Farleys are to deliver a talk to East Lancashire business owners next week to inform them about the Bribery Act and its implications. The seminar, to be presented by Bernard Horne, criminal law Partner, has been organised following feedback from local business owners that they are unaware of the Bribery Act and any impact it has on them, despite the new laws coming into force back in July.

Bernard Horne, Partner at Farleys Accrington office commented:

“We have found that many small business owners and independent traders are as yet unaware of the Act and as such, could be leaving themselves open to the very serious consequences.

“The Bribery Act brought two new offences when it came into force in July, one of which is failing to prevent bribery in an organisation, for which the business owners can face heavy fines and even imprisonment in extreme cases.

“We saw a Court employee become the first person to be charged under the new Act last month, for accepting a bribe of £500. So it isn’t just large corporate organisations with multimillion pound turnovers that are affected.

“The seminar will provide business owners with a brief overview of the Act and the new laws, along with practical advice on how they can protect themselves”.

The seminar, organised by the Blackburn Chamber of Trade, takes place on Thursday 20th October at 6pm at Blackburn Mall. Contact rita@blackburnchamber.co.uk for more information or to register.