In our discussions with clients over the last six months, we have seen a strong focus on what the future holds for consumer brands and retailers amid sweeping reforms and ever-evolving regulation. Against a backdrop of unprecedented change across the sector, we set out to create something to help you, our clients, look ahead with clarity and confidence.
We stepped into your shoes, considered what’s in store for 2026 and beyond, and collated the key watch outs that will matter most to you and your board, as well as those that may not yet be on your agenda…
And so, The Drop by RPC was born.
In this practical guide, we bring together insights from across our specialist sector group to highlight the most pressing issues likely to shape your strategy, risk profile and opportunities over the next 12 months. From regulatory developments and emerging market trends to landmark legislation, we hope this guide will equip you with actionable intel in this rapidly evolving landscape.
Our first edition explores the twin forces of innovation and regulation. We look at how brands are ramping up investment in AI – from personalisation and pricing to supply chain and customer experience – and the legal, ethical and reputational questions that follow. We consider the evolving cookies and tracking landscape and what it really means for digital marketing, adtech and first‑party data strategies.
We also examine the regulators’ increasing interest in the sector: HMRC’s more assertive approach to consumer-facing businesses, and the CMA’s scrutiny of online pricing practices and transparency. Alongside this, our Employment team unpacks key reforms under the new Employment Rights Act, whilst our cyber specialists outline why cyber resilience is now a board-level imperative rather than an IT issue.
The Drop by RPC sits alongside our DMCCA Guide and ESG Evolve Whitepaper which provide thought-provoking updates on these key areas.
We hope you find this a practical and insightful guide to what lies ahead. As ever, if anything here raises questions for your business, we would be delighted to continue the conversation.
Ciara Cullen Consumer Brands & Retail Sector Lead
With thanks to the whole publication team for their contributions to the publication. Designed by Jenni Lungley-Down of Paragon Works Global Studios.
Disclaimer The information in this publication is for guidance purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We attempt to ensure that the content is current as of the date of publication but we do not guarantee that it remains up to date. You should seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content.