Bristows' Podcast

What competition law risks should life sciences companies be watching out for? 

In this episode, Bristows competition lawyers Sophie Lawrance and Francion Brooks explore three key areas for in-house counsel to monitor: patent strategies, denigration and so-called “killer acquisitions”. They discuss recent enforcement trends and cases, the practical risks for innovative pharma companies, and the steps businesses should consider to stay on the right side of competition law.

All information was correct at the time of recording.

With major changes to UK employment law on the horizon, what do life sciences employers need to be thinking about now? 

In this episode, Bristows employment law experts James Champness and Manon Rattle explore the practical impact of the reforms on the life sciences sector, from probation periods and restructuring to flexible working, harassment and non-competes, and highlight the key steps employers can take to prepare.

All information was correct at the time of recording.

In this Autumn Budget 2026 special, Bristows tax partner Julia Cockroft and trainee solicitor Simon Bayliss unpack the Chancellor’s key business tax announcements through the lens of carrots and sticks. 

From the new tax relief for founders and improvements to the tax efficient employee share scheme regimes to the reduction in Business Asset Disposal Relief and tougher tax conditions for others, they explore who stands to benefit, who may face new challenges, and what the measures reveal about the government’s priorities for UK businesses. 

As ever with tax, the devil is in the detail. 

Listen today.

All information was correct at the time of recording.

Real estate partner Tim Allen welcome special guest, Nicholas Blevins (Partner, Knight Frank) onto the podcast to explore the evolving relationship between commercial real estate and the life sciences sector. 

They discuss investment opportunities across the UK, changing occupier demands, the rise of managed laboratories and turnkey solutions, and the impact of M&A activity on the biotech landscape. Looking ahead, they consider the prospects for funding, rental growth and future lab development in an increasingly selective market.

All information was correct at the time of recording.

What do the latest EU regulatory reforms mean for the future of life sciences innovation? 

Bristows’ life sciences regulatory partners Alex Denoon and Xisca Borrás explore key developments in pharmaceutical legislation, medical devices regulation and the proposed Biotech Act, examining what the changes could mean for industry, patient access and Europe’s competitiveness in 2027 and beyond.

All information was correct at the time of recording.

In this episode of Life Sciences Lab Notes from Bristows, James Johnston and Claire Smith explore the US BIOSECURE Act and its implications for UK and EU biotech companies. 

They unpack common misconceptions about the legislation, explain how restrictions on federal funding and procurement could affect international supply chains, and examine the potential impact on commercial partnerships, investment and exit transactions.

With a focus on practical steps, they discuss how biotech businesses can assess supply chain risks, strengthen contractual protections and plan ahead.

All information was correct at the time of recording.

Marc Dautlich and Alex Denoon discuss ambient voice technologies (AVTs), also known as 'AI scribes'. And of course, they are looking at AVTs specifically in the field of life sciences and healthcare.

In our previous episode, we put a question to the European Commission’s AI Act Service Desk. Stick around until the end of the episode for what Alex and Marc thought of that response.

You can read the response in full here.

All information was correct at the time of recording.

Naina Patel and Rob Powell explore the new rules governing the advertising of less healthy food and drink, and what they mean in practice for businesses and brands. 

Looking at a selection of recent ASA rulings, they examine real-world examples of advertising that has – and has not – been caught by the new restrictions. When will the brand advertising exemption apply? When is an individual product identifiable in an ad? And what do these decisions mean for businesses navigating the new rules? 

All information was correct at the time of recording.

Expanding into the UK? There’s more to consider than simply finding an office.

In this bonus episode of UK Expansion, Sam Munday is joined by Bristows real estate expert Suzanne Hooks to explore the key commercial real estate issues overseas businesses should consider when entering the UK market.

From serviced offices and incubator space to leases, exit rights, dilapidations and sustainability requirements, they discuss the practical points businesses should have on their radar before committing to a UK real estate footprint.

Listen today!

All information was correct at the time of recording.

In our first episode of (Medical) Crimes and (Data) Misdemeanours, Marc Dautlich and Alex Denoon write to the European Commission’s AI Act Service Desk.

Any High-Risk AI System (and these are the most interesting AI Systems and the focus of the EU AI Act) must be the subject of a Declaration of Conformity prepared by the “provider” (the entity with primary regulatory responsibility for the AI System). This is a living document that confirms that the System (for example, a medical device that integrates some AI) complies with the AI Act (and any other applicable legislation). For this podcast, the relevant provision is Annex V, point 5. The DoC must include a statement that the AI System “complies with GDPR”. Sounds easy, but what does it mean in practice?

Note: All information was correct at the time of recording.

All information was correct at the time of recording.