Events by Mills & Reeve LLP

For high-growth businesses in the UK, intellectual property (IP) is often the most valuable asset on the balance sheet. Mills & Reeve LLP is hosting an exclusive networking and strategy seminar in Birmingham focused on protecting and leveraging technology and IP in 2026. This session is specifically designed for tech founders, C-suite executives, and investors who need to stay ahead of the curve in a competitive global market. The seminar will examine the current state of IP law, including recent developments in patent litigation and the challenges of protecting software and AI-generated content. Our specialists will provide actionable advice on building a robust IP portfolio that attracts investment and scales internationally. We will also explore the complexities of technology transfer and licensing agreements, ensuring that businesses can maximize the commercial value of their innovations while mitigating legal risks. Following the strategy sessions, we will host a structured networking event where attendees can connect with peers in the Birmingham tech ecosystem. This "Tech Connect" session is designed to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among the city's most innovative companies. Whether you are preparing for a funding round, planning an exit, or looking to expand into new markets, this event provides the legal clarity and professional connections needed to drive your business forward in 2026.

The UK healthcare sector is at a crossroads, with technological innovation and regulatory reform driving rapid change. Mills & Reeve LLP is hosting a flagship conference in Birmingham to explore the intersection of health, technology, and law in 2026. This event brings together leaders from the NHS, private healthcare providers, and the MedTech industry to discuss the legal frameworks supporting the next generation of patient care. The conference will cover critical themes including the integration of AI in clinical workflows, data privacy challenges in interconnected health systems, and the evolving landscape of medical device regulation. As healthcare providers strive for greater efficiency, our legal experts will provide guidance on navigating complex procurement processes and public-private partnerships. We will also host a specialized panel on "Professional Accountability in the Age of AI," addressing the ethical and legal implications of automated decision-making in a medical context. In addition to the formal presentations, the event features a "Tech Showcase" where emerging MedTech startups will present their solutions to a panel of investors and legal advisors. This provides a unique opportunity for established healthcare players to discover new technologies while understanding the regulatory hurdles associated with their adoption. With a focus on practical solutions and forward-looking strategies, this conference is a must-attend for those shaping the future of health in the UK.

Following the landmark passage of the Employment Rights Act 2025, businesses across the UK are now entering the critical implementation phase. Mills & Reeve LLP invites HR professionals, business owners, and legal counsel to a comprehensive workshop in Birmingham to unpack the changes coming into force throughout 2026. This session is part of our "People Matter" series, specifically tailored to help organizations navigate the most significant shift in UK labor law in a generation. The workshop will provide a practical roadmap for the implementation timetable, focusing on key areas such as the removal of the two-year qualifying period for unfair dismissal, new regulations regarding zero-hours contracts, and the enhanced protections for parental and sick leave. Our employment law specialists will share "view from the ground" insights on how these changes are impacting recruitment, retention, and workplace culture. We will also address the practicalities of updating staff handbooks and employment contracts to ensure full compliance before the October 2026 deadlines. Beyond the legislative technicalities, the event will feature a dedicated session on managing workplace disputes under the new framework. We will discuss the role of Generative AI in research and its impact on employee expectations, as well as the evolving use of NDAs and confidentiality clauses in settlement agreements. This is an essential briefing for anyone responsible for workforce management who needs to balance legal risk with operational efficiency in a rapidly changing regulatory environment.

As the UK commercial real estate sector navigates a complex period of transition, Mills & Reeve LLP is proud to host an intensive seminar focused on "Re-thinking the Real Estate Finance Landscape in 2026." This session is designed to address the critical challenges and emerging opportunities in a market characterized by shifting debt costs, stringent lender requirements, and a heightened focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance. With more than £30bn of UK commercial real estate loans due for refinancing this year, the urgency for strategic planning has never been greater. Our expert panel will delve into the nuances of acquisition finance and the increasing selectivity of lenders who are now taking a more granular approach to asset selection. We will explore why sectors like logistics, living sectors, and development finance remain attractive, while also examining the "blocks to success" posed by the Building Safety Act and lingering construction cost uncertainties. This event provides a platform for borrowers and investors to understand how to build trusted lender relationships and negotiate flexible loan documentation that supports long-term business plans without constant consent hurdles. Attendees will gain a comprehensive overview of the 2026 market outlook, including predictions on interest rate cuts and the impact of legislative volatility on market hesitation. The seminar concludes with a networking reception, offering a prime opportunity to connect with industry leaders, legal experts, and financial advisors to discuss tailored strategies for your portfolio. Whether you are managing existing assets or looking for new acquisition opportunities, this event equips you with the legal and financial insights necessary to thrive in the current landscape.

The AHUA Midlands Summer Conference 2026, hosted at the prestigious Birmingham office of Mills & Reeve LLP, is a premier gathering designed for senior university administrators and higher education leaders across the Midlands. As the landscape of higher education undergoes rapid transformation—driven by shifting government policies, evolving student expectations, and the integration of advanced technologies—this conference provides a critical platform for strategic discussion and collaborative problem-solving. The program is meticulously curated to address the most pressing challenges facing the sector today. Attendees will engage in high-level sessions focused on institutional governance, financial sustainability, and the legal complexities of the modern campus. Expert speakers from Mills & Reeve’s renowned education practice will join forces with AHUA members to break down recent legislative changes, including the practical implications of new employment laws and data protection standards within a university context. Beyond the formal presentations, the event emphasizes the importance of peer-to-peer networking. The "Summer" edition of this regional meeting utilizes the modern, collaborative spaces of the One Centenary Way office to facilitate breakout discussions and informal knowledge sharing. Participants will gain firsthand insights into how peer institutions are navigating the "strategic partner" role of the registry and secretariat, moving beyond mere procedural functions to become drivers of institutional success. Whether you are looking to mitigate compliance risks, explore innovative funding models, or simply connect with fellow professionals dedicated to excellence in HE administration, this conference offers the tools and connections necessary to lead with confidence in 2026. The day concludes with a networking reception, providing a relaxed environment to solidify new partnerships and discuss the day’s takeaways.