Commercial & Compliance
COMMERCIAL & COMPLIANCE
Effective dispute management - the early stages
FAQ: The small claims track
Understanding UK insolvency procedures for businesses
Navigating UK commercial property litigation
Introduction to commercial contracts (UK law focus) – understanding and negotiating the essentials
Introduction to Data Protection Laws in the UK
Introduction to intellectual property rights
Introduction to technology and software contracts for UK businesses
Duration: 1.5 hours or half-day sessionFormat: In-person or onlineNo prior dispute management experience required
Synopsis
This module is designed to equip business owners, in-house lawyers, and senior personnel with a practical working knowledge of managing the critical early stages of a dispute. Attendees will learn how to quickly understand and assess the core issues, protect their organisation’s position, and navigate key legal considerations to avoid escalation and costly litigation.
Key topics covered include:
How to get to grips with the issues in dispute quickly and effectively
Strategies for presenting your position persuasively and clearly
Understanding the scope and application of without prejudice privilege
The implications of admissions and acquiescence in dispute contexts
Awareness of limitation periods and other crucial deadlines that can affect claims
Disclosure obligations and best practices for document preservation
Guidance on when and how to instruct external legal counsel
Through practical insights and real-world examples, participants will develop the skills necessary to take early control of disputes, safeguard their organisation’s interests, and make informed decisions on managing and resolving conflicts.
Who should attend:
Business owners
In-house legal teams
Senior managers responsible for dispute oversight
Duration: Half-day sessionFormat: Online or in-personNo prior legal expertise required
This targeted training course is designed for business owners, in-house lawyers, and senior personnel involved in litigation and dispute resolution, providing essential guidance on the Small Claims Track within the UK civil justice system. The course demystifies the process, helping participants understand how to effectively manage small claims, reduce risks, and improve outcomes.
Key topics covered include, but are not limited to:
Which claims qualify for the Small Claims Track and criteria for assignment
Choosing the correct court and jurisdiction for issuing a claim
Understanding court fees and potential cost implications
Rules and best practices for drafting clear and compliant statements of case
How to respond to a small claim, including completing the Acknowledgment of Service and Defence
Managing key deadlines and accurately calculating timeframes under the Civil Procedure Rules
Costs rules specific to small claims and implications for parties
Using the Small Claims Mediation Service to explore early settlement options
Overview of trial procedures and what to expect on the day
Through practical explanations, FAQs, and real-world examples, attendees will gain confidence in handling small claims efficiently and within the regulatory framework, avoiding common pitfalls and optimising dispute resolution strategies.
Business owners managing commercial disputes
In-house legal teams handling litigation
Senior managers involved in dispute oversight and resolution
Duration: Half-day or full-day sessionFormat: In-person or virtual deliveryNo prior insolvency knowledge required
This essential training course equips business owners, in-house lawyers, and financial directors with a comprehensive understanding of UK insolvency procedures and their impact on businesses. Participants will gain the knowledge needed to recognise early signs of financial distress, navigate insolvency options, and make informed decisions to protect their organisations and stakeholders.
Key topics include:
Overview of UK insolvency law and types of insolvency procedures (e.g., liquidation, administration, voluntary arrangements, receivership)
Early warning signs and legal obligations of directors facing insolvency risks
Procedures for initiating insolvency and the role of insolvency practitioners
Impact of insolvency on creditors, employees, and company directors
Understanding company voluntary arrangements (CVAs) and administration processes
Personal insolvency considerations for business owners and directors
Legal and financial consequences of insolvency, including wrongful trading and fraud prevention
Practical steps for managing insolvency risks and protecting business value
Through case studies and practical guidance, attendees will develop the confidence to respond proactively to financial difficulties, comply with legal duties, and navigate insolvency processes effectively.
Business owners and entrepreneurs
Financial directors and senior finance personnel
Duration: Half-day or full-day sessionFormat: Online or in-personNo prior legal expertise required
This focused training course provides business owners, in-house lawyers, and financial directors with a practical understanding of commercial property litigation in the UK. The course covers common disputes, legal frameworks, and effective strategies to manage and resolve property-related conflicts, helping organisations protect their assets and financial interests.
Participants will learn about:
Common types of commercial property disputes (e.g., lease disagreements, boundary issues, landlord and tenant conflicts, breach of covenant)
Key legal principles and legislation governing commercial property in the UK
Pre-litigation steps: negotiation, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR)
Litigation procedures specific to property claims and the court system
Managing risk and costs in commercial property disputes
Strategies for instructing and working with external legal counsel and experts
Practical tips for drafting and enforcing commercial property agreements to minimise disputes
Through real-life case studies and interactive discussions, attendees will gain the skills to identify potential issues early, make informed decisions, and effectively navigate the complexities of commercial property litigation.
Business owners with property interests
In-house legal teams managing property matters
Financial directors overseeing asset and risk management
Duration: Half-day or full-day sessionFormat: Delivered online or in-personIncludes: Case studies, sample clauses, and a UK contract review checklist
This training course provides a clear and practical introduction to commercial contracts, tailored for contract managers, business owners, junior in-house lawyers, and professionals new to contract negotiation. The session is grounded in UK contract law, with real-world examples and guidance on how to review, interpret, and negotiate legally sound and commercially effective agreements. Key learning outcomes include:
Understanding the legal framework of contracts under UK law:• How and when a contract is formed (offer, acceptance, consideration, intention)• The significance of written vs. verbal contracts• Understanding legal phrasing in commercial contracts
Core components of a UK commercial contract, including:• Terms and conditions• Limitation of liability and indemnity clauses• Warranties and representations• Termination rights and notice provisions• Governing law and jurisdiction clauses
How to identify and manage risks, including:• Boilerplate clauses often overlooked but legally significant• IP ownership and confidentiality• Force majeure and frustration in UK legal context
Contract negotiation skills:• Key commercial and legal terms to watch• How to push back on unreasonable clauses• Striking the balance between legal protection and deal-making
Best practices for contract lifecycle management:• Document retention• Renewal and review processes• Audit and compliance readiness
UK-based contract managers and procurement professionals
In-house legal and compliance personnel
Business owners and operations managers engaging with suppliers, partners, or clients
Anyone new to reading or negotiating commercial contracts in a UK legal setting
Duration: Half-day session or full dayFormat: Virtual or in-personNo prior data protection knowledge required
This foundational training course is designed for business owners, in-house lawyers, and senior personnel responsible for data protection seeking to understand the essentials of UK data protection laws, including the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018. The course provides practical guidance on compliance obligations, data subject rights, and managing risks associated with personal data processing.
The core principles of the UK GDPR and their application in business contexts
Lawful bases for processing personal data and selecting the appropriate basis
Roles and responsibilities of data controllers and processors under UK law
Understanding and respecting data subject rights, including the right to be informed and right of access
Identifying, managing, and reporting data breaches effectively
Obligations related to the payment of the Data Protection fee to the ICO
Criteria for appointing a Data Protection Officer (DPO) and their role within the organisation
How to prepare for and respond to a security/data breach under the DPA 2018, GDPR and PECR.
Through real-world examples and practical insights, participants will develop a clear understanding of their data protection duties, helping them mitigate legal risks and foster trust with customers and stakeholders.
Business owners managing personal data
In-house legal teams advising on compliance
Financial directors overseeing governance and risk
Duration: 1.5 half session or half-day sessionFormat: In-person or virtualNo prior IP knowledge required
This introductory training course is designed to provide business owners, senior personnel and in-house lawyers with a comprehensive overview of intellectual property (IP) rights in the UK. Participants will gain essential knowledge on how to identify, protect, and leverage IP assets to enhance business value and maintain competitive advantage.
Overview of the main types of intellectual property: patents, trademarks, copyrights, designs, and trade secrets
How IP rights are established, registered, and enforced in the UK
The strategic importance of IP protection in business growth and risk management
Identifying IP assets within your organisation and understanding ownership issues
Common challenges and risks related to IP infringement and enforcement
Licensing, assignment, and commercialisation of IP rights
Practical steps to safeguard IP and respond to potential infringements
Through case studies and interactive discussions, attendees will develop the skills to recognise valuable IP assets and take effective action to protect and capitalise on them.
Business owners and senior personnel looking to safeguard innovations and brands
In-house legal teams managing IP portfolios
Duration: Half-day sessionFormat: In-person or virtualNo prior contract law expertise required
This essential training course is designed for business owners, senior personnel responsible for negotiating or approving commercial contracts, and in-house lawyers. It provides a foundational understanding of technology and software contracts commonly used in UK business, focusing on key legal and commercial considerations to safeguard organisational interests.
Types of technology and software contracts including licensing, SaaS agreements, development and support contracts
Key contract terms and clauses specific to technology contracts such as intellectual property rights, warranties, liabilities, and service levels
Managing risks related to software delivery, implementation, and ongoing support
Negotiation strategies to protect business interests and ensure clear responsibilities
Compliance with relevant UK laws and regulations impacting technology agreements
Practical tips for contract approval, management, and dispute prevention
Through real-world examples and interactive discussions, attendees will develop the confidence to negotiate, review, and manage technology contracts effectively, reducing legal risks and promoting successful commercial relationships.
Business owners engaging in technology procurement or sales
Senior managers responsible for contract negotiations and approvals
In-house legal professionals supporting commercial agreements
