Publication date: 05.02.2026
Serhiy Filonenko is a Legal Counsel with experience in supporting businesses in the UK and international jurisdictions. I specialize in opening and structuring companies, tax planning, commercial contracts, GDPR compliance and regulatory support for the gaming business. My key advantage is a personal approach and working not as an external consultant, but as part of the client's team. I provide open communication, detailed explanations of each legal step and support from the first consultation to the full implementation of the project.
In 2026, a mid-sized UK-based e-commerce corporation approached me, attorney Serhii Filonenko, seeking legal assistance with strengthening its commercial contract framework and ensuring full GDPR compliance. The company operated across the United Kingdom and several European markets, processing large volumes of customer data daily. Due to rapid growth, their internal legal documentation had become outdated, creating significant risks related to data protection enforcement, contractual disputes with suppliers, and regulatory exposure under UK ICO standards.
Client's core challenges:
— Outdated commercial agreements with suppliers and service providers;
— GDPR compliance gaps in customer data processing workflows;
— Risk of UK ICO investigations and administrative fines;
— Lack of clear privacy policies and internal data protection procedures;
— Contractual uncertainty in cross-border EU operations;
— Need for a scalable legal framework to support continued expansion.
Strategic Legal Approach to Contract and GDPR Modernization
My initial step was to conduct a comprehensive audit of the client’s existing commercial contracts, data processing policies, and internal compliance structure. The review revealed that the company lacked standardized contractual templates, had insufficient data protection clauses with third-party vendors, and needed stronger governance mechanisms to meet UK ICO expectations.
I developed a tailored legal strategy based on the following pillars:
- Updating and standardizing all commercial agreements to reduce dispute risks.
- Drafting GDPR-compliant Data Processing Agreements (DPAs) with key vendors.
- Implementing internal privacy governance frameworks aligned with UK ICO guidance.
- Reviewing cross-border data transfer mechanisms for EU operations.
- Establishing clear customer-facing privacy policies and consent procedures.
- Training management on compliance monitoring and regulatory response protocols.
Implemented Solutions and Legal Measures
During the implementation phase, I provided full legal support to modernize the company’s contractual and compliance infrastructure. The process ensured both immediate risk reduction and long-term scalability.
- Drafting new supplier, service, and partnership agreements with enhanced liability and compliance clauses.
- Preparing GDPR-compliant DPAs for all third-party processors handling customer data.
- Updating privacy policies, cookie notices, and customer consent frameworks.
- Advising on lawful bases for processing and documentation of compliance decisions.
- Establishing an internal compliance calendar and reporting system for management.
- Providing ongoing legal counsel to ensure continuous adherence to evolving GDPR standards.
Results and Benefits Realized
- Achieved full GDPR compliance alignment with UK ICO regulatory expectations.
- Significantly reduced contractual dispute risks through standardized documentation.
- Strengthened vendor relationships with clear data protection responsibilities.
- Improved customer trust through transparent privacy and consent practices.
- Enabled safe cross-border operations with compliant data transfer mechanisms.
- Built a scalable legal foundation supporting the company’s continued growth in 2026 and beyond.
Client review
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question
Why is GDPR compliance critical for e-commerce businesses in the UK?
Answer
E-commerce companies process large volumes of personal data ежедневно, and GDPR compliance is essential to avoid regulatory fines, maintain customer trust, and ensure lawful data handling practices.
Question
What is the purpose of Data Processing Agreements (DPAs)?
Answer
DPAs clarify responsibilities between a company and its vendors regarding personal data handling, ensuring compliance, accountability, and protection against legal disputes.
Question
Can contract modernization reduce business risks beyond GDPR?
Answer
Yes, updated commercial agreements improve operational certainty, reduce liability exposure, prevent disputes, and create a strong legal foundation for scaling internationally.
Through a combined approach of commercial contract modernization and GDPR compliance restructuring, the client successfully strengthened its legal framework, reduced regulatory exposure, and improved operational efficiency.
This case demonstrates how proactive legal counsel can help UK businesses navigate complex compliance environments while supporting sustainable growth in 2026 and beyond.
