A client says their marketing is "carbon neutral." Another has a fossil fuel supplier on their books. Neither is thinking about lawsuits, and you probably aren't either. But the ground is shifting. NEMA lets communities challenge harmful business decisions. The new Climate Change Act gives government climate duties real teeth. King V puts climate risk in the boardroom. And the damage doesn't wait for a court ruling, it starts the moment the story hits the news. Banks pull back. Tenders get reviewed. Contracts get cancelled. Three simple questions could help you spot the risk before your client does.

Due diligence means checking a business carefully before buying, investing, or making a deal. It helps to find hidden problems, like debts, legal issues, or poor management. Financial due diligence checks if the company is making money and paying its bills. Legal due diligence looks at contracts and laws to avoid fines or legal trouble. Operational due diligence checks how the business runs, including employees, suppliers, and equipment. Skipping due diligence can lead to overpaying, legal risks, or unexpected costs. Taking the time to check everything helps to make better business decisions.