Regulatory
Our Approach to Regulatory Defence
Regulatory investigations and prosecutions — from Trading Standards and the Environment Agency to Health & Safety and the Insolvency Service — can be just as serious as criminal proceedings. They carry financial penalties, disqualification, and in some cases imprisonment.
At Lostock Legal, we advise individuals and businesses facing regulatory scrutiny at every stage — from the first interview under caution through to contested prosecution. We understand how regulatory bodies operate and how to respond effectively.
Regulatory matters move quickly. Early advice protects both you and your business.
Our Approach to Regulatory Defence
Regulatory investigations and prosecutions — from Trading Standards and the Environment Agency to Health & Safety and the Insolvency Service — can be just as serious as criminal proceedings. They carry financial penalties, disqualification, and in some cases imprisonment.
At Lostock Legal, we advise individuals and businesses facing regulatory scrutiny at every stage — from the first interview under caution through to contested prosecution. We understand how regulatory bodies operate and how to respond effectively.
Regulatory matters move quickly. Early advice protects both you and your business.
Areas We Advise On
Trading Standards Prosecutions
Trading Standards prosecute businesses and individuals for consumer protection, product safety, and weights and measures offences. We advise from investigation through to trial, including on due diligence defences.
Regulatory Interviews Under Caution
Regulatory bodies including the Environment Agency, HSE, and Trading Standards conduct interviews under caution. We prepare you thoroughly and attend with you to ensure your position is protected from the outset.
Public Inquiry vs. Inquest
Both inquiries and inquests can have significant consequences for individuals and organisations. We advise on core participant status, disclosure obligations, and representation at hearings.
Insolvency Service Investigations
The Insolvency Service investigates directors and individuals for misconduct following company failure. We advise on interviews, cooperation obligations, and defending disqualification and prosecution proceedings.
Internal Investigations
Employees subject to internal investigations by their employer face a process that can lead to dismissal and regulatory referral. We advise on your rights, how to respond to questions, and protecting your position throughout.
Intellectual Property Prosecutions
Trading Standards and brand owners pursue IP offences including counterfeiting and copyright infringement. We advise businesses and individuals on investigation response and defending prosecution under the Trade Marks Act 1994.
Health and Safety
HSE investigations following workplace accidents or fatalities can result in prosecution of both companies and individuals. We advise on HSE interviews, the scope of duty, and defending proceedings in the Magistrates' and Crown Court.
General Product Safety Regulations
The General Product Safety Regulations impose obligations on producers and distributors. We advise businesses facing Trading Standards investigation or prosecution for supplying unsafe or non-compliant products.
Food Safety Prosecutions
Food businesses face prosecution under the Food Safety Act 1990 and Food Safety and Hygiene Regulations 2013. We advise on due diligence defences, improvement notices, and representing businesses at enforcement hearings.
Shotgun & Firearms Licensing
Police forces can revoke or refuse firearms and shotgun certificates on a range of grounds. We advise certificate holders on appeal rights, the grounds for revocation, and representation before the Crown Court on appeal.
Environment Agency Investigations
The Environment Agency investigates and prosecutes environmental offences including illegal waste disposal, pollution, and abstraction. We advise businesses and individuals from interview through to contested prosecution.
Directors Disqualification
The Insolvency Service can seek disqualification of directors for up to 15 years. We advise on undertakings, contested disqualification proceedings, and applications for leave to act as a director during any disqualification period.
Data Protection Offences
The ICO prosecutes data protection offences under the Data Protection Act 2018, including unlawful obtaining and disclosure of personal data. We advise individuals and organisations on ICO investigations and defending prosecutions.
Companies House Prosecutions
Companies House prosecutes directors for failure to file accounts, confirmation statements, and other statutory obligations. We advise on the defences available and on regularising a company's position to avoid or mitigate prosecution.