Business Law Library & Tracker
Main UK Business Laws
Start with the main Acts, codes and regulations that shape everyday business decisions. Amendment Acts, specialist instruments and narrow source records are handled as updates or supporting material instead of cluttering this view.
Sources last reviewed 10 Aug 2026
Main law guides
122
Acts, regulations and codes worth reading first
Topics
60
Plain-English clusters
Published case explainers
143
Selected cases with a business lesson
Tracked updates
13
New, amended & reviewed
Plain-English explainers, not legal advice. Use the linked official source for section-level detail, and get advice for your situation.
Get legal helpMain lawUnited Kingdom
Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996
UKPGA 1996 c 53
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Construction & TradesContracts & CommercialContractors & Worker StatusDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesConstruction Contracts & PaymentImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006
UKPGA 2006 c 13
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsEquality, Discrimination & Accessibility
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Insolvency Act 1986
UKPGA 1986 c 45
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Insolvency & RestructuringFinance, Payments & SecurityDirectors' Duties & GovernanceLiquidation & RestructuringDebt Recovery, Guarantees & SecurityDisputes, Enforcement & Remedies
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Intellectual Property Act 2014
UKPGA 2014 c 18
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
IP & Brand ProtectionContracts & CommercialLicences, Permits & RegistrationsDisputes, Enforcement & Remedies
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Landlord and Tenant Act 1954
UKPGA 1954 c 56
PriorityIn force5 practical checks · checked 10 Aug 2026
Commercial Leases & PropertyContracts & CommercialCommercial Leases, Rent & Outgoings
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998
UKPGA 1998 c 20
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Contracts & CommercialFinance, Payments & SecurityDebt Recovery, Guarantees & SecurityDisputes, Enforcement & Remedies
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Licensing Act 2003
UKPGA 2003 c 17
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Food & Product ComplianceRegulatory ComplianceLicences, Permits & RegistrationsCharities, Clubs & Member GovernanceHospitality, Alcohol & Gambling
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Limitation Act 1980
UKPGA 1980 c 58
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Contracts & CommercialFinance, Payments & SecurityAdvertising, Marketing & PromotionsDisputes, Enforcement & Remedies
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2000
UKPGA 2000 c 12
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Companies & StartupsContracts & CommercialCommercial Leases, Rent & OutgoingsLicences, Permits & RegistrationsBusiness Identity, Registers & Filings
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Limited Partnerships Act 1907
UKPGA Edw 7 c 24
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Companies & StartupsContracts & CommercialBusiness Identity, Registers & Filings
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009
2009 c. 20
PriorityCurrent legislation7 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Construction & TradesRegulatory ComplianceLiquidation & RestructuringDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesConstruction Contracts & PaymentImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsTelecommunications, Media & Content
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
SI 1999/3242
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWorkplace Health & Safety
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Maternity and Parental Leave etc. Regulations 1999
SI 1999/3312
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & WorkplaceWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Misrepresentation Act 1967
UKPGA 1967 c 7
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Contracts & CommercialConsumer Law & TradingCopyright, Software & Digital ContentDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesFranchising, Distribution & DealershipsImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Modern Slavery Act 2015
UKPGA 2015 c 30
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Regulatory ComplianceContracts & Commercial
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations 2017
SI 2017/692
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Finance, Payments & SecurityRegulatory Compliance
Main lawUnited Kingdom
National Minimum Wage Act 1998
UKPGA 1998 c 39
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & WorkplaceContractors & Worker StatusWages, Leave & PayrollDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesPayroll Deductions & Minimum Standards
Main lawUnited Kingdom
National Security and Investment Act 2021
UKPGA 2021 c 25
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Companies & StartupsRegulatory ComplianceBusiness Sales & AcquisitionsRecords, Reporting & Notifications
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Network and Information Systems Regulations 2018
SI 2018/506
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Privacy & DataRegulatory ComplianceData Breaches & Cybersecurity
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Online Safety Act 2023
UKPGA 2023 c 50
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Digital & EcommerceRegulatory ComplianceConsumer Complaints & Dispute Resolution
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018
SI 2018/634
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Consumer Law & TradingDigital & EcommerceLiquidation & RestructuringTransport, Shipping & Logistics
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Act 2018
2018 c. 24
PriorityCurrent legislation7 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceEmployment Contracts & PoliciesWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesRecords, Reporting & NotificationsWorkplace Investigations & Misconduct
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Part-time Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2000
SI 2000/1551
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & WorkplaceDismissal, Redundancy & Grievances
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Partnership Act 1890
UKPGA Vict 53-54 c 39
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Companies & StartupsContracts & CommercialDisputes, Enforcement & Remedies
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Patents Act 1977
UKPGA 1977 c 37
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
IP & Brand ProtectionContracts & CommercialContractors & Worker StatusRestraints, Confidentiality & Trade SecretsLicences, Permits & Registrations
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Payment Services Regulations 2017
SI 2017/752
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Finance, Payments & SecurityDigital & EcommerceLicences, Permits & RegistrationsFinancial Services, Credit & PaymentsStandards, Accreditation & Certification
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Pensions Act 2008
UKPGA 2008 c 30
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceContractors & Worker StatusWages, Leave & Payroll
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003
SI 2003/2426
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Privacy & DataDigital & EcommerceAdvertising, Marketing & Promotions
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
UKPGA 2002 c 29
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Finance, Payments & SecurityRegulatory ComplianceFinancial Services, Credit & Payments
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Procurement Act 2023
UKPGA 2023 c 54
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Contracts & CommercialRegulatory Compliance
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (Security Requirements for Relevant Connectable Products) Regulations 2023
SI 2023/1007
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Food & Product CompliancePrivacy & DataFranchising, Distribution & DealershipsImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsTelecommunications, Media & Content
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022
UKPGA 2022 c 46
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Food & Product CompliancePrivacy & DataFranchising, Distribution & DealershipsImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsTelecommunications, Media & Content
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Public Contracts Regulations 2015
SI 2015/102
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Contracts & CommercialRegulatory ComplianceImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Registered Designs Act 1949
UKPGA Geo6 12-13-14 c 88
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
IP & Brand ProtectionLicences, Permits & RegistrationsImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
SI 2005/1541
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Planning, Building & Local ApprovalsRegulatory Compliance
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013
SI 2013/1471
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory Compliance
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Reporting on Payment Practices and Performance Regulations 2017
SI 2017/395
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Finance, Payments & SecurityRegulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & Governance
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Sale of Goods Act 1979
UKPGA 1979 c 54
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Contracts & CommercialConsumer Law & TradingBusiness Sales & AcquisitionsDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Shared Parental Leave Regulations 2014
SI 2014/3050
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & WorkplaceWages, Leave & Payroll
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015
UKPGA 2015 c 26
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Companies & StartupsEmployment & WorkplaceDirectors' Duties & Governance
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Subsidy Control Act 2022
UKPGA 2022 c 23
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Finance, Payments & SecurityRegulatory Compliance
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982
UKPGA 1982 c 29
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Contracts & CommercialStandards, Accreditation & Certification
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Trade Marks Act 1994
UKPGA 1994 c 26
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
IP & Brand ProtectionTrade Marks, Passing Off & BrandingDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Trade Secrets (Enforcement, etc.) Regulations 2018
SI 2018/597
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
IP & Brand ProtectionContracts & CommercialContractors & Worker StatusRestraints, Confidentiality & Trade SecretsCopyright, Software & Digital ContentDisputes, Enforcement & Remedies
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006
SI 2006/246
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & WorkplaceContracts & CommercialDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesBusiness Sales & Acquisitions
Main lawUnited Kingdom
UK GDPR
Regulation (EU) 2016/679 as retained in UK law
PriorityRetained UK law4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Privacy & DataRecords, Reporting & Notifications
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977
UKPGA 1977 c 50
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Contracts & CommercialUnfair Contract TermsFinancial Services, Credit & PaymentsInsurance Policies & ClaimsStandards, Accreditation & Certification
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Work and Families Act 2006
2006 c. 18
PriorityCurrent legislation7 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWages, Leave & PayrollRecords, Reporting & Notifications