The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is the UK's competition regulator. It enforces the Competition Act 1998, investigates anti-competitive agreements and abuse of market power, reviews mergers and can impose substantial fines. Individuals involved in cartels can also face criminal liability and director disqualification.

What counts as anti-competitive conduct?

Anti-competitive conduct includes agreements that restrict competition, such as cartels, price-fixing, market-sharing, bid-rigging and improper sharing of commercially sensitive information, along with abuse of a dominant market position. Many breaches happen without anyone intending harm, for example through casual contact with competitors at industry events.

What are the penalties for breaching UK competition law?

Penalties are severe. Firms can be fined up to 10% of worldwide turnover, contracts can be made void, and individuals involved in cartels can face criminal prosecution and director disqualification. The reputational damage from a CMA investigation often outlasts the financial penalty itself, which is why prevention and training matter.

Regulatory & conduct

Competition Law

Explain UK competition law in practical terms: what anti-competitive conduct looks like and how to avoid it in everyday business dealings.

Duration: ~20 min Accreditation: CPD accredited (CII) Last updated: April 2026 Reviewed by: Margaret Hassett

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What is competition law, and why does it matter?

Competition law protects open, fair markets so customers benefit from genuine choice and competitive prices. In the UK, the Competition Act 1998 prohibits anti-competitive agreements and abuse of a dominant market position, enforced by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). Penalties are severe, including fines up to 10% of worldwide turnover and criminal liability for cartels.

Who needs competition law training?

This training is for commercial, sales, procurement and senior staff who deal with competitors, suppliers or industry bodies, as they are most exposed to risky situations. Many breaches happen without anyone intending harm, so a single conversation or shared price list can cross the line, which makes awareness essential for these roles.

What does competition law training cover?

The course explains, in plain English, what anti-competitive conduct looks like and how to avoid it. It covers cartels, price-fixing and improper information sharing, abuse of a dominant position, and the situations carrying most risk, including competitor contact, trade bodies and suppliers, setting out practical do’s and don’ts grounded in realistic scenarios.

What does UK competition law require of firms?

The Competition Act 1998 prohibits agreements that restrict competition and abuse of a dominant position; the Enterprise Act 2002 makes participation in cartels a criminal offence. The CMA can fine firms up to 10% of worldwide turnover, void contracts, and disqualify directors, so prevention and staff training are essential.

What your team will learn

Explain the purpose of UK competition law and the role of the CMA
Recognise anti-competitive agreements and abuse of market power
Identify risky situations such as trade bodies and competitor contact
Identify what to do if you encounter a potential breach

What's included

~20 min of focused, scenario-based learning
CPD accredited (CII)
Built-in quiz with a configurable pass mark
Reviewed and kept current with UK regulation
Time-stamped completion records for your audit trail

How it works

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Your team completes it

Learners work through the course at their own pace on any device, finishing with a short assessment that demonstrates understanding.
Evidence it to the regulator

Every completion is time-stamped and retained, so you can prove the right people did the right training at any moment.

Frequently asked questions

What is the CMA?: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is the UK's competition regulator. It enforces the Competition Act 1998, investigates anti-competitive agreements and abuse of market power, reviews mergers and can impose substantial fines. Individuals involved in cartels can also face criminal liability and director disqualification.
What counts as anti-competitive conduct?: Anti-competitive conduct includes agreements that restrict competition, such as cartels, price-fixing, market-sharing, bid-rigging and improper sharing of commercially sensitive information, along with abuse of a dominant market position. Many breaches happen without anyone intending harm, for example through casual contact with competitors at industry events.
Who needs competition law training?: Commercial, sales, procurement and senior staff who deal with competitors, suppliers or industry bodies need competition law training, as they are most exposed to risky situations. Because a single conversation or shared price list can cross the line, training focuses on recognising risk and knowing the practical do's and don'ts.
What are the penalties for breaching UK competition law?: Penalties are severe. Firms can be fined up to 10% of worldwide turnover, contracts can be made void, and individuals involved in cartels can face criminal prosecution and director disqualification. The reputational damage from a CMA investigation often outlasts the financial penalty itself, which is why prevention and training matter.