Restrictive Covenant Review

Restrictive covenants are enforceable in the UK, but only to the extent they go no further than necessary to protect a legitimate business interest. Too narrow and they protect nothing; too broad and they protect nothing because they will be struck down.

Where covenants sit on the enforceability spectrum

The review starts with the role: what does this person have access to, what are the competitive risks of their departure, what are the realistic threats, and then works back to which covenants are appropriate and enforceable.

The covenants that get litigated most are non-competes (the most aggressive form), non-solicits (more readily enforced), and non-deals (often the most useful in practice). A review tells you where your existing covenants sit on the enforceability spectrum and what, realistically, you could enforce if you tried.

Whether you are an employee considering your next move or a business owner seeking clarity on whether your covenants will hold up, the review gives you the clarity you need to decide what to do next.

Example: a typical scope and fixed fee

For a review of restrictive covenants in an existing contract, the typical scope looks like this.

What's included

• Review of the restrictive covenant clauses in your contract
• Advice on enforceability, scope, and duration
• A clear written summary of your practical options and any risks
• A follow-up call or email exchange to discuss the findings

What's outside this scope

• Negotiation with your employer or counterparty
• Court proceedings to enforce or challenge covenants
• Drafting new restrictive covenants (included in senior employment contracts or consultancy agreements)
• Tax advice

Fixed fee: £450, no VAT.

How I will approach your matter

Once you have instructed me, I will be in touch within one working day. Send me the relevant clauses, and I will provide a clear written assessment of enforceability, scope, and duration, together with your practical options and any risks. We will follow up with a call or email to discuss the findings.