Probably not, but it depends on how powerful you need the radio to be.
Most countries have a regulatory body that governs the use of radio frequencies. They do this so that different groups can use radio signals without interfering with each other (especially in the case of emergency services). Here in the UK, radio transmission is regulated by Ofcom (Office of Communications), which in turn is regulated by the UK government.
However, if you only plan to use a small device, Ofcom allows some “unlicensed” walkie-talkies.
The UK government allows small low power portable radios using a set of eight frequencies in the UHF band (around 446Mhz) to be sold and used without the need for a license. They can be used for both business, personal or leisure purposes. Radios that comply with this standard (usually called “PMR446” radios) can only have an output power of 0.5 watts, which means that their range is less than the more powerful licensed commercial walkie-talkies, which have power outputs. 4 to 5 watts.
One of the benefits of the European Union is that the standard for unlicensed radios is exactly the same throughout the EU. This means that if your radio is not licensed in the UK, it will also be licensed elsewhere in the EU.)
If you want to use a more powerful radio (say something over 5 watts for a handheld or 25 watts for vehicle radios and base stations) then you will need a license. Licensed portable walkie-talkies can have 5 watt power output, but “unlicensed” PMR446 radios can only have ½ watt power output, so licensed radios will have better range and better performance. penetration of the signal into buildings.
The most basic license available to you would be the ‘UK Simple’ license,
This license is effectively a license to use the most powerful radios anywhere in the UK, using a set of frequencies shared by all users of this license. This license is quick and easy to apply, costs £ 75 per organization and is valid for five years. It is ideal for most commercial radio users and is the only option for those who need to be able to use their radios anywhere in the UK.
It is also possible to obtain a ‘Technically assigned Geographical License’; essentially, this license allows you to use a specific frequency (or a set of frequencies) that are uniquely yours. The problem is that you can only use them within a specific location. These licenses are not especially expensive to maintain, but the cost is increasing in major cities, especially London.
If you are establishing yourself as an equipment lender or rental company, you will need a UK simple commercial radio provider license. This license assigns you a set of frequencies that you rent to customers, along with your own equipment. Because the frequencies are awarded to you, the equipment lessee does not have to worry about obtaining their own license.