian Richardson, CEO of Parhelion Underwriting and our topic for this episode is sustainable insurance.

A look at Flood Re (a podcast with Andy Bord)

Published on 22 Dec 2021.

Welcome to Insurance Covered, the podcast that covers everything insurance. In this episode Peter is joined by Andy Bord, CEO of Flood Re, a specialist UK reinsurer of flood risks. In this episode we will be discussing all things Flood Re.

Lloyd's' focus on a more sustainable future

Published on 07 Dec 2021. By Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

Lloyd's published its first Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report at the end of last year and while this is a fairly new focus area for Lloyd's it noted that: a) in its history it has a long record of contributing to communities and helping them to recover from disaster; and b) the role that insurance plays in protecting society and supporting global economic growth.

The rise of ESG finance

Published on 01 Oct 2021. By Sukh Ahark, Partner, Co-head of India Practice

ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) finance remains a hot topic and continues to grow rapidly, with Bloomberg predicting the $2.2 trillion ESG debt market to hit $11 trillion by 2025, based on the rate of growth during the past five years.

What if the CEO asks me... about ESG-linked financing facilities

Published on 28 Sep 2021. By Edward Colville, Partner and Sukh Ahark, Partner, Co-head of India Practice

As focus moves from short term lockdown liquidity on to longer term financing needs, loan facilities linked to ESG and sustainability targets are back in the news.

Balance on the board: Eight things UK PLCs need to know about the FCA's diversity targets

Published on 27 Sep 2021. By Karen Hendy, Partner, Head of Corporate and Connor Cahalane, Partner, Head of Public Companies

The Financial Conduct Authority's proposals will mean UK listed companies need to disclose whether their boards and senior management teams meet new gender and ethnic diversity targets.

FCA set to expand climate-related reporting rules

Published on 17 May 2021. By James Parsons, Associate

The FCA has revealed it will consult on plans to require asset managers, life insurers and FCA-regulated pension schemes to meet climate-related disclosure rules. In doing so, the FCA is expanding the scope of firms required to report on climate-related risks in accordance with the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD).

Time for public companies to come clean: New UK climate-related disclosures and ESG guidance

Published on 03 Feb 2021. By Connor Cahalane, Partner, Head of Public Companies

Companies listed on the London Stock Exchange's Main Market will need to include a statement in their annual report confirming if they have made climate-related disclosures consistent with the recommendations of Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). Companies planning to IPO, or move from AIM to the Main Market, are also affected by these new Listing Rules.

Challenging HMRC's Debt Management Actions - Lessons Learned from Local Fuel Ltd

Published on 08 May 2025. By Michelle Sloane, Partner and Daniel Williams, Associate

Michelle Sloane and Daniel Williams consider when a private law action, rather than judicial review, is appropriate to challenge a decision taken by HMRC's debt management team.

Tax Bites - May 2025

Published on 01 May 2025. By Adam Craggs, Partner and Daniel Williams, Associate

Welcome to the latest edition of RPC's Tax Bites – providing monthly bite-sized updates from the tax world.

Tribunal allows capital allowances claim for expenditure on construction of a quay wall at the Port of Liverpool 

Published on 01 May 2025. By Jasprit Singh, Senior Associate

In The Mersey Docks and Harbour Company Ltd v HMRC [2024] UKFTT 1163 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal allowed the company's claim for capital allowances in respect of expenditure incurred on the construction of a quay wall at a new deep-water container terminal at the Port of Liverpool.

Taxing Matters: Tax risk for professionals and professional businesses with Thomas Slipanczewski, Associate Director at Deloitte

Published on 29 Apr 2025.

In this episode of Taxing Matters, Senior Associate and Taxing Matters host, Alexis Armitage is joined by Thomas Slipanczewski, who is an Associate Director at Deloitte in their tax controversy team, to discuss task risk for regulated professionals and professional businesses.

HMRC Landfill Tax Crackdown

Published on 28 Apr 2025. By Michelle Sloane, Partner and Daniel Williams, Associate

In recent years, HMRC has markedly increased its compliance activity in relation to Landfill Tax and it is therefore important that businesses operating in this area are aware of common issues that are triggering time-consuming tax enquiries, subsequent disputes and litigation.

Criminal Offences and Prosecutions for Tax Fraud

Published on 24 Apr 2025. By Adam Craggs, Partner and Daniel Williams, Associate

Adam Craggs and Daniel Williams consider HMRC's approach to investigation and prosecution of various tax fraud offences, and deferred prosecution agreements and unexplained wealth orders.

V@ update - April 2025

Published on 23 Apr 2025. By Adam Craggs, Partner and Jasprit Singh, Senior Associate

Welcome to the April 2025 edition of RPC's V@, our monthly update which provides news and analysis from the VAT world.

Court of Appeal confirms that compensatory payments made to settle regulatory investigations are not penalties

Published on 10 Apr 2025. By Daniel Williams, Associate

In ScottishPower (SCPL) Ltd and others v HMRC [2025] EWCA Civ 3, the Court of Appeal held that compensatory payments made to consumers in settlement of regulatory investigations were not penalties and therefore were deductible for corporation tax purposes.

Business Briefing: Navigating The New US-UK Trade Tariffs

Published on 07 Apr 2025. By Michelle Sloane, Partner and Liam McKay, Of Counsel

The Trump administration has introduced sweeping tariffs on goods imported into the United States. This move is expected to cause significant disruption to global trade, with notable consequences for UK businesses. As the ripple effects unfold, understanding the scope of the tariffs and how to respond strategically will be crucial for UK businesses looking to protect their margins, adapt their operations, and plan confidently for the future.

UT allows company's appeal as payment to EBT was not earnings of its employee

Published on 03 Apr 2025. By Tom Holden, Associate

In M R Currell Ltd v HMRC [2024] UKUT 00404, the Upper Tribunal set aside the First-tier Tribunal's decision and held that a payment from a company to an employee benefit trust was not taxable earnings as the facts were distinguishable from those in RFC 2012 plc (formerly The Rangers Football Club plc) v Advocate General for Scotland [2017] UKSC 45.

Tax Bites: April 2025

Published on 01 Apr 2025. By Adam Craggs, Partner and Daniel Williams, Associate

Welcome to the latest edition of RPC's Tax Bites – providing monthly bite-sized updates from the tax world.

Judicial review in tax disputes – an overview

Published on 27 Mar 2025. By Adam Craggs, Partner and Liam McKay, Of Counsel

Judicial review remains an important tool for taxpayers to challenge HMRC's decisions, and it is important for taxpayers and practitioners to have a clear understanding of the judicial review process.

V@ update - March 2025

Published on 26 Mar 2025. By Adam Craggs, Partner and Jasprit Singh, Senior Associate

Welcome to the March 2025 edition of RPC's V@, our monthly update which provides news and analysis from the VAT world.

Taxing Matters: Navigating the human side of tax disputes with Mark Bevington of ADE Tax

Published on 26 Mar 2025.

In our latest episode of RPC's Taxing Matters, podcast host and Senior Associate, Alexis Armitage, is joined by Mark Bevington managing principal and founder of ADE Tax.

Court allows taxpayer's appeal and agrees the "exceptional circumstances" exemption was satisfied

Published on 20 Mar 2025. By Alexis Armitage, Senior Associate

In A Taxpayer v HMRC [2025] EWCA Civ 106, the Court of Appeal allowed the taxpayer's appeal, agreeing with the First-tier Tribunal's decision that the "exceptional circumstances" exemption in paragraph 22(4), Schedule 45, Finance Act 2013, was satisfied.

High Court permits recission in EBT case enabling taxpayers to avoid IHT liability

Published on 13 Mar 2025. By Jasprit Singh, Senior Associate

In JTC Employer Solutions Trustee Ltd and others v Garnett and another, the High Court allowed the claimants' claim and permitted rescission in relation to various Employee Benefit Trust appointments to sub-trusts, with the result that there was no IHT liability as the mistake in creating the sub-trusts was sufficiently serious to render it unconscionable to leave the mistaken disposition uncorrected.

Taxing Matters: IWD 2025 special with Ele Theochari

Published on 06 Mar 2025.

This month, RPC Senior Associate and Taxing Matters host, Alexis Armitage, is joined by Ele Theochari, Partner at Blick Rothenberg for a special episode to celebrate International Women's Day.

Tribunal allows taxpayer's appeal in R&D relief claim

Published on 06 Mar 2025. By Daniel Williams, Associate

In Stage one Creative Services Ltd v HMRC [2024] UKFTT 1059 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal allowed the taxpayer's appeal against HMRC's decision to refuse R&D relief claims on the basis that the relevant projects were not "subsidised" or "contracted out".

Tax Bites – March 2025

Published on 04 Mar 2025. By Adam Craggs, Partner and Daniel Williams, Associate

Welcome to the latest edition of RPC's Tax Bites – providing monthly bite-sized updates from the tax world.

Supreme Court rejects taxpayers' appeals and denies enterprise zone allowances

Published on 27 Feb 2025. By Liam McKay, Of Counsel

In R (ota of Cobalt Data Centre 2 LLP and another) v HMRC [2024] UKSC 40, the Supreme Court dismissed the taxpayers' appeals concerning capital allowances on enterprise zone expenditure, confirming the correct interpretation of section 298 of the Capital Allowances Act 2001.