Regulatory

Leading regulatory solicitors, Manchester and London

At Olliers, we understand the impact a large scale and often complex regulatory Investigation can have upon the lives of an individual and their business or professional life.

It is crucial that during the investigation of any potential regulatory offence, an individual or organisation under investigation does everything they can to avoid a prosecution. We look to establish early dialogue with investigators, exploring all avenues with a view to achieving a swift resolution. Our primary objective is to nip an investigation in the bud and minimise the impact upon our clients.

We are frequently instructed prior to an interview under caution, at the point of a ‘dawn raid’. We act for clients who have been asked to attend a voluntary interview. Alternatively, if a client has already been interviewed we may be contacted once they are released under investigation.

The pre charge stage of the case is absolutely crucial. It is the opportunity for the defence to go on the front foot adopting a proactive approach to pre-charge engagement with investigators. At Olliers, we will always look to make successful representations against charge and prevent clients being prosecuted, something we discuss in more detail here.

Our Regulatory Team is known for its pro-active approach to ‘crisis management’ adopting a sure footed and holistic strategy from the outset.

Regulatory areas

Our lawyers can advise you in relation to the following regulatory areas:

Our experience

The cases below reflect the level and depth of our team’s experience

Representation of core participant during the Manchester Arena Bombing Inquiry
Operation Koukla representation of a suspect allegedly involved in a National Trading Standards investigation, concerning management of car insurance claims. Click here to read more
Operation Gilbert – Bradford Crown Court. representation of defendant in National Trading Standards prosecution, at Bradford Crown Court. Case involves alleged multi-million pound fraud connected with several model agencies and photography studios. Click here to read more.
Representation of key witness during the Manchester Arena Bombing Inquiry
Representation of company directors facing Information Commissioner’s Office investigation into data breaches
Representation of an interested party during Operation Resolve, the police investigation into Hillsborough
Representation of a key witness during the Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse (IICSA), including advice during the police interviews before the Inquiry and attendance at the Inquiry itself
Representation of client in relation to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse – Residential Schools following receipt of Rule 13 warning letter
Olliers represented a substantial IT part seller with a multimillion pound turnover subject to a Trading Standards investigation into the authenticity of computer accessories. A significant number of items were seized and notices were served under schedule 5 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015. This was a complex investigation which subsequently focused on General Product Safety Regulations 2005. Following a lengthy and protracted dialogue with the Trading Standards Team and the Local Authority Legal Department the investigation came to an amicable conclusion with our clients not even being interviewed under caution.
R v G – Represented a company director at Manchester Crown Court for trading standards offences. He was prosecuted for selling children’s chairs on ebay which didn’t pass the necessary safety standards and also used trademarked logos.
R v H – Represented a individual alleged to have been involved in manufacturing and selling counterfeit goods in the Cheetham Hill District of Manchester. The case was discontinued after negotiations with the prosecuting authority and co-defendants.
R v I – Represented a client for allegations of unlicensed pharmaceutical drug importation and sales, and money laundering. The client and her partner were alleged to be responsible for importing generic Viagra from India and selling it through various companies on ebay. This was a complex case involving large amounts of financial and transactional records.
R v J – Represented a client prosecuted for unauthorised treatment of waste at his waste management plant.
R v A – Environment Agency prosecution where the client was engaged as a director in an illegal and unregulated operation in handling or transportation of waste which was exceedingly hazardous.
Representation of disqualified director facing Insolvency Service prosecution for breach of director disqualification.
Acted for former partner in property investment business facing Insolvency Service prosecution for fraudulent trading in alleged ‘ponzi’ fraud.
Acted for company directors seeking to register small payment institution with Financial Conduct Authority following revocation of ‘fit and proper’ status.
Manchester Crown Court – acquittal of defendant prosecuted by Birmingham Trading Standards Illegal Money Lending Team.
Acted for directors of company facing allegation of re use of company name following insolvency ‘phoenix’ offence – section 216 of the Insolvency Act 1986.
Leeds Crown Court, acquittal of IT consultant facing NHS Fraud.
Representation of detention officers following death in custody at Harmondsworth Detention Centre Heathrow.
Representation of Prison Governor during police investigation following cell suicide at Merseyside prison (no charges brought).
Representation of solicitor facing SRA investigation following mobile phone communication with defendant in custody

Funding

Olliers can accept instructions on a fixed fee basis or on an hourly rate basis. If you have a policy of insurance with legal expenses cover then we can work with the insurance provider so you have representation of your choice. If you are unsure as to whether your policy covers you then we are happy to assist you and look into this for you

Many clients that come to us think that if they are utilising the benefit of their legal expenses insurance then they need to use their insurer’s recommended ‘panel solicitor’. This is simply not true. Section 6 of The Insurance Companies (Legal Expenses Insurance) Regulations 1990 makes this explicitly clear. It is our experience that insurers sometimes refuse to accept that the regulations apply in an attempt to impose their own panel of lawyers so as to control the supply and cost of legal advice. If you encounter any difficulties with your insurance company insisting you use their panel solicitor we would suggest you contact us as we are extremely experienced at successfully challenging decisions of insurers as to freedom to choose your own lawyer.

Expert regulatory lawyers (Manchester & London)

If you are facing a regulatory investigation or the possibility of an investigation and wish to speak to one of our team please contact us at the earliest possible opportunity for a confidential discussions We are able to represent you wherever you are based across England and and Wales.

Our Regulatory Team is headed by our Managing Director Matthew Claughton and other members are Toby Wilbraham, Zita Spencer. Each of our specialists has substantial experience in dealing with a range of regulatory investigations and prosecutions as well as complex criminal cases.