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Regulatory Radar: quick takes May 2025

Published on 12 May 2025. By Gavin Reese, Partner, Head of Regulatory

Welcome to the latest edition of our bi-monthly Regulatory Radar: quick takes update, which collates the latest developments from across the UK’s regulators.

Antony Sassi named RPC Managing Partner

Published on 15 Jan 2025. By Antony Sassi, Managing Partner

International law firm RPC has elected Antony Sassi as its next Managing Partner. Antony will commence his four-year term on May 1, 2025, succeeding James Miller, who has been in the role since 2017.

Competition

From litigation to merger control, and competition compliance to dawn raids, our competition lawyers are here to support your business.

Competition Litigation

Whether defending against antitrust proceedings or using the courts to enforce your competition rights, our competition litigation team will support you every step of the way.

Competition Compliance & Advisory

Having a clear, widely understood competition law compliance policy is the best way to avoid legal trouble when navigating a merger or similar competition activity.

Competition Investigation & Dawn Raids

Whether you’ve received a gentle call from a regulator or need to navigate a dawn raid, our competition investigation lawyers are here to minimise costly disruption to your business

Merger Control

As authorities become more interventionist, our merger control lawyers can help you get your international deals over the line.

State Aid / Subsidy Control

Since the introduction of the Subsidy Control Act in 2023, organisations need to be familiar with state aid competition laws and subsidy control guidance. Our experts are here to help.

Foreign Direct Investment / National Security

Navigate your organisation’s national security obligations with confidence, thanks to the support of our leading foreign direct investment law firm.

Court of Appeal confirms pre-construction costs qualify for capital allowances

Published on 05 Jun 2025. By Daniel Williams, Associate

In Orsted West of Duddon Sands (UK) Ltd and others v HMRC [2025] EWCA Civ 279, the Court of Appeal held that expenditure incurred in designing windfarms and on studies informing the installation could qualify for capital allowances.

Tax Bites - June 2025

Published on 03 Jun 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.

Lawyers Covered - May 2025

Published on 30 May 2025. By Will Sefton, Partner, Head of the Lawyers Liability and Regulatory Group and Carmel Green, Partner and Alexandra Anderson, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Cecilia Everett, Partner and Helen Kerr, Senior Associate and Karl Shortman, Associate and Laura Sponti, Associate

It can be tough for busy lawyers to find enough time to service clients, make it safely through the regulation obstacle course, win new work and keep up-to-date with developments, but we've got you covered! Welcome to our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we highlight the last month's key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.

Blowing the whistle!

Published on 29 May 2025. By Adam Craggs, Partner and Tom Holden, Associate

Adam Craggs and Tom Holden consider the US and Canadian 'whistleblower' models in light of the government's plans for a new reward scheme inspired by these, as well as the existing HMRC rewards scheme this initiative will complement.

CAT Collective Proceedings - Summer 2025 update

Published on 28 May 2025. By Chris Ross, Partner and David Cran, Partner, Head of IP & Tech and Zoe Mernick-Levene, Partner

Developments in the UK’s competition collective proceedings regime continue apace with new claims recently issued in the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT).

Contentious Tax Quarterly Review – Spring 2025

Published on 22 May 2025. By Adam Craggs, Partner and Liam McKay, Of Counsel

This Contentious Tax Review provides an update on a number of recent important decisions in the tax disputes arena.

Former England captain's IR35 battle with HMRC ends in a score draw

Published on 15 May 2025. By Alexis Armitage, Senior Associate

In Bryan Robson Ltd v HMRC [2025] TC09408, the First-tier Tribunal considered the IR35 legislation in relation to ex-England footballer Bryan Robson. It found payments made for his ambassadorial role at Manchester United fell within the scope of the IR35 legislation, while payments made to him in respect of his image rights did not.

Taxing Matters: Mental Health Awareness Week: breaking down mental barriers in the mind with Jo Maughan

Published on 13 May 2025.

In this special Mental Health Awareness Week episode of Taxing Matters, host Alexis Armitage welcomes Jo Maughan, career coach and former tax director, to discuss how professionals can manage their critical inner voice and break down mental barriers in their mind.

The EU’s Work Programme 2025 – ePrivacy Reg and AI Liability Directive dropped!

Published on 09 May 2025. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Telecoms Sector Lead and David Cran, Partner, Head of IP & Tech

What are the main takeaways for the tech industry from the European Commission’s Work Programme 2025?

EU Guidance on the AI Act

Published on 09 May 2025. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Telecoms Sector Lead and David Cran, Partner, Head of IP & Tech

How is the European Commission helping businesses interpret the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act)?

The Online Safety Act: Illegal Harms Codes officially in force, focus now on children

Published on 09 May 2025. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Telecoms Sector Lead and David Cran, Partner, Head of IP & Tech

What are service providers’ new obligations under Ofcom’s new Codes of Practice on Illegal Harms and its Age Assurance and Children’s Access Guidance?

The UK Government’s consultation on Copyright and AI

Published on 09 May 2025. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Telecoms Sector Lead and David Cran, Partner, Head of IP & Tech

How is the UK Government considering striking the balance between the protection of copyright in materials and the training of AI?

UK’s new AI Cyber Security Code of Practice

Published on 09 May 2025. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Telecoms Sector Lead and David Cran, Partner, Head of IP & Tech

How is the UK Government seeking to protect AI systems from growing cyber security threats, in particular in respect of deployable AI systems using GenAI?

UK’s “AI Opportunities Action Plan”

Published on 09 May 2025. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Telecoms Sector Lead and David Cran, Partner, Head of IP & Tech

How will the UK Government’s new AI Opportunities Action Plan (Plan) impact businesses?

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.

Lawyers Covered - April 2025

Published on 30 Apr 2025. By Will Sefton, Partner, Head of the Lawyers Liability and Regulatory Group and Carmel Green, Partner and Carole Foster, Senior Associate and Tom Butterfield, Associate and Kerone Thomas, Associate and Simon Love, Senior Associate and Shanice Holder, Associate and Tom Wild, Senior Associate

It can be tough for busy lawyers to find enough time to service clients, make it safely through the regulation obstacle course, win new work and keep up-to-date with developments, but we've got you covered! Welcome to our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we highlight the last month's key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.

RPC promotes three new Partners and six Of Counsel in latest round of promotions

Published on 30 Apr 2025. By Annabella Chu, Partner and Adam Forster, Partner and Eleanor Harley , Partner and Bryony Howe, Of Counsel and Thomas Jenkins, Of Counsel and Liam McKay, Of Counsel and Emma Wherry, Of Counsel and Christopher Whitehouse, Of Counsel and Matthew Wood, Of Counsel

International law firm RPC has announced the promotion of three new Partners and six Of Counsel, effective 1 May 2025.

PLC QTRLY - Q1 2025

Published on 29 Apr 2025. By Connor Cahalane, Partner - Corporate and James Channo, Partner and Karen Hendy, Partner, Head of Corporate

This is our regular quarterly update to help our listed company clients and other market participants keep up to date with key developments relevant to issuers on the Main Market and AIM market of the London Stock Exchange.

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.

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.

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.

Lawyers Covered: March 2025

Published on 01 Apr 2025. By Will Sefton, Partner, Head of the Lawyers Liability and Regulatory Group and Carmel Green, Partner and Carole Foster, Senior Associate and Tom Butterfield, Associate and Kerone Thomas, Associate and Simon Love, Senior Associate and Shanice Holder, Associate and Tom Wild, Senior Associate

It can be tough for busy lawyers to find enough time to service clients, make it safely through the regulation obstacle course, win new work and keep up-to-date with developments, but we've got you covered! Welcome to our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we highlight the last month's key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.

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.

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.

Financial Crime Time - Your update from RPC: 2025 Q1

Published on 25 Mar 2025. By Adam Craggs, Partner and Michelle Sloane, Partner

Welcome to the latest edition of our round-up of news making the headlines in the world of financial crime and compliance. Our aim is to give you an easily digestible, bite-sized overview of issues that are of interest and which may affect your business.

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.

Regulatory Radar - quick takes - March 2025

Published on 13 Mar 2025. By Gavin Reese, Partner, Head of Regulatory

Welcome to the latest edition of our bi-monthly Regulatory Radar: quick takes update, which collates the latest developments from across the UK’s regulators.

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.

6 April 2025 - date confirmed for UK consumer protection law regime overhaul

Published on 12 Mar 2025. By Ciara Cullen, Partner, Retail & Consumer Sector Lead and Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Telecoms Sector Lead and Hettie Homewood , Senior Associate

The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA) is set to substantially overhaul the UK's consumer protection law and enforcement regime. We now know the date that key consumer protection and enforcement changes will come into force: 6 April 2025.

Regulatory Radar - Winter 2025

Published on 10 Mar 2025. By Gavin Reese, Partner, Head of Regulatory

Welcome to the Winter 2025 edition of RPC's bi-annual Regulatory Radar – a guide to the key regulatory changes worth having on your radar.