Reports from the courts: May 2022

Our regular round up of the court decisions of most interest to construction from Andrew Croft and Ben Spannuth of Beale & Company Solicitors LLP examines a case that will interest anyone hoping to invoke force majeure clauses against the background of sanctions against Russia; and another that serves as a reminder that terminating parties must take care to follow contractual termination procedures in their entirety.

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UK construction urgently needs challenging leadership

In a call to long overdue action barrister Rudi Klein of KleinLegal, formerly CEO of the Specialist Engineering Contractors Group, and risk management consultant Stephen Woodward argue that despite widespread recognition that the industry’s business model is unsustainable, reform will not be achieved unless all those with a passion for radical industry improvement are prepared to join forces to put the industry on a healthier and viable footing.

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Construction Law Guide to: Termination

The latest in our Construction Law guides series from DLA Piper is by Clare Rushton, who examines termination provisions in contracts. Termination is rarely uncontentious and frequently results in significant disputes, she warns.

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Procuring Net Zero Carbon Construction

Professor David Mosey of King’s College London Centre of Construction Law & Dispute Resolution explains how all parties in the supply chain can use procurement and contracting systems to meet net zero carbon targets.

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Amuse Bouche to the Arbitration Act Reform

Theresa Mohammed and Laura Lintott of Trowers & Hamlins LLP report on the Law Commission’s review of the Arbitration Act 1996. The hope is that reforms will increase enthusiasm for English Law to continue to dominate as the preferred choice of law for international arbitrations.

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Pay up or feel the heat: Grove in action

When the Judge in Charge of the Technology and Construction Court hands down a 26-page judgment that touches on the key issues for payment rights and adjudication then we should all pay attention to the reasoning and the outcome so we can inform our approach to adjudication practice, says James Davison of 3PB Barristers.

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A discussion of JCT fluctuations options A, B & C

Jane Hughes and Isobel Moorhouse of Trowers & Hamlins LLP analyse the fluctuation clauses in the JCT Design & Build contract, which are becoming increasingly important against a background of rising inflation. Which type of fluctuation provision to incorporate in a contract, and whether to amend it, will be highly project specific.

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Insurance brokers can be your allies

Insurance expert John D Wright explains why insurance brokers can be valuable allies to construction companies facing increasingly complex challenges. Choice of broker is always important as some might not always meet the standard of care demanded.

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Answering the substantive claim

In our latest alternative dispute resolution series article Millie Leonard of Dentons UK and Middle East examines an appeal ruling in a case where a party sought to stay proceedings as issues were being referred to arbitration.

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New and proposed legislation: State of play table 269

This table, prepared by Barrett Byrd Associates, provides a regularly amended guide to new and proposed legislation that will affect the construction industry. In addition to EU Directives and UK legislation, the table includes notes highlighting discussion papers issued by both government and non-government organisations, and commentary on the latest developments.

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