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other sectors: construction & Engineering

We act for several major contractors, each of whom excel in particular sectors and forms of construction. Working with them, we have in recent years observed great changes in the construction and civil engineering industry. It is more results-driven and less hampered by expensive, document-laden disputes. This is partly because of a culture change - a raising of technical standards, and the development of design-build contracting and partnering arrangements. It is also partly down to mandatory adjudication procedures, introduced in 1998. Good construction lawyers analyse and manage contractual disputes in a very different way to 10-15 years ago. Speed of preparation and response, conciseness and clarity, narrowing down issues early, and seeking resolution through ADR are all central. But adjudication does not necessarily mean that cases are easier to run or less complex. Whatever the forum for the dispute, and whether the claim is for ten thousand or ten million pounds, we have the skills and tenacity to ensure a good result.

On the non-contentious side, we see our contractor clients being encouraged to form longer term contractual partnerships with public sector and larger private sector clients. Whether in the form of framework agreements providing for repeat business, or in the form of development partnerships for single long term projects, they are formed in competitive arenas but they promote long term collaboration, innovation and constant improvements in quality and sustainability. As the drive for public investment and urban regeneration continues, we are keen to introduce construction companies to opportunities of this type. We do this by applying our construction contractual and regulatory expertise to other business sectors where we have an outstanding track record, such as education, energy and utilities, housing and regeneration.