Multi-challenges forcing pace on procurement reform

Seldom, if ever, have so many pressures been inflicted on construction at the same time as today. The unpredictable outcome of the UK negotiations to secure trade deals after the current EU deals expire at the end of the year would have been enough on its own to cause consternation in boardrooms across all industries, resulting in investment plans being at best postponed. A no deal Brexit looked like a short odds bet with less than six months to go, with an extension to the UK’s departure unlikely to be requested by a firmly pro Brexit Cabinet.

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News in Brief: 31 July 2020

EDF’s Hinkley Point C nuclear project is facing a high risk of delays due to the effects of Covid-19, with the energy giant currently undertaking a comprehensive study to assess the need for an updated schedule and costs.

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Grenfell site manager gave insulation switch approval

A Rydon site manager for the Grenfell Tower refurbishment has admitted to approving a request by sub contractor Harley Facades to bring in a substitute insulation material due to supply issues with the product originally specified.

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Procurement tribunal expected to form after Brexit

Government is expected to explore the introduction of a procurement tribunal with the specific purpose of dealing with procurement based disputes following Britain’s departure from the European Union, a lawyer has suggested.

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Infrastructure advice body urged for Scotland

An independent, specialist body should be established to advise the Scottish Government on long term infrastructure priorities that are geared towards creating an inclusive, net zero carbon economy, a government commissioned report has urged.

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Cage collapse lands Costain £1.2m fine

Costain has been fined £1.2 million following an incident on a road construction scheme in Cheshire which saw a platform carrying two workers struck by a collapsing reinforcement cage.

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Risk of wasted potential on major projects

Billions of pounds committed for major infrastructure projects risks being wasted without greater monitoring of long term benefits, better local engagement and more transparency over delivery, a committee of MPs has warned.

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Grenfell project manager was unfamiliar with regulations

Grenfell Tower refurbishment main contractor Rydon’s project manager was unfamiliar with building regulations, had not heard of aluminium composite material cladding and was unsure of the firm’s contractual obligations to its client, the inquiry into the 2017 blaze at the tower block heard last week.

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HS2 opts for Project Bank Accounts

Hopes have been raised for more widespread adoption of Project Bank Accounts (PBA’s) following HS2’s decision to use them on key contracts across Phase One of the multi billion pound project.

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