The Retail, Consumer & Lifestyle sector is a key area of focus for our firm.
The sector has evolved rapidly in recent years, as technological innovation and the changing consumer market has transformed the way the sector operates and interact with customers.
This sector is characterised by innovative brands and exciting growth businesses. It is a highly competitive sector and one heavily affected by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. With both the recent pandemic and the wider market trends towards digitisation as well as greater sustainability and enhancing the consumer experience, it is clear that consumer-focused businesses will need to be flexible and adaptable to quickly changing market conditions in order to succeed.
We dedicate ourselves to supporting our clients through their growth journey and pride ourselves on offering more than just legal support. We take the time to get to know you, and build tailored teams dedicated to understanding the underlying ethos and commercial strategies of your brand. Taking this personal approach to our work enables us to look ahead, and think creatively about how we can best support you with the challenges and opportunities the sector will face in the future, particularly as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our group has extensive experience advising businesses across the sector, with market leading expertise in:
- Food & Beverage – including restaurants, pubs, bars, clubs and brands, with specialist expertise in food regulation and developing technology
- Retail & Consumer Brands – including household names, luxury brands and retailers, with specialist experience in commercial strategy and consumer technology
- Lifestyle & Leisure – including hotels, membership clubs and the exciting developing area of ‘wellness’
No matter what kind of business and whatever stage of growth you are at, we will help you navigate the challenges and opportunities in the years ahead. Please get in touch, or click through to our pages below for more information on your particular sector.

Meet the team
- Call Edward +44 (0)20 7203 5213
- Email Edward
- London office
- Call Caroline +44 (0)20 7203 5150
- Email Caroline
- London office
- Call Rose +44 (0)20 7427 6524
- Email Rose
- London office
- Call Andrew +44 (0)20 7427 6768
- Email Andrew
- London office
- Call David +44 (0)20 7427 6755
- Email David
- London office
- Call Mark +971 4 246 1921
- Email Mark
- Dubai office
- Call Megan +44 (0) 207 438 2235
- Email Megan
- London office
- Call Michael +44 (0)20 7203 5216
- Email Michael
- London office
- Call Jason +44 (0)20 7203 5347
- Email Jason
- London office
- Call Nick +44 (0)20 7438 2294
- Email Nick
- London office
- Call Caroline +44 (0)20 7203 5158
- Email Caroline
- London office
- Call Abigail +44 (0)20 7203 8909
- Email Abigail
- London office
- Call Peter +44 (0)20 7427 6754
- Email Peter
- London office
Attention to Retail Toolkit
We work extensively in the retail sector, advising both small start-ups as well as some of the biggest names in the business.

Our thinking
Simon Green
Simon Green and Reem Al Mahroos write for Real Estate Asia on the trend of 'revenge tourism'
Revenge tourism is the new direction of travel for Asia...
Charlotte Duly
Retail Bulletin quotes Charlotte Duly on the House of Zana trademark row with Zara
"In this battle of David and Goliath, the little guy has come out on top."
Nick Hurley
The Guardian quotes Nick Hurley on the recent Supreme Court holiday pay ruling
"It is one of the few examples of a situation where a part time worker is treated more favourably than a full time worker..."
Tim Maxwell
The Times quotes Tim Maxwell on replica copies and copyright considerations
The museum could also be wary of allowing the “creation of a new copyright"
Mary Bagnall
Charles Russell Speechlys achieves colour trade mark registration for iconic ‘Cadbury Purple’
This decision marks the end of a long journey to register a colour trade mark without contours for Cadbury’s iconic purple brand.
Jamie Cartwright
The Grocer quotes Jamie Cartwright on Kellogg’s challenge to rules on HFSS
After Kellogg’s court defeat, are HFSS restrictions inevitable?
Paul Stone
City AM quotes Paul Stone on the CMA's investigation into Amazon
"The latest UK investigation looks like a “carbon copy” of its European counterparts"
Rebecca Burford
7 top tips for Food and Beverage brands preparing for Private Equity investment
Planning and preparing for investment into your F&B business in advance of entertaining discussions will stand you in good stead.
Emma Preece
EG quotes Emma Preece on the Picturehouse and BNY Mellon rent arrears cases
“The case is being closely watched by landlords and tenants alike as the impact of the pandemic lives on in the commercial property sector”
Joshua Green
Joshua Green writes for Spear's Magazine on Wagatha Christie’s lessons for HNWs
Wagatha Christie’s lessons for HNWs
Louise Paterson
Artnet quotes Louise Paterson on the Ivory Act
UK’s Ivory Act comes into force
Briony Richards
AI and HR - How can employers reduce the risks associated with using artificial intelligence to help manage their workforce?
If they are not mindful of the risks associated with AI, employers may find themselves in breach of employment and data protection law.
Charlotte Duly
Charlotte Duly writes for CITMA Review on the China Tang trade mark infringement case
Charlotte Duly writes for CITMA Review on the China Tang trade mark infringement case
Jonathan McDonald
Jonathan McDonald provides comment for City AM on the Data Reform Bill announced in the Queen's Speech
Jonathan McDonald provides comment for City AM on the Data Reform Bill announced in the Queen's Speech
Nick White
Charles Russell Speechlys advises Symphony Holdings Limited on the sale of its PONY trade mark portfolio for USD $28 million
Charles Russell Speechlys advises Symphony Holdings Limited on the sale of its PONY trade mark portfolio for USD $28 million.
Hope Barton
Hope Wilson writes for the EG Legal Q&A on qualifying criteria
Hope Wilson writes for the EG Legal Q&A on qualifying criteria
Natalie Batra
Patents and Peppa Pig: What is happening to intellectual property rights in Russia?
Certain Russian individuals and businesses can now use patents, utility models and industrial designs without obtaining prior permission.
Charlotte Duly
Charlotte Duly quoted in Retail Gazette on House of Zana trademark dispute
Charlotte Duly quoted in Retail Gazette on House of Zana trademark dispute
Durra Al Ali
Durra Al Ali and Simon Heatley write about disclosure duties for Thomson Reuters Practical Law
Disclosure duties for clients and their lawyers
Lesley O’Leary
Briefing publishes Lesley O’Leary 's comments on hybrid working and the impact on collaboration
Briefing publishes Lesley O’Leary 's comments on hybrid working and the impact on collaboration