Website accessibility and the European Accessibility Act are two topics that many UK business owners are now asking about. If you are planning a website redesign, this is a good time to understand what the law says and why accessibility matters for your customers. This guide breaks it down in plain English.
What Is the European Accessibility Act?
The European Accessibility Act, or EAA, is a law that came into force across the EU in June 2025. It sets rules for making products and services easier to use for disabled people. This includes websites, apps, and online shops. The goal is simple. Everyone should be able to use digital services without barriers.
Does the European Accessibility Act Apply to UK Businesses?
The UK left the EU, so the Act does not apply directly to British law. But many UK businesses still need to take notice. If you sell products or services to customers in the EU, the rules may apply to you. Even if they do not, the Act is shaping expectations everywhere. Customers now expect accessible websites as standard.
The UK already has its own rules too. The Equality Act 2010 requires businesses to make reasonable adjustments for disabled customers. This includes websites. So accessibility is not just a European issue. It is a UK legal matter as well.
Why Accessibility Matters Beyond the Law
Good accessibility is good business. Around one in five people in the UK has a disability. If your website is hard to use, you could be losing customers every day. An accessible website is also easier for everyone. Clear layouts, readable text, and simple navigation help all visitors, not just disabled ones.
Search engines also reward accessible websites. Clean code, clear headings, and good structure often lead to better rankings. So accessibility can boost your traffic as well as your reputation.
What Makes a Website Accessible?
Before your next redesign, it helps to know what accessibility actually involves. Here are the key areas to focus on:
- Clear colour contrast between text and backgrounds
- Text that can be resized without breaking the layout
- Alt text on all images for screen readers
- Keyboard navigation for people who cannot use a mouse
- Clear headings and simple page structure
- Captions or transcripts for video content
- Forms that are easy to fill in and understand
Most modern websites can meet these standards without huge extra cost. The key is planning accessibility in from the start, rather than adding it later.
Getting Ready for Your Next Redesign
If you are planning a website redesign soon, this is the perfect time to build accessibility in. Here is a simple plan to follow:
- Review your current site using a free accessibility checker tool
- List the biggest problems, such as poor contrast or missing alt text
- Share these findings with your web designer early in the project
- Ask your designer how they test for accessibility during development
- Set a goal to meet the WCAG 2.1 AA standard, which is widely recognised
- Test the finished site with real users, including disabled users if possible
Working this way avoids costly fixes later. It also shows customers that your business cares about everyone.
Choosing the Right Web Design Partner
Not every web designer understands accessibility rules in depth. When you are comparing options, ask direct questions. Find out how they handle colour contrast, alt text, and keyboard navigation. Ask for examples of accessible websites they have built before. A good designer should be happy to explain their process clearly.
Businesses across Perth and the wider Scotland area are increasingly asking for accessible design as standard, not as an extra. This is a sign that the market is moving in the right direction.
Final Thoughts
Website accessibility and the European Accessibility Act are closely linked, even for businesses based outside the EU. The safest approach is to treat accessibility as a core part of your next redesign, not an afterthought. It protects your business legally, widens your customer base, and often improves your search rankings too. Planning ahead now will save time, money, and stress later.