ESA Briefs On UK Bribery Act

When the new UK Bribery Act comes into force in April it will present new risks to businesses and specific risks for those involved sponsorship. Some forms of corporate hospitality, gifts and even sponsorships may constitute bribery under the Act. The penalties can include unlimited fines for companies and heavy prison sentences for both employees and officials of companies.
To help the industry prepare for the new Act, the European Sponsorship Association is holding a breakfast briefing to focus on the various elements pertinent to sponsorship and corporate hospitality.
ESA Board Director, Peter Wilkinson, will chair the briefing. With many years’ experience in sponsorship and corporate hospitality at IBM UK, and now as an independent consultant, Peter specialises in corporate responsibility and anti-corruption, advertising Transparency International on countering bribery in the private sector.

Robert Barrington, Director of External Affairs, Transparency International UK, will be able to provide an overview on the latest developments relating to the new Act and guidance on adequate procedures. Nick Johnson, Partner at Osborne Clarke, will provide a legal perspective on the Act and its implications for the sponsorship and hospitality sectors.

The briefing is designed to be a practical session where delegates will have opportunities to ask questions of the panel on specific aspects affecting their sponsorship work.

The briefing will take place on Thursday, February 10th. For more information, please email the ESA office at esaoffice@sponsorship.org.