England & Wales

It doesn’t quite seem fair that England and Wales don’t each get their own page, like other nations within the UK. But together these two nations (just about) form one legal jurisdiction, and that’s what we’re interested in here at Adviserly. 

And what a jurisdiction. 

With a population only of about 56 million people, ‘England and Wales’ is the preferred jurisdiction for most of the world’s international contracts. At root that’s due to history, language and location but also because the courts and judiciary are seen to be independent and fair.  

It’s the home of one of the world’s most vibrant finance and insurance industries, as well as all types of start-ups (including Adviserly) – 13 of which became unicorns in 2021 (not including Adviserly).  

Brexit has made it more difficult for EU citizens to live and work across the English Channel, but there are still more French people living in London than Bordeaux so don’t expect England to feel much less European than it did before. 

You just might need a bit more help with the paperwork. 

Beyond London 

While a popular place for its courts, businesses, history, theatres and restaurants, London is not England and it is certainly not Wales.  

Head up to the North York Moors, Snowdonia or the Brecon Beacons (or 10 other national parks), and you’ll see a hint of the ancient England and Wales pre-empire, pre-Industrial Revolution and even pre union. (Though given the industrial revolution was born in places with plentiful supplies of flowing water and coal, you can expect a lot of evidence of that too). 

The need for advice 

Famous for its food but not in a good way, a joke among expats goes that while in France they say “Bon appetit,” in England they say, “Good luck!” Most travellers, though, are either pleasantly surprised or take refuge in the almost infinite variety of global cuisine on offer even in the smallest towns.  

While the law of England and Wales is popular for international business, it can seem impenetrable for most on a day-to-day basis. One of the most secular countries on earth, it nevertheless allows serving clerics vote on legislation. England and Wales are a common law system but membership of the EU has left its mark: Brexit is a reality but much EU law still applies in a hastily copied British edition.  

Likewise, the English language can be deceptive (and not just the accents and the dialects) but also the double speak used in everyday business life. “How interesting” means “That’s not interesting” and “You’ve raised an important point” means “I couldn’t disagree with you more.” 

So, whether it’s to navigate the legal system or language or to take advantage of the many business opportunities, England and Wales is a great place to do business, so long as you have the right advice from some of the best lawyers and accountants the world has to offer.