International
As a UK law firm, with a broad and prestigious network of top, independent law firms, covering over 100 countries, Irwin Mitchell is well positioned to assist our international clients navigating ESG requirements.
For businesses and individuals looking to set up in the UK, we can assist in ensuring responsible and compliant processes and structures while advising on your industry specific regulations and local UK considerations.
If you are a UK business with interests or relationships in other territories, we can help you navigate contracts, cross border issues, different jurisdictions and ensure compliant reporting and practices both home and abroad.
With strong global focus on issues like climate change, labour practices, supply chain management and tax positions, it is even more important than ever that there is organisational transparency and accountability across all locations. Our multi-disciplinary team with specialities in corporate governance, dispute resolution, data and cyber security and trademarking amongst others will support you as you look to drive sustainable growth for your business.
Latest Insight & News
We have selected a few topical issues below, but for more inspiration on your sector or area of interest, click through to our media library here.
How Can We Help?
When operating in and with different territories there will be situations where regulations and ways of operating conflict. Our teams are well placed to find the best possible outcome for you and your business and ensure exceptional advice and representation in any of our jurisdictions through our partnership network.
The safety of your business and customer data is of critical importance to your business continuity and reputation. While some areas of the world are regulated and guidance clear with legislation like GDPR governing data standards and requirements, many are not. Our specialist data and cyber experts can advise on how to keep your data safe and ensure the correct ownership and usage of that data when crossing borders.
As you expand your business internationally or acquire businesses or brands who originate or operate in other countries, you need to ensure that your intellectual property is protected both now and in the future. Our intellectual property team can handle registrations and any disputes that may arise as well as helping to anticipate what you may need next and ensure what is yours stays yours.
Businesses are responsible for the performance and behaviour of all parties up and down their supply chain. In operating as a responsible business, regular audits and reviews are required to ensure that your suppliers and partners reflect and contribute to your sustainability goals particularly in the areas of labour and sourcing of materials in all territories.
It is always challenging setting up a business or office or even home in another country. As specialists in UK law and both regional and national considerations, we can help make sure that you have visibility of all regulations for your sector and structure your business for compliance and success in the UK. We can also support with any immigration, tax, employment, property or personal needs that may arise.
If you have different business entities or are trading in different markets, each may have different requirements for financial reporting and tax. Our specialist team can help you structure your business and tax requirements so that you are set up for success and comply with the relevant regulations. Our specialist teams can assist in anticipating and exploring options for businesses who may be in distress or if any disputes arise.
To explore the wider range of services offered by Irwin Mitchell see our Legal Advisory Service Page.
Our Work In International
"The team was excellent in managing advisers across multiple jurisdictions to find a solution that worked cross-border and not just simply in the UK. Beyond technical ability, they showed impressive cultural intelligence and their bilingual language capabilities are a real asset"
Tax & Succession Planning Client
International Data Protection - Case Study
We've been involved in a number of international projects relating to setting up global programs relating to data governance.We advised a global manufacturer on its GDPR readiness program across its Eurasia region. Not only were we appointed as specialist data protection lawyers from a UK perspective but also the legal project manager for the project.
Find out more about our work
ESG issues are assuming an increasing importance in the focus of businesses and individuals around the world. The Governance subject matter is one that comes to the fore. Being a mature and experienced market in the UK, there are aspects of governance that international businesses are keen to learn from the UK.
It is exciting for the Irwin Mitchell international team to be able to talk to international businesses about ESG in the knowledge that our business and its people are passionate about the subject. We have a longstanding reputation of being a Responsible Business and we are helping foreign businesses and individuals to embrace that approach, passing on learnings and best practice.
I help clients protect their brands and reputation, to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from crises. ESG has added a new dimension and complexity to brand and reputation, particularly with the spotlight on transparency and avoiding 'greenwashing'. I advise clients in relation to the environmental statements they make about practices and products having regard for the Green Claims Code, as we are seeing an increasing number of clients unwittingly fall foul of the Code.
For my part, I am passionate about helping organisations adapt and effect change, such that the issues around ESG become an inextricable part of how they do business and becomes ingrained in the culture of the organisation 'doing the right thing'.
View Georgie's Profile
Contact Details
For all ESG enquiries, please contact Bryan Bletso, Director of Strategic Growth (International), by phone or email.
Sectors
Our specialist sports lawyers have in-depth knowledge of the sports sector, many of them coming from sporting clubs and organisations themselves. They bring this passion and experience to a broad spectrum of ESG related services tailored to this industry, from corporate governance and compliance to environmental planning of a new stadium to awareness training on Diversity and Inclusion. For more information visit our Sport Sector ESG page.
The manufacturing sector is at the forefront of both the challenges and opportunities of building a sustainable business. From energy and emissions and waste management to responsible sourcing and large diverse workforces and work environments, our multi-disciplinary team of experts can help with achieving both the short-term wins and long-term goals. For more information visit our Manufacturing Sector ESG page.
Whether you are a developer, investor or occupier, there are significant considerations to ensure that properties are built and operated efficiently and responsibly. Our expert legal teams can advise across multiple real estate sectors to assist you in complying with regulations and managing the environmental and social impact of any property or development. From implementing of green leases and issuing of environmental permits to sophisticated environmental planning expertise, the team can guide you to achieve your ESG goals. For more information visit our Real Estate Sector ESG page.
Consumer facing and retail businesses are often in the spotlight when it comes to being responsible businesses. Fair labour practices, hyper consumerism and waste, safe working environments, packaging and marketing claims are all in a day’s work for these businesses. Our diverse team of consumer and retail specialists can advise on how to anticipate and plan for ESG considerations in this fast-moving environment to protect your business and ensure sustainable growth. For more information visit our Consumer Sector ESG page.
