A year and more on from the UK’s first lockdown, business continues to adapt to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we move into the second half of 2021 this update reviews briefly the prospects and challenges for the sector.

The UK National Security and Investment Act 2021 (the Act) received Royal Assent on 29th April and is anticipated to become law later this year. The Act introduces a new standalone regime in the UK for the review of transactions and investments on national security grounds (NSI Regime).

The Trade and Co-operation Agreement has been described universally as “thin” and it is clear that the EU and UK are likely to be in negotiations of some description for years to come. We look at its impact on business and the areas where negotiations will be ongoing.

COVID restrictions resulted in significant financial losses leading to insurance claims under business interruption (BI) insurance policies. The majority of claims were rejected primarily on the basis of policy wording. This article reviews the recent Supreme Court judgment handed down in respect of the test case on BI insurance claims.