Bribery and corruption aren’t just problems for big corporations and high-profile scandals, they can happen in any business, in any industry. Whether you’re negotiating a contract, hiring suppliers, or expanding into new markets, the risk is always there. And with the UK’s Bribery Act 2010 setting one of the toughest legal standards in the world, even an innocent mistake could create risks for your business you’d be better to avoid.
So, what does this actually mean for you as a business owner? Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense, and more importantly, helps you take action to protect your business.
What does bribery actually look like?
Let’s say you’re a scaling tech company negotiating a deal with a potential corporate partner. You’re keen to land the contract, and during discussions, a representative from the other company casually suggests that a “consultancy fee” paid directly to them could help move things along.
Or imagine you’re a business owner bidding for a government contract. One of the procurement officers hints that a luxury weekend away might just tip things in your favour.
Both scenarios might feel like standard business “greasing the wheels,” but in the eyes of the law, they’re bribery. And in both cases, your business, not just the individuals involved, could be held liable.
How the law works—and why it’s so tough
The Bribery Act 2010 doesn’t just punish individuals who offer or accept bribes. It also makes businesses criminally liable if they fail to prevent bribery. That means if an employee, agent, or even a supplier acts improperly, your company could face serious consequences, even if you had no idea it was happening.
And the penalties? They’re steep:
✅ Unlimited fines for businesses
✅ Up to 10 years in prison for individuals
✅ Directors disqualified from running a company
For regulated industries like finance, legal, and procurement, even an accusation of bribery can destroy credibility and client trust.
How to keep your business safe from bribery risks
The good news is that businesses aren’t expected to police every single action of their employees or partners. But you do need to show that you’ve taken reasonable steps to prevent bribery. That’s where having the right policies and processes in place becomes crucial.
1. Conduct a bribery risk check on your business
Start by assessing where bribery risks could arise in your company. Ask yourself:
🔹 Do we work in an industry where hospitality, gifts, or commissions are common?
🔹 Do we deal with public sector clients or government contracts?
🔹 Do we have suppliers, partners, or agents operating in high-risk jurisdictions?
If the answer to any of these is “yes,” your risk level is higher, and you’ll need to take extra precautions.
2. Create an anti-bribery policy that actually works
A lot of businesses think having a one-page anti-bribery policy in the staff handbook is enough. It’s not. Your policy needs to be practical, clear, and enforceable.
✅ Define what bribery looks like in your industry (e.g., excessive gifts, cash payments, favours).
✅ Set clear guidelines on what employees can and can’t do (e.g., “Gifts over £50 must be declared”).
✅ Outline what happens if someone breaches the policy.
✅ Make it part of your onboarding and training process—not just a document that gathers dust.
And crucially, lead by example. If senior leaders engage in questionable practices, don’t expect employees to follow the rules.
3. Train your team (and your suppliers!)
A common mistake businesses make is assuming bribery prevention is just an internal issue. But if a supplier or sales agent offers a bribe on your behalf, your business is still responsible.
That’s why it’s important to:
🔹 Run annual anti-bribery training for employees, especially in sales and procurement.
🔹 Include anti-bribery clauses in supplier contracts.
🔹 Regularly review high-risk relationships (e.g., overseas agents, contractors).
4. Set up a whistleblowing and reporting system
Would your employees feel safe reporting bribery concerns? If the answer is no, then there’s a risk that issues could go undetected. Here’s what you can do make sure you’re making it as easy as possible for your team and suppliers:
🔹 Have a confidential reporting channel where staff can raise concerns.
🔹 Make sure employees know they’ll be protected from retaliation if they report something in good faith.
🔹 Investigate every report properly—ignoring an issue because it’s “awkward” can backfire badly.
Final thoughts: the cost of doing nothing
Bribery and corruption might not be the most exciting business topics, but the cost of ignoring them is too high. Whether it’s a fine that could cripple your business, reputational damage that scares away investors, or even criminal charges, the risks are real.
But here’s the thing, staying compliant doesn’t have to be complicated. A few proactive steps now can save you massive headaches later.
Need help reviewing your anti-bribery policies or contracts? Jamieson Law can help. Get in touch to make sure your business is protected and stays on the right side of the law.
