Competition law and compliance
Understand competition law to better protect you and your company and how to use it for better trading outcomes.
Training in competition law is crucial for all suppliers, whether of branded or other products, to ensure they understand and comply with legal requirements and prevent anti-competitive practices. Confidence and knowledge in this area helps suppliers negotiate fair terms, avoid being exploited and resist trading practices that may harm their competitiveness. This fosters a competitive market, minimises the risk of legal disputes and penalties and sustains healthy supplier-retailer relationships.
The Brands Group provides two training courses to ensure externally-facing teams have the essential knowledge and skills. Both courses have similar content, delivered in different ways, with a one-day course or a modular approach spread over a longer period.
Competition Law & Compliance: One day course
Next course: 6 November 2025, London
Delegate rate*: £500/ Early bird: £450
This course is also available for delivery in-house
This course tells you everything you need to know about competition law, the Bribery Act, consumer pricing principles and compliance.
Timings can be arranged to suit you. Typically, in-person courses start at 0930 and close at 1700. Online courses typically start at 0900 and close at 1600, with a 2½ break for lunch.
This course is ideal for those wanting an in-house course, whether face-to-face or online. Content can be tailored to specific situations and past experiences.
What will you learn?
- The role and importance of competition law
- Compliance and how to develop a compliance programme
- Anti-competitive agreements, price fixing and sensitive information
- Pricing restrictions, pricing recommendations and pricing principles
- Category management
- The Bribery Act
- Dawn raids
No pre-reading is required.
At the end of the course you will receive all the key documents to take away.
Who should attend?
All managerial and other staff who communicate externally, whether with retail customers, competitors and/or suppliers.
The course is available to all suppliers, whether of branded, private label or fresh products, irrespective of size.
Who does the training?
This course is run in partnership with Bristows LLP, a law firm specialising in competition law. The training is delivered by a business professional practising in training, coaching and mentoring and a qualified competition lawyer from Bristows.
What people have said
“I now see why a competition compliance policy is so important and helps us be confident in dealings with retail customers.”
Competition Law & Compliance: Modular course
Next course: July 2025 online.
Online classroom dates – 10 and 17 July
Delegate rate*: £395. Early bird: £355
This new course adopts a modular approach to deepen learning and fit in with your busy schedule. Only available online, it comprises a short pre-read, two afternoon classroom sessions, a post-course summary including key slides, a post-course drop-in clinic and information helpline.
This course helps you understand how competition law impacts you and your business and how it can support your commercial goals.
Timings: Classroom sessions (x2) 1330 start, 1600 close.
Full joining instructions will be sent in advance.
* Delegate rates exclude VAT. Early bird rates apply if booking more than 3 weeks before the course. Special rates available to members and existing training clients. Email for more information.
What will you learn?
- The role and importance of competition law
- Compliance and how to develop a compliance programme
- Anti-competitive agreements, price fixing and sensitive information
- Pricing restrictions, pricing recommendations and pricing principles
- Category management
- The Bribery Act
- Dawn raids
At the end of the course you will receive all the key documents and guidance on GSCOP and the GCA.
Who should attend?
All managerial and other staff who communicate externally, whether with retail customers, competitors and/or suppliers.
The course is available to all suppliers, whether of branded, private label or fresh products, irrespective of size.
Who does the training?
The training is led by an experienced learning and development specialist with extensive experience in grocery retailing and private label, fresh and branded product supply. His most recent role was as Learning and Capability Lead for a major FMCG company.
What people have said
‘A great mix of presenting/sharing and break-outs to keep everyone fully involved despite being online’
‘really informative and incredibly useful for all my future day-to-day dealings as a NAM for grocery accounts’
‘Much of what was shared I wasn’t aware of and didn’t realise the severity of breaking the rules – it’s great to know there’s so much protection in place for us all’
‘Valuable to learn what you can or can’t say to customers to remain legal and the implictions this can have if you don’t’
‘Real lif examples were really helpful. This put into perspective the seriousness of competition law’
Other training for suppliers from the Brands Group
FAQs – Competition law and compliance
What legislation governs competition law and compliance in the UK?
Chapters I and II of The Competition Act 1998
What are the key things prohibited by competition law in the UK?
There are four:
- Price fixing
- Market sharing
- Bid rigging
- Agreements to limit production or supply
What should businesses watch out for?
- Cartels
- Other anti-competitive agreements
- Abuse of dominant position
Who enforces competition law in the UK?
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)
What are the implications if competition law is broken?
The main implications are:
- Risk of fines of up to 10% of annual worldwide turnover and a requirement to change behaviour
- Disqualification of directors for up to 15 years
- Reputational damage
- For cartel behaviour, sentences of up to 5 years in prison and/or fines for individuals
How do I know whether my company has a dominant position in the market?
A number of factors may come into play. Broadly speaking though, the risk of a dominant position arises with a persistent market share of 40% or more in the relevant market.
Who sets consumer prices in the UK and is responsible for ensuring practices are compliant?
Those selling products to consumers set the prices of products, including promotions. These tend to be retailers though may also be suppliers where they are selling direct to shoppers.
What rules apply to pricing practices in the UK?
Pricing practices such as promotions and claims must comply with the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Act 2024. They must not provide false or misleading information such that consumers change their buying decision.
The Brands Blog
50% of UK suppliers to major retailers are trained in GSCOP
At a meeting with the GCA last week in London, there was a concern raised that insufficient numbers of UK Grocery suppliers are adequately trained in GSCOP regulation. A UK government survey showed that over 50% of suppliers, particularly smaller ones, hadn't received...
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British Brands Group
100 Victoria Embankment, London EC4Y ODH
Tel: 01730 821212
British Brands Group is the trading name of The Brands Group Limited, a company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. Registration number 5660494. Registered Office as above.