Poppy Williams

She/herLegal Director
I have found Poppy to be an excellent lawyer and really valuable member of the team. She has gained their trust (and mine) absolutely, which is no easy thing when emotions can run high.
— Freyja Handy, general counsel (Europe), ASM Global
LiverpoolManchester
About

Poppy is a specialist environmental, health and safety regulatory lawyer, with over 20 years' experience in advising companies and senior managers involved in regulatory investigations, enforcement action including prosecutions, Inquests and Public Inquiries.
Poppy's work spans the regulation of health and social care, health and safety, corporate manslaughter, contentious environmental, asbestos, fire safety and anti-terrorism, including the new Protect Duty.
Poppy is particularly experienced in representing clients involved in high profile complex investigations and inquiries. Providing both legal and strategic guidance and support throughout to minimise corporate exposure.
Poppy recently represented a central core participant in the Manchester Arena Public Inquiry and advised a healthcare body involved in the UK COVID-19 Public Inquiry.
Poppy has also spoken on several client training sessions and lectured to post-graduate students on subjects such as defending regulatory investigations, corporate manslaughter and Inquests.

Areas of FocusConsumer Goods, Food and RetailEnergy and Natural ResourcesHealthcareLife SciencesLitigation, Arbitration and InvestigationsRegulatory and Government Affairs

EXPERIENCE

  • Advising international shipping group in relation to deep sea mining compliance and minimising UK director exposure to criminal liability;
  • Advising Japanese nuclear equipment manufacturer in relation to potential UK health and safety liabilities in the event of an incident.
  • Advising international energy client in relation to Health and Safety Executive investigation and enforcement action in relation to its manufacturing and installation of wind turbines.
  • Conducting a group wide legal review of a well-known Stock Exchange’s health and safety policies and procedures for employee travel to high risk destinations and a comprehensive review of their COVID 19 risk management systems.
  • Advising an international shipping company in relation to director exposure to health and safety and manslaughter liabilities.
  • Advising a television production company in relation to exposure to health and safety and corporate manslaughter liabilities arising out of the planning and implementation of a reality show involving contestants being stranded on an island.
  • Winning a submission of no case to answer in the Crown Court on behalf of a major maintenance service provider in relation to a prosecution brought by the Health and Safety Executive following a service strike incident resulting in serious injuries to a sub-contractor.
  • Advising a major plc care home provider in relation to a Health and Safety Executive investigation into the fatality of a resident and the subsequent prosecution.
Education
  • Manchester University, LLB (Hons) 2.1
  • Chester College of Law, LPC

Publications

  • Regulating Martyn's Law: Security Industry Authority (SIA) update, 5 December 2025
  • Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 – New Measures for Enhanced Safety, 21 May 2025
  • Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill – enhanced dutyholders update, 17 September 2024
  • Author of article on the 'Dash report' on the failings within the Care Quality Commission – 11 October 2024
  • Co-author of DLA Piper publication “COVID 19 Returning to Work. Impact of Government Guidance: What Issues Does Your Business Need to Consider?” May 2020
  • Co-author of Employment Law Journal article looking at how to address mental health and wellbeing issues in the workplace through effective policies and procedures, in March 2020

My latest insights

Publication

Regulating Martyn's Law: Security Industry Authority (SIA) update

5 December 2025

Publication

Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 – New Measures for Enhanced Safety

21 May 2025 .4 minute read

Publication

Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill – enhanced dutyholders update

17 September 2024 .4 minute read

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Phone

+44 333 207 8725
(Work)