Beyond borders, Winter 2025/26

29 January 2026

Welcome to the first edition of Beyond Borders for 2026, our quarterly overview of insights from around the legal world and news from our teams across the UK and Ireland.

In this edition we look at:

Navigating UK and Ireland data centre development in 2026.
The UK as a global life sciences hub.
The European Breakfast Directive.
Key 2026 milestones for UK and EU sustainability regulations.
Impact of the Digital Services Act on online retailers.

As well as a roundup of the latest news from Browne Jacobson.

Insights

Navigating UK and Ireland data centre development in 2026

In 2026, the UK and Ireland remain critical hubs for data centre development. We review the key trends and their implications for investors and operators navigating an increasingly cross-border landscape.

The UK as a global life sciences hub: Legal infrastructure and innovation policy

To attract global investment and foster innovation in its life sciences sector, Clare Auty, partner and head of our independent health and social care team, says Britain must reshape its legal and policy frameworks.

The European breakfast directive’s new year transformation

The Breakfast Directive seeks to amend four of the seven other EU “breakfast directives”. For food and beverage manufacturers in Ireland, it is essential to understand the new EU labelling and composition requirements for products.

UK and EU sustainability regulations: 2026 milestones, EPR and DRS updates

Businesses face clear legal obligations across product design, packaging, environmental claims, deforestation and waste management in both UK and EU jurisdictions.

The Digital Services Act: Recent enforcement actions

We look at how the EU’s Digital Services Act is already reshaping the regulatory landscape for online retail platforms.

Germany designates Bernhard Maier to the ICSID Panel of Arbitrators and Conciliators

This prestigious designation is a significant milestone both for Bernhard and the firm. It represents formal recognition by Germany of his exceptional expertise and standing in the field of investment treaty arbitration.

We advise Pioneer Group on its sale to European tech leader TRISON

The deal boosts TRISON's UK operations and brings together expertise in hospitality, quick service restaurants, stadia, corporate and retail sectors.

Inward investment: MC Refrigeration sale to Nordic Climate Group

A company that provides cooling and heating systems in the Nordics and Netherlands has entered the UK market for the first time in a deal supported by the firm.

Phenna Group expands its presence in Ireland

Our team has advised Nottingham-based Phenna Group on its acquisition of Testall Construction Testing Services Limited, a leading provider of materials testing and geotechnical services in Ireland.

We advise Monterro-backed Milient Software AS on its acquisition of UK-based Rapport3

The acquisition will enable Milient to strengthen its presence in the UK market and expand its service offerings.

Corporate finance partner Sandra Wong named in The Lawyer Hot 100 2026

The recognition celebrates both excellence and relevance in today's legal landscape.

Sandra has been integral to Browne Jacobson's expansion in the London private equity market, doubling the size of the team and revenue in since her arrival from the firm’s Nottingham office 18 months ago.

Beyond the UK, Sandra has been instrumental in building strong relationships with clients and intermediaries across the globe and in particular continental Europe, including France, Belgium, Denmark, and the Netherlands. As she continues to drive the firm’s international growth, her remarkable accomplishments to date are set to be surpassed in 2026 and beyond.

Find out more

Corporate health partner recognised as ‘one to watch’ at national industry awards

Partner Vicky Tomlinson has been recognised as a “standout talent” in the HealthInvestor Power List.

Dual award success: National Firm of the Year and Partner of the Year

Browne Jacobson secured two of the legal sector’s most respected honours in one evening, winning National Firm of the Year at the Chambers and Partners Awards 2025 and Partner of the Year for Laura Hughes at Law.com’s British Legal Awards.