Pictured above: Employment partner Lorraine Teague, one of the speakers at a free breakfast seminar about the Bribery Act 2011

A free event in Nottingham next week will offer simple guidance on the procedures companies need to put in place to avoid breaching regulations under the new Bribery Act, which will carry unlimited fines and up to ten years in prison.

Law firm Berryman has joined forces with corporate fraud investigation organisation Expert Investigations to host the free breakfast seminar on Thursday 27th January 2011. 

Lorraine Teague a member of the Employment Lawyers Association Bribery Act Guidance Working Party and Employment partner at the firm, will advise on the procedures companies should put in place. 

Guest speaker David Kearns, managing director of Expert Investigations and a former Police Intelligence Detective, will cover some practical steps companies need to implement to prevent bribery in the workplace, and utilise real-life case studies to illustrate the investigation, detection and prevention of suspected corporate fraud offences.

"The Bribery Act comes into force in April and introduces rigorous new anti-corruption measures which will affect all employers," explains Lorraine. "Employers will be responsible for the actions of people associated with their company, including employees, agents and contractors.

"The Act dictates businesses rethink practices that were once seen as good proactive business initiatives, including third party agents giving gifts or offering corporate hospitality - the Act is far-reaching and has huge implications for all businesses. With breaches of the regulations set to carry unlimited fines for companies and up to ten years imprisonment for individuals, directors and managers could be personally liable for offences committed by their company.

"It is vital they familiarise themselves with the details of the Act and change procedures as a matter of urgency, ahead of the Act coming into force in just a few weeks. Our seminar is designed to help businesses build knowledge of the Act and assist them get up to speed. It is critical they know what they can do to avoid the potentially severe penalties."

The free Bribery Act Seminar takes place from 8am to 9.30am on Thursday 27th January 2011 at Berryman's offices on Friar Lane in Nottingham. For more information and to reserve a place, email: sue.carr@berryman.co.uk, Tel: 0115 945 3785.

For more information about Berryman Solicitors, please visit their website: www.berryman.co.uk