What the European Accessibility Act (EAA) Means for UK Businesses

January 8, 2025

A blue flag with yellow stars, reminiscent of the European Union flag, is draped over a textured gray surface, symbolizing the principles of accessibility championed by the European Accessibility Act.

Just because we aren’t part of the EU anymore doesn’t mean we should ignore it

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The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a big deal for businesses across the EU. But here’s the twist: even though the UK is no longer part of the EU, the EAA could still have a significant impact on UK-based businesses, especially those with international customers or aspirations to expand into European markets.

Let’s break it down, step by step, in true no-jargon fashion.

What Is the EAA?

In short, the EAA is a game-changer for accessibility. Adopted in 2019, it aims to improve access to products and services for people with disabilities across the EU. It covers:

  • Websites and apps
  • Banking services
  • E-books
  • Public transportation services
  • E-commerce platforms

Starting June 2025, businesses must comply with these standards, ensuring their offerings are inclusive and usable for everyone.

Why Should UK Businesses Care?

You might be thinking, “But we’re in the UK—this doesn’t apply to us!” True, the EAA is EU legislation, but:

  1. International Customers: If you sell to or work with customers in the EU, your website and services will need to meet EAA standards.
  2. Global Competitiveness: Accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s good business. Globally, the market of people with disabilities is worth £2 trillion. That’s a lot of potential customers.
  3. Future-Proofing: The UK has its own accessibility laws, like the Equality Act 2010. Aligning with the EAA now could help you stay ahead of stricter regulations that might come into play here.

Are Small Businesses Exempt?

Yes, the EAA includes exemptions for small businesses with fewer than 10 employees or a turnover of less than €2 million. While this might sound like a free pass, think carefully before assuming compliance isn’t worth your time. Why?

  • Customer Experience: Accessibility improvements make your site easier to use for everyone, not just people with disabilities.
  • Brand Reputation: Being inclusive shows you care about all your customers, which builds trust and loyalty.
  • Growth Potential: If your business expands or starts selling to larger markets, you’ll need to meet these standards eventually. Why not start now?

How Does This Affect Websites?

Websites are a major focus of the EAA. To comply, they’ll need to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, which include:

  • Text alternatives for images (e.g., alt text).
  • Keyboard navigation for people who don’t use a mouse.
  • Readable fonts and contrast ratios for text.
  • Captions for videos.

What Happens If You Ignore It?

Imagine you’re running an online shop that sells bespoke teapots (because why not?). If your site isn’t accessible:

  • Fines: EU customers might report accessibility issues, leading to penalties.
  • Lost Sales: A clunky, inaccessible site will frustrate users, pushing them to competitors.
  • Brand Damage: Accessibility issues can make your business look outdated and uncaring.

How to Make Your Website EAA-Friendly

Good news: accessibility improvements don’t just tick a compliance box—they make your site better for everyone. Start here:

  1. Audit Your Website: Use tools like WAVE or Lighthouse to identify accessibility gaps.
  2. Add Alt Text: Ensure every image has meaningful alt text.
  3. Test Navigation: Can someone use your site with just a keyboard?
  4. Simplify Content: Write clearly and use headings to structure your pages.
  5. Work with Experts: Accessibility isn’t a one-and-done job. Hire someone who knows their WCAG from their elbow.

The Bigger Picture

Accessibility isn’t just about rules and regulations. It’s about inclusion, empathy, and making your business available to as many people as possible. Yes, it takes effort, but it’s worth it—for your customers and your brand.

So, while the EAA might not be law in the UK, its principles are universal. Making your business accessible isn’t just smart; it’s the right thing to do.

Wrapping It Up

Whether you’re a solopreneur like me or a growing business, accessibility isn’t something you can ignore. The European Accessibility Act might feel like someone else’s problem, but if your customers include—or might one day include—EU residents, it’s time to pay attention.

Make 2025 the year you step up. If you need help untangling the tech, you know where to find me.

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