Overview

• The UK government has directed the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to adopt a faster, less risk-averse approach to regulatory decisions in order to stimulate economic growth.
• The CMA plans to reduce investigation timelines, including cutting the pre-notification phase from 65 to 40 working days and straightforward Phase 1 investigations from 35 to 25 working days.
• Jonathan Reynolds, the Business Secretary, has launched a consultation to reshape the CMA’s priorities, emphasizing agility, proportionality, and a focus on reducing burdens on businesses.
• The CMA’s leadership has undergone significant changes, with the government appointing Doug Gurr, a former Amazon UK executive, as interim chair following the resignation of Marcus Bokkerink.
• Critics have raised concerns about the potential impact on consumer protections, while the government argues that the reforms will balance growth with safeguarding consumer interests.