Practical Law

Last year Build UK (BUK) published its non-binding recommendations on the contract terms its members should (as a minimum) refrain from using. The recommendation had the commendable aim of forming “a new common ground between clients and the supply chain on contractual practice in the construction sector” with the key objectives being “to promote collaboration, … Continue reading Build UK guidance on implementing its recommendation on contract terms: one step forward, two steps back →

Build UK, a leading representative organisation for the construction industry, has published a non-binding recommendation on which contract terms its members should (as a minimum) refrain from using. The recommendation “seeks to form a new common ground between clients and the supply chain on contractual practice in the construction sector” with the key objectives being … Continue reading Build UK’s recommendation on contract terms: a step in the right direction →

Big sheds (by which I mean warehouses, logistics hubs, fulfilment centres and the like) are hot property right now. Industrial floor space is in short supply due to the slowdown in construction during the last recession, and demand is exceptionally high due to the rise of e-commerce and online retailers promising ever-shorter delivery times. Recent … Continue reading Rise of the “big sheds”: construction of industrial floor space →

As Brexit fears abound, the general consensus seems to be that the UK property market has peaked and is showing signs of cooling down. Some blame the spectre of a “leave” vote in the forthcoming referendum but predict a return to “business as usual” if the UK votes to remain. Others, with a focus on … Continue reading UK property market: a peek behind the fig leaf →

In the current overheated commercial property market, we are seeing ever more lively debates about who should take the risk of defects in existing structures on refurbishment projects. As landlords look to refurbish properties in order to capitalise on rising rents and owner-occupiers choose to tart up their existing premises rather than pay those rising rents, … Continue reading Refurbishment projects: scratching beneath the surface… →

It is very difficult to procure a construction or engineering project in a city like London without encountering at least one third party with potentially “at risk” assets. Typically, these third parties want their assets protected, measures taken to mitigate the risk of damage and insurance-backed compensation arrangements put in place to cover any conseqeuntial costs … Continue reading The wrong side of the tracks: indemnities and asset protection agreements →

Allow me to set the scene. Our client, Q, is procuring a major office development in the City of London. Q tells me that, in order to secure the most competitive tenders for the project, he has decided to give the contractor advance payments and payments for off-site goods and materials. Fairly standard practice, particularly … Continue reading JCT bonds: on demand instruments or guarantees? →