Is there a role for blockchain and smart contracts in construction?

All industries expect to be transformed by the introduction of high profile new technologies like virtual reality, robotics and the Internet of Things. Davinia Cowden of CMS explains the role that less visible developments like blockchain and ‘smart contracts’ could soon be playing in construction.

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Buildings regulatory framework not fit for purpose

Barry Hembling of Fladgate says the Grenfell Tower disaster will force fundamental change on the construction industry, for example making clients, designers and contractors responsible for buildings throughout their life cycle. Detailed audit trails will need to be kept, providing evidence for prosecutions.

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Employment practices come under the spotlight

Stephen Radcliffe of Walker Morris LLP reviews some recent employment developments and their implications for construction. Modern slavery, the gender pay gap and self-employed status are among the issues attracting increasing attention.

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Trends in international arbitration

Rebecca Shorter of White & Case reviews the highlights of the 2018 international arbitration survey that reveals the procedure’s growing popularity for resolving disputes. A significant growth in using ADR in conjunction with arbitration has been found.

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Insurance warranties under fire

Insurance expert John D Wright of JD Risk Associates explains how the Insurance Act 2015 is having a marked effect on insurance contracts, in particular in relation to warranties. Trying to avoid liability merely because of a breach which had nothing to do with the actual loss claimed, will not be supported by the courts.

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Dispute boards as a means of alternative dispute resolution

Our latest alternative dispute resolution series article comes from Lois Putnam of Clyde & Co who examines the various types of dispute boards.

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New and proposed legislation: State of play table 232

This table, prepared by Clyde & Co, 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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Heathrow expansion

Heathrow had launched the first of a two-part public planning consultation necessary for gaining a Development Consent Order (DCO) in January 2018.

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Legal terms explained: Time at large

If ‘time is at large’, there is no obligation to complete by a fixed completion date, but rather an obligation to complete within a reasonable time.

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Big ambitions seen in 25 year environment plan

Guest editor Helen Bowdren of Dentons UK & Middle East LLP says the government’s 25 Year Plan for the Environment may be light on new legal obligations but it does provide useful pointers to possible future policy developments. Net environmental gain might become mandatory, she warns.

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