A relatively modest Budget, but one that raises bigger questions and leaves plenty for businesses to get to grips with.

Simon Nicholls, co-head of Corporate and M&A, and Sarah Osprey, a partner in our Tax team, take stock to discuss the measures that sta

nd out, their implications and some of the bigger budgetary decisions that may be coming later down the line.

They cover:

• The economic, fiscal and political pressures shaping the Budget

• How this relatively modest Budget adds further complexity to the tax landscape

• Targeted measures affecting banks, gambling, energy and infrastructure

• Wider changes with implications for investment and corporate transactions

Plus, what decisions have been deferred and whether fundamental reform of the UK tax system is on the horizon.

As ESG regulation and expectations continue to evolve, understanding potential risks and opportunities is becoming an important part of the M&A process.

Head of Business and Human Rights, Moira Thompson Oliver and Head of Environment and Climate Change, Samantha Brady are joined by Carey Ni, Partner at JunHe LLP, to discuss what businesses should consider when approaching ESG in transactions, including due diligence, regulatory developments, value chain risks, valuation, deal terms and post-completion strategy.

In this three-part podcast series, in collaboration with Mallesons, we explore how modern slavery regulation is evolving across Australia, the UK and beyond.

As expectations around modern slavery continue to grow, organisations are being challenged to move beyond compliance and build more resilient approaches to risk management. In the final episode of the series, Associate Natalie Goodman sits down with Chris Coates, Associate at Mallesons, to explore practical approaches to due diligence, governance, stakeholder engagement and supply chain oversight, and discuss how businesses can prepare for the next phase of regulation.