Consumer protection and enforcement: what businesses need to know

Event overview

In conversation with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), hosted by Weightmans.

The behavioural science is clear - erosion of consumer trust damages reputation and negatively impacts B2C sales. When consumers trust the information in front of them, they spend more confidently. Fair dealing businesses thrive. These natural incentives are now bolstered by the CMA's strengthened enforcement powers. Join us in Manchester for an afternoon exploring what the new consumer enforcement regime means for your business or the businesses you advise.

Recent legal changes have given the CMA the ability to directly investigate suspected consumer protection breaches and impose significant penalties where breaches are found, and the CMA wants to help businesses understand their responsibilities. This session is an opportunity to hear directly from the CMA about what those changes mean in practice, to consider the wider benefits of compliance and to hear from the experts on how to best ensure compliance.

What you'll gain:

• insight from the CMA: Hayley Fletcher, Senior Director of Consumer Protection, will set out the CMA's approach to consumer enforcement, the current landscape, how to engage with the CMA and what to expect going forward
• practical perspectives: legal and industry experts will share compliance guidance drawing on expertise and recent research
• your questions answered: put your questions directly to the panel
• networking: connect with fellow business leaders and advisers from across the North West 

Who should attend 

• business owners and managers responsible for marketing, sales, customer communications or compliance
• business advisers including legal, marketing, advertising and PR professionals
• academics with interests in consumer behavioural science, marketing or media 

Please note that your information will be shared with Weightmans to gain access to their venue.  

Who will be speaking

Hayley Fletcher is the Senior Director for Consumer Protection at the CMA, responsible for its consumer enforcement work and introduction of its new enforcement powers under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCCA).

Angela Gregson is a Manchester‑based competition law partner and Head of Competition Law. She advises on UK and EU competition matters, including CMA and Commission investigations, mergers, and market inquiries, and is recognised by Legal 500 as a 'Next Generation Partner'.

Emma Collins is a Principal Associate solicitor in Weightmans’ commercial team. Emma advises on a range of contracts, data protection and intellectual property work, with a particular interest in advertising regulation and consumer protection law. Emma worked in house in the food and drink industry before joining national and international law firms.

Keeley Crockett SMIEEE SFHEA is a Professor of Computational Intelligence at Manchester Metropolitan University with more than 27 years’ experience in ethical and responsible AI. Her work centres on citizen focused, place based AI, public engagement, and AI policy in government. She holds senior leadership roles across UKRI, IEEE, and international AI safety initiatives.  

Location

About the Competition and Markets Authority  

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