Comment & Opinion

“As projects compete for land and grid connections, we’re frequently supporting developers in assessing interfaces arising between existing and proposed renewables projects, a trend that continues to grow.”

“In recent years there’s been a significant increase in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across healthcare, care homes and retirement living. AI is already being used for a range of functions, from fall-prevention technology and pain‑assessment tools, to systems that monitor wellbeing, predict deterioration and summarise care records.”

“The UK government is proposing significant changes to the modern slavery reporting regime. If implemented, the reforms would shift the focus from a largely voluntary disclosure exercise to extended and demonstrable governance and supply chain due diligence, backed by a meaningful enforcement regime.”

“Respect Orders will give social housing providers a new route for tackling persistent adult perpetrators of anti-social behaviour, with the added weight of criminal enforcement for breach. Providers should start preparing now so their teams are ready when the new regime comes into force in October 2026.”

“Regulatory and policy focus across the I&E sector remains on delivery of the UK’s energy transition while supporting economic growth.”

“With the Building Safety Levy due to take effect on 1 October 2026, residential developers face a new cost that will need to be factored into land acquisition strategies, viability assessments, funding arrangements and project delivery programmes.”

“Welcome to the first edition of our dedicated sector horizon scanner for Retail & Leisure. In this regular publication, we highlight the legal, regulatory and industry developments impacting retail, hospitality and leisure today.”

“As businesses move from exploring new technologies to deploying them at scale, regulators are increasingly focused on governance, transparency and resilience.”

“Businesses that promote the environmental benefits of their products, services or wider operations are increasingly facing greater regulatory scrutiny.”