4 recent food VAT cases that show why classification matters more than ever
We explore four recent food VAT decisions — from KFC dip pots to poppadom snacks — highlighting the key takeaways and practical steps for businesses.
Future of Retail: Risk & Resilience Conference 2026
More about risk, resilience & compliance for retailers
About the conference
Risks for retailers are risks for us all. That's why we brought together leaders and industry experts from retail and leisure for our Future of Retail: Risk & Resilience Conference.
Hosted by Helena Davies, Partner and Head of Retail, this year's free and invitation-only event took place in London on Tuesday 21 April 2026.
We covered how to protect against threats, health and safety management, cybersecurity and the integrity of your IT systems, artificial intelligence (AI), counterfeiting and social media risks as well as how to address false claims — all designed to equip you with the practical knowledge to protect your customers, employees and brand.
Highlights from the Future of Retail: Risk & Resilience Conference 2026
Keynote — Martyn’s Law with Figen Murray OBE
Figen Murray OBE, a counter-terrorism expert and the force behind Martyn's Law, delivered a keynote on why regulation matters — especially when it's designed to protect lives.
Figen is the mother of Martyn Hett, one of 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017. She's since transformed her grief into action, campaigning tirelessly to improve public safety.
Her efforts — from an online petition to a 200-mile walk from Manchester to Downing Street — led to Martyn's Law receiving Royal Assent in spring 2025.
Her message was a powerful reminder that Martyn’s Law is rooted not only in legislation but in lived experience and the need for practical, straightforward action.
Retail resilience — strategies for compliance, safety & crisis response
Our opening panel focused on how retailers are responding to heightened risks around compliance, safety and crisis management amid rising retail crime, antisocial behaviour and evolving legal duties. Chaired by Claire Burrows, a Partner in our regulatory team, the discussion brought together insights from Dawn Holmes (Google), Jack Busby (Landsec), James Hiom (JKH Partnerships) and Chris Brook‑Carter (Retail Trust).
We discussed how to protect retail environments, employees and the public from external threats such as crime, looting and terrorism, as well as internal health and safety crises including workplace incidents, system failures and operational hazards.
Navigating digital transformation
Partner and Head of Intellectual Property and Technology Colin Bell chaired the second panel with Shakie Kawuyu (RSM), Andrew Tyrrell (Dunelm) and Magdalena Hesse (Next), exploring the opportunities and threats facing retail as digital transformation accelerates — including AI, social commerce, cybersecurity, ransomware, counterfeits and deepfakes.
The discussion also highlighted growing challenges around fraud on social platforms and reinforced that cyber resilience isn’t just about technology — it relies on people too, with ongoing training and awareness playing a critical role.
Truth, trust & trade marks
The final panel explored how reputation is built, shared and challenged in today’s commercial landscape, where brands increasingly operate within complex environments shaped by technology, public scrutiny and multiple stakeholders.
Chaired by Partner and Chartered Trade Mark Attorney Hannah Fawcett with panellists including Nick Thornton (Founder, Aver), John Mulvihill (The Regatta Group) and litigation Partner Helen Otty, we delved into how trust is earned through consistency, credibility and clear values — rather than surface‑level messaging — and how reputational risk often arises not from a single event but from how organisations respond when issues emerge.
We also examined the role of trade marks as visible trust markers and the importance of proportionate, well‑judged enforcement.
About Helena
A specialist property litigator, Helena has led our retail sector team since 2021. She’s a regular industry commentator in publications such as Estates Gazette, Business Live and This is Money and both hosts and speaks at conferences across the country.
Helena is deeply committed to advancing sustainability objectives and enhancing retail’s social impact contribution within local communities. She has led multiple thought leadership initiatives, established new professional networks, organised industry events and produced extensive video and social media content to highlight exemplary practices and notable achievements in this field. Her projects have included contributions from prominent retail leaders like The Trafford Centre, as well as insights from media commentators.
In collaboration with legal experts and consultants across the retail sector, Helena offers legal services that address a broad spectrum of ESG-related challenges, including B Corp certification and environmental compliance. She’s also proactively developing initiatives focused on advertising standards, influencer partnerships and strengthening the role of retail in placemaking.
About our retail team
It’s vital for retailers to have a true legal partner on their side to withstand the challenges and take advantage of opportunities presented by the ever-changing retail landscape.
We act as that partner — one which deeply understands the sector and can help to achieve your commercial goals.
As a leading independent full-service retail law firm, we work closely with the UK’s largest retailers across beauty, fashion, leisure and hospitality, food and drink, automotive and health.
We also have specialisms in ESG and placemaking as well as RetailTech and eCommerce.
Highlights from the Future of Retail: Risk & Resilience Conference 2025
Insights from our retail team
Deckers v Up & Running: Court of Appeal gives welcome clarity on online sales restrictions in selective distribution agreements
We explore the decision, its legal context and its implications for selective distribution and online sales controls.
Demystifying the policy landscape — key insights from the ScaleUp Institute
We explore how scaleup policy, growth opportunities and local engagement help ambitious businesses to turn national strategy into practical support.
Summer 2026 VAT cut: opportunity or compliance trap? 5 steps for retail & hospitality to prepare
We break down the VAT changes, highlight the risks and outline the steps that retail and hospitality businesses can take to prepare.
New research shows rising workplace conflict in retail & hospitality — 5 key findings for employers
We explore what the Acas research reveals and outline how retail and hospitality employers can respond early and effectively.
Key takeaways from the Future of Retail: Risk & Resilience Conference 2026 — Martyn’s Law, AI & consumer trust
We brought the retail sector together in London for a focused look at the risks, from physical threats, digital disruption and reputational challenges.
Why second-hand fashion presents both opportunities & risks for retailers
We explore the drivers behind the second-hand fashion trend and consider the opportunities and risks that it presents for retailers.
Deepfakes & AI fraud — what retailers need to know about the new digital battlefield
We explore why retailers are particularly affected by deepfakes and the implications around data protection, IP, advertising compliance and more.
Martyn’s Law — what retailers need to know & how to prepare
We explore the key challenges retailers face with Martyn’s Law, how to balance compliance with operations and the common misconceptions.
How retailers can protect their business from false or misleading claims — key legal & practical considerations
We outline the steps that retailers can take to contain an emerging online issue and the legal remedies available for responding to false statements.
7 crisis management steps every retailer should have in place to respond efficiently & protect your brand
We set out seven practical steps to help retailers to prepare, respond decisively and recover quickly when the unexpected happens.
Business rates reset in April 2026 — 6 essential steps for retail & hospitality businesses
We break down what’s changing, where the risks sit and how businesses can turn this shift into an opportunity to prepare for the new rates landscape.
Am I a data controller? GDPR for social media users explained
We look at the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 and outline how the GDPR can apply to both organisations and individuals as data controllers.
Jaguar Land Rover cyber‑attack — protecting your workforce during digital disruption
We explain the impact of the cyber-attack on JLR's workforce and outline what to do to protect your business and minimise the impact if an incident occurs.
Retail’s battle with ‘dupe’ culture — how brands like Lululemon are fighting back
We explore recent examples of how brands are responding to dupe culture and outline practical steps that retail businesses can take to protect their brand.
Christmas markets & public safety — key legal duties for organisers & retailers
We explore safety considerations around Christmas markets and outline practical steps to comply with relevant safety legislation.
English Devolution & Community Empowerment Bill — what it means for retail leases
We explore what the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill means in practice and how its reforms may affect both retail tenants and landlords.
AB v Grafters — why employers can’t ignore off-site harassment
We break down the case of AB v Grafters Group Ltd and explore some key lessons for employers.
Key takeaways from the Future of Retail: Risk & Resilience Conference 2025
At the Future of Retail: Risk & Resilience Conference 2025, leading voices explored the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector.
Changes to UK accounting standards — is your retail business ready?
We explore the upcoming changes to UK accounting standards, offering practical guidance on how retailers can prepare for the new rules.
Hiring seasonal workers in retail & hospitality — 3 key things to get right
We explore the key legal and practical considerations for retailers hiring seasonal staff.
Influencer marketing & advertising standards — common breaches & how to avoid them
We explore the main issues that influencers and brands need to consider before entering into partnerships.
The Crime & Policing Bill — a turning point for retail crime enforcement?
We explore the Crime and Policing Bill and what it would introduce to protect retail workers.
Online marketplaces set for increased scrutiny under UK Product Regulation & Metrology Act
The Product Regulation and Metrology Act is ushering in a new era for consumer protection and market oversight, laying the foundations for significant regulatory change.
The rise of TikTok Shop — key legal considerations for ‘social commerce’ retailers
Our retail law team explore what retailers must do to stay compliant with consumer protection laws, advertising standards and more when looking to capitalise on social commerce.