NEWS & EVENTS

Businesses in the region need to use the 'breathing space' given to them by a delay in legislation to get their house in order in preparation for the Bribery Act.

That's the view of Roythornes Solicitors Partner Andrew Shipley speaking at a seminar held in Peterborough, where he explained how businesses need to be thinking about the Act now – even though it has been delayed.

The Bribery Act introduces a range of measures to ensure that Bribery plays no part in the way UK businesses operate.  It places a great deal of responsibility on the company itself to ensure it has put into place appropriate measures, which could include training, policies and communications.

The Act was due to come in to force in April 2010 but its' implementation was delayed at the last minute whilst the Government finalises the guidelines.

Andrew said:

"Even though the implementation date has moved, it is important to bear in mind that once the Government publish their guidance, there will be just three months before the Act becomes law. 

If you have a large internationally trading business this is simply not enough time to start from scratch, so our advice is to do some of the groundwork now and finalise it once the guidelines are issued."