Operating without a licence

One of the most common ways that the government monitors and regulates business is through licensing systems. These systems allow the government to ensure commerce conducted within the UK reaches a certain standard that does not infringe the rights of customers or other traders. Failing to obtain a licence before engaging in restricted commerce will result in action by the government and even criminal charges.

Unlike many other countries, the UK does not require businesses to have a ‘Business Licence’ simply to run. However, many forms of commercial enterprise may find themselves engaged in trade which does require some form of licence.