Insights
At SMB, we are putting our expertise at your service, from the latest in legal updates to what’s happening in your industry.
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8th May 2026Taxi for “directing mind and will”! A suitable vehicle has arrived: the Crime and Policing Act 2026
From 29 June 2026, the Crime and Policing Act 2026 (“CPA”) significantly expands corporate criminal liability in the UK. Companies and partnerships may now be held liable for any criminal offence committed by a senior manager acting within the actual or apparent scope of their authority, regardless of where the entity is incorporated. In practice, as we discuss in this note, application of the attribution test is not as straightforward as advertised and the likelihood of prosecution will depend heavily on the application of public interest factors.
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24th April 2026EMI reform now in force: expanded opportunities for growing UK businesses
Significant reforms to the UK’s Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) regime came into effect on 6 April 2026, marking the most substantial expansion of the scheme since its introduction. The changes are intended to modernise EMI for today’s growth economy by widening eligibility, increasing flexibility and simplifying administration. For scale ups and mid market businesses, the reformed regime presents a timely opportunity to revisit long term incentive planning.
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31st March 2026The key employment compensation changes coming up in April
From April 2026, compensation limits and statutory rates will increase, affecting sick pay, minimum wage, family-related entitlements, dismissal and redundancy. Our Employment team have picked out the important changes and implementation dates to look out for.
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23rd March 2026Employment Rights Act 2025: Key Changes Taking Effect on 6 April 2026
With just two weeks to go until major employment law changes take effect on 6 April 2026, UK employers should be taking final steps to ensure they are prepared. Further key changes in employment law will be taking place over the next few years as the Employment Rights Act is rolled out. A full and detailed update on the Employment Rights Act can be found on the SMB website. .
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1st December 2025AI Regulation: Compliance
This article examines three significant case studies that demonstrate how emerging technologies intersect with key areas of law and regulation. These include: the use of AI-based chatbots for customer service in the context of consumer rights; generative AI in relation to the Online Safety Act; and the application of generative AI in creating advertisements under the CAP Code.
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30th June 2025Consumer Law Elements of DMCC
The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Act 2024 (DMCC) regulates large technology providers, expands CMA powers, and introduces new consumer protections.
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13th June 2025Law Commission Consultation: Interim Statement on Business Tenancies
Following its first consultation on the future of security of tenure for business tenants under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 (“Act”), the Law Commission has issued an interim statement, indicating that only limited reforms are currently being proposed.
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16th May 2025The potential impact of the UK 2025 Immigration White Paper – What you need to know
The government’s long awaited white paper, titled “Restoring Control over the Immigration System”, was finally published last week. The paper focuses on five core principles, in this article Immigration Partner Tom Mayhew discusses the proposed changes and their potential impact.
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29th April 2025SMB acts for Vice Studios in its acquisition of Cuba Pictures
SMB acted for Vice Studios in its purchase of drama production company Cuba Pictures from agency Curtis Brown.
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