Fiducia TogetherCompetition law
Rules against agreements and behaviour that restrict competition.
Please note: This page explains what a term means. It is general information, not legal, financial, tax or investment advice, and it does not know anything about your business. Before you sign, file or commit to anything, check it with an accountant, a solicitor, or the official guidance we link to.
What it means
The Competition Act 1998 prohibits anti-competitive agreements and abuse of a dominant position. The CMA enforces it.
Why it matters
Penalties reach 10% of worldwide turnover, and cartel activity is a criminal offence for individuals. Small businesses are not exempt.
What it looks like in practice
The hard prohibitions: price fixing, market sharing, bid rigging and limiting output between competitors. Resale price maintenance — telling a reseller what price to sell at — is also prohibited.\n\nThe CMA has taken enforcement action against small businesses and trade associations.
What to watch out for
Trade association meetings where pricing is discussed. And no-poach or wage-fixing agreements between employers, which the CMA has specifically warned about.
Where to get proper advice
The CMA's guidance for small businesses, free. A competition solicitor for anything involving competitors.
Where to read more
Last reviewed 2026-08-28 by Fiducia Together · Next review due 2027-08-28
Please note: This page explains what a term means. It is general information, not legal, financial, tax or investment advice, and it does not know anything about your business. Before you sign, file or commit to anything, check it with an accountant, a solicitor, or the official guidance we link to.