Former NEC drafting panel adviser Tony Backler and Stephen Woodward of Resolex examine the newly launched NEC4 which aims to help bring construction procurement into the 21st Century. Alliancing and risk management are key themes of the new contract.

High fines and prison sentences for health and safety breaches are becoming more common. Helen Bowdren and Gurbinder Grewal of Dentons consider the new challenges facing construction.

Kemi Adekoya and Michael Mendelblat of Herbert Smith Freehills LLP look at the new Arbitration Bill recently introduced to the South African Parliament that will apply to international arbitrations, which should increase its appeal as an arbitration venue.

Louis Zvesper of Hardwicke analyses a recent case that highlights the risk of over-payments not being returned to the out of pocket by the courts, and highlights some of the situations in which this can happen.

Insurance expert John D Wright of JD Risk Associates warns that correct procedure must be followed in making claims under insurance policies – but many claimants fail to even notify their insurer that a claim has arisen.

Our latest alternative dispute resolution series article, from Jamie Calvy of Clyde & Co, urges caution when using the slip rule if an adjudicator’s decision is to be challenged.

On 13 June 2017, the House of Commons Library published a briefing paper on Planning for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs). NSIPs are large scale developments (relating to energy, transport, water, or waste) which require ‘development consent’ under the Planning Act 2008, as amended by the Localism Act 2011.

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.

Simply put, estoppel is usually invoked as a defence in contractual disputes to prevent a party from denying the truth of a state of affairs which it has through its conduct encouraged or induced another party to believe.