Welcome to this issue of Construction Law. You will notice that there is no Editor’s Comment in this issue. It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our Editor, Nick Barrett, at the age of 72.
For nearly 32 years, Nick was the guiding hand and heartbeat of Construction Law. When he took over as Editor in January 1995, then under LexisNexis, Nick set out with a clear vision to relaunch the journal into one targeted at construction industry professionals, rather than mainly lawyers. Since then it has gone from strength to strength and enjoys a unique position in its niche market. In 2016, Nick and his company, Barrett Byrd Associates, acquired the journal outright, ensuring its independence and a trusted voice in the sector.
Nick’s journey as a journalist began after graduating in economics and politics from Glasgow Caledonian University (then Glasgow College of Technology). Moving to London in the late 1970s, he completed his graduate training at the Ealing Gazette before finding his true calling in construction reporting at New Civil Engineer in 1981. Following three years with a City stockbroker, Nick established Barrett Byrd Associates (and later Alignment Media), becoming a respected contract publisher and press relations specialist across construction, manufacturing, and transport. Alongside Construction Law, he edited New Steel Construction (NSC) for over two decades and authored numerous landmark technical publications.
Colleagues across the industry knew Nick as a consummate professional – diligent, sharp, and fiercely dedicated to editorial integrity. To his family and friends, he was so much more. Beyond journalism, Nick loved a hobby – name a hobby and he had probably tried it, had the gear for it, or had a book to tell you all about it! His latest interests included playing guitar and piano, sailing, golf, and weekly art classes.
Nick is survived by his wife Catherine, his daughters Kirsty, Catherine, and Sophie, and four grandchildren, Chloe, Alasdair, Lyra, and Oliver.
As his family and colleagues, we are proud to continue publishing Construction Law, maintaining the high standards, clarity, and industry focus that Nick championed for over three decades.
We thank our contributors, readers, and subscribers for their warm messages and continued support.
If you have article ideas or editorial proposals for upcoming issues, please get in touch at kirsty@alignmentmedia.co.uk
Kirsty Barrett