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.
Risk, Resilience & Compliance for Retailers
Our specialist lawyers help retailers to anticipate risks, strengthen resilience & achieve compliance.
The modern retailer faces a complex web of challenges. From new legislation and safety obligations to digital disruption and cybersecurity threats, risk management is no longer a back-office function — it’s a strategic priority.
Our specialist retail sector team is here to ensure that your business is always prepared for what comes next. We’re experts in many emerging areas of law, including around Martyn’s Law and anti-terrorism legislation, which will require retailers and venues to implement robust security measures, as well as the Employment Rights Bill, which is set to reshape employment practices and have immense implications for retailers and their staff.
Whether you need advice on which regulations or laws apply to you or support to develop a robust risk or crisis management strategy, we have the experience to assess your situation, proactively identify areas for improvement and provide the practical steps you need to take effective action.
If the worst does happen and something goes wrong, we’re here to deliver straightforward advice that you can count on to ensure safety and preserve your reputation and financial exposure so far as possible.
Talk to our team today by calling 0333 004 4488, emailing hello@brabners.com or completing our contact form.
Crisis management, crime & Martyn’s Law for retailers
Every business needs a crisis plan that protects its people and enables swift, confident action. Compliance must be culture-driven and your crisis plans clear, rehearsed and embedded into everything you do — especially with retail crime on the rise.
At our recent event — the Future of Retail: Risk & Resilience Conference 2025 — we learned that while senior retail leaders are aware of Martyn’s Law, only a minority were familiar with its operational impact and nearly half hadn’t started implementation. Retailers must take proactive steps using existing health & safety frameworks with a focus on practicality and clarity.
Highlights from the Future of Retail: Risk & Resilience Conference 2025
Our speakers included
Workforce risks & opportunities for retailers
Embedding respect, transparency and representation into your workforce strategy isn’t just good practice. It’s essential risk management.
Yet with the Employment Rights Bill set to introduce sweeping reforms — from day-one unfair dismissal protections to mandatory flexible working — the Bill will significantly raise the bar for retailers, who need access to experienced employment lawyers they can count on.
Retailers should act swiftly to review their internal policies, train managers and embed a positive culture that aligns with these new legal standards.
Effective, secure digital transformation for retailers
Retailers are wise to be cautious when it comes to digital transformation. Some critical issues include using AI in creative processes (due to concerns about sustainability, ethics and lack of regulation), ensuring robust data protection and regulatory compliance processes and embedding cybersecurity into your strategy as a priority (amid recent devastating cyber-attacks on a range of major retailers).
While most retailers are committed to technological advances, there’s still some way go. If you’re looking to implement new technologies and AI tools, you need to make sure that this is done securely and with legal compliance in mind.
Our team is here to help you level up your approach to eCommerce, data protection, cybersecurity and IP protection.
Accredited risk & compliance lawyers for retailers
Our retail sector team is led by Helena Davies, who has her finger firmly on the pulse of what matters most to senior leaders and decision makers. She works closely alongside an array of specialist lawyers who can advise you in all areas of risk and compliance.
When it comes to regulatory compliance, crisis management and Martyn’s Law, Claire Burrows can help you to take stock, spot gaps and fix up your practices to stay safe and compliant.
Andy Graham is our resident expert on the Employment Rights Bill and its implications for retailers. He advises clients in all aspects of contentious and non-contentious employment matters, including employment tribunals, restrictive covenants, TUPE, trade unions and more.
When it comes to digital transformation, our technology sector lead Colin Bell can advise on a vast range of matters. His remit covers IT, cybersecurity, intellectual property and much more.
Regulatory, employment & technology specialists for retailers
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Key takeaways from the Future of Retail: Risk & Resilience Conference 2025
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The Crime & Policing Bill — a turning point for retail crime enforcement?
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Online marketplaces set for increased scrutiny under UK Product Regulation & Metrology Act
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The rise of TikTok Shop — key legal considerations for ‘social commerce’ retailers
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Guaranteed hours contracts — how employers should prepare
Employment lawyer Lee Jefcott outlines three key steps for employers to take now to prepare for the new guaranteed hours contract landscape.
A guide to AI adoption in retail — must-know legal considerations explained
We lay out the must-know legal considerations to aid the compliant roll-out of AI in any retail business.
7 strategies to improve mental health in the retail sector
It’s estimated that over half of retail workers have considered resigning as a result of workplace stress. We explore what retailers can do to support colleagues facing mental health issues.
M&S, Co-op & Harrods cyber-attacks — key cybersecurity lessons for retailers
We delve further into cyber attacks on three major retailers and outline five key steps to take in any cyber-attack preparedness and response plan.
Distilleries clash in Jamaican Rum IP debate over protected geographical indications
A recent change to the Jamaican law of what constitutes ‘Jamaican Rum’ has provoked great debate among rum distillers.
How to deal with a negative online review about your business
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Enhanced product safety under the EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)
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Social supermarkets — a new model for community support and sustainability
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Rates, reform and renaissance — solutions for the high street (Vivienne King)
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