Lampros Stougiannos of Dentons Canada LLP warns that the rapidly developing uptake of digital technologies across industries, including BIM in construction, allied to a more collaborative approach to project execution, will force changes to contracts. Throw blockchain into the mix, and ‘smart contracts’ are not far off.

Barrister Paul Buckingham, Chairman of the IChemE Disputes Resolution Panel, explains the changes to the Institution’s Arbitration Rules, contained in the fifth edition of The Pink Book.

The latest article in our Guides to Construction Law series comes from Naithan McBride of DLA Piper who examines the ‘upgraded’ NEC4 contracts suite. The stress is on increased flexibility, collaboration and ease of use, he explains.

Competition authorities have their eyes firmly fixed on construction, which looks to them like an easy as well as an obvious target. Things look like heating up for the lawbreakers, with new technology making cartel and other anti-competitive behaviours easier to spot, as Editor Nick Barrett reports.

Our latest round up of the court cases of most interest to construction from Andrew Croft and Ben Spannuth of Beale & Company Solicitors LLP includes one that highlights the need for joint ventures to consider when and how pain/gain share related payments are made; and one concerning whether supply of materials is covered by the Construction Act’s adjudication regime.

The public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire, chaired by Sir Martin Moore-Bick, published its Phase 1 report on 30 October 2019. It describes the fire and sets out conclusions on its origin and development, an analysis of the response of the London Fire Brigade (LFB) and emergency services, and a summary of tributes to loved ones from family and friends.

This table, prepared by Dentons UK and Middle East LLP, 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.

Guest editor Cecily Davis of Fieldfisher looks at the current upsurge in political promises to boost infrastructure investment. The construction industry may be up to the challenge of delivering the projects, but can the politicians deliver on their promises?

Engineering, procurement and construction contracts Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts provide for maximum risk transfer to the contractor, who is responsible for all activities from engineering (ie design) and procurement to construction and commissioning.