What are some of the biggest challenges your clients are facing right now?

The regulatory landscape is changing fast. One of the biggest challenges is the divergence between UK and EU regulations post-Brexit. The UK is developing its own REACH legislation, while the EU is revising theirs. That means companies operating across both markets are having to duplicate efforts: double the data, double the compliance. It’s not just a paperwork issue; it affects strategy, timelines, and budgets. And with new classification endpoints being introduced in Europe, the complexity is only increasing.

How does early engagement from clients benefit them?

Early engagement is critical. If we’re involved during the R&D or product development phase, we can help clients avoid costly mistakes later. For example, if a product is being developed without considering regulatory requirements, it might need to be reformulated or even scrapped down the line. By embedding compliance thinking into innovation, we help clients streamline their path to market and reduce risk. It’s about being proactive rather than reactive.

You mentioned innovation - how is AI being used in your field?

AI has huge potential, especially in helping us interpret complex toxicity and exposure data. Right now, regulatory assessments often involve large volumes of scientific literature and datasets that can be time-consuming to analyse manually. AI could help us process this information more efficiently, identify patterns, and even flag potential risks earlier in the development cycle. That said, there are still challenges, particularly around ensuring the transparency and reliability of AI models. Regulators need to be confident that the outputs are robust and scientifically sound. So, while the technology is promising, we’re still in the early stages of integrating it into mainstream regulatory workflows.

How does WSP support clients through these challenges?

We take a pragmatic, partnership-based approach. We’re not just ticking boxes, we’re helping clients build sustainable, compliant businesses. That means understanding their goals, tailoring our advice, and staying with them for the long haul. We’re in it together. Whether it’s navigating REACH, preparing documentation, or responding to regulatory changes, we’re there every step of the way.

What makes WSP different in this space?

It’s our people and our experience. We’ve got deep industry knowledge and a real-world understanding of how regulations play out on the ground. We’re not just theorists, we’ve worked in industry, we’ve dealt with regulators, and we know what works. That gives us credibility and helps us build trust with clients. We’re also flexible: we adapt to our clients’ needs and help them stay ahead of the curve.

What should companies be thinking about now?

Don’t wait. The earlier you engage with regulatory experts, the smoother your journey will be. And don’t underestimate the value of clear communication, internally and externally. That’s where marketing plays a key role, helping to demystify compliance and make it part of the innovation story. It’s not just about meeting requirements: it’s about building better, safer, and more sustainable products.

To learn more about how WSP supports clients across the chemical sector and beyond, visit Chemical Regulatory Compliance Services | WSP to explore how we help organisations navigate complexity with confidence.