Louise Thompson - Trethowans

Louise advises businesses on complex commercial, technology and data protection matters, helping them balance legal and regulatory risk with operational and commercial priorities. She is known for delivering clear, pragmatic advice that enables clients to move forward with confidence.

Louise specialises in data protection and privacy law, particularly in data-driven and technology-enabled environments. She advises on all aspects of UK GDPR and PECR compliance, including data protection roles and responsibilities, data processing and data sharing arrangements and international data transfers. She also supports organisations on wider data protection compliance and risk management, including privacy notices, internal policies, cyber security, personal data breaches, subject access requests, direct marketing and ongoing governance. Her advice is proportionate and practical, helping organisations meet regulatory requirements without unnecessary disruption.

Louise has a strong technology and IT practice, advising on the legal and regulatory framework surrounding modern technology projects. She regularly advises on technology licensing and SaaS agreements, AI and data‑driven products, e-commerce and enterprise‑wide digital transformation projects. Drawing on both her regulatory and contracting expertise, Louise helps clients ensure that technology solutions are commercially sound and legally robust.

Alongside her data protection and technology work, Louise maintains a substantial commercial contracts practice. She advises on the negotiation and drafting of a wide range of contracts, from terms and conditions and confidentiality agreements to complex, high‑value and operationally critical arrangements. Her work regularly involves complex supply, transport, logistics, leasing and general commercial agreements.

Louise regularly shares insight and commentary on data protection, cyber security and emerging technology risks through her LinkedIn thought leadership, reflecting her practical experience advising organisations on fast‑moving regulatory and technological developments.

Louise acts for clients across a range of sectors, including technology, retail, manufacturing, logistics and charities regularly working with senior stakeholders and in-house legal and commercial teams on strategically important and operationally critical matters. Clients value her technically assured, commercially realistic advice which is aligned with wider business objectives.

Notable work highlights

Advising in relation to commercial contracts for the supply and leasing of cars, commercial vehicles and other equipment.
Advising in relation to commercial contracts for the supply of goods ranging from items of small equipment to fleets of commercial vehicles.
Advising in relation to commercial contracts for the supply of telematics devices and incident recording cameras and related services, including advising in relation to data protection.
Advising in relation to commercial contracts for the supply of temporary and permanent staff, including advising in relation to data protection.
Advising in relation to the data protection aspects on a new IT product being licenced by an international wealth management company.

Accreditations & Memberships

Areas of expertise

Data protection and privacy law (UK GDPR and PECR)
Data processing agreements
Data sharing agreements
International data transfers and cross‑border data issues
Cyber security, personal data breaches and regulatory risk management
Artificial intelligence (AI) and data‑driven products and services
AI governance, compliance and contracting risk
Regulatory compliance for digital businesses
Technology licensing and SaaS agreements
Cloud services and subscription‑based contracts
Enterprise‑wide digital transformation projects
E‑commerce and consumer‑facing technology matters
Building Materials Supply Sector
Terms and conditions
Confidentiality and non‑disclosure agreements
Manufacturing and supply chain contracts
Specialist purchase and supply agreements
Outsourcing agreements
Logistics, transport and fleet contracts
Equipment leasing and hire‑purchase arrangements

Testimonials

What our clients say about Louise

“Trethowans looks after us so well…..Louise, Julian and the rest of the team go above and beyond for us – so thank you.”

Client

“Louise and Sarah, this was an excellent [training] session, the feedback is great and we all really do appreciate you taking the time to guide us through the murky world of DP and PECR!”

Client

“During the last 12 months I have been greatly impressed by the work done by Sarah Wheadon and Louise Thompson. I am sure they are juggling many clients, however given the attention I receive, I always feel like I am their only client. They have given me clear, well timed advice on several separate but connected areas of legislation and practical help also. They have helped us to project a more knowledgeable, assured & professional face when dealing with the subsequent customer interactions.”