Globalising construction legal services

Construction is increasingly international and key players in the provision of legal services to the industry are realigning to reflect that. Guest editor Robert Bundell explains the drivers behind the creation of globally focussed Holman Fenwick Willan from its niche UK construction roots.

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Legal terms explained: Set-off

Set-off is a mechanism that allows a debtor to make a cross claim against a creditor to reduce or extinguish the creditor’s claim. It is commonly used in construction disputes. There are a number of different ways in which set-off can apply.

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News in brief: August 2013

Fatal injuries in construction have fallen according to Health and Safety Executive figures that show 39 fatal injuries in the year to March 2013, compared to 48 the year before.

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Code to cut costs

Avoluntary code of conduct for public sector bodies and private sector partners in private finance schemes has been launched by the government, which is intended to bring down the cost of existing private finance deals on projects such as schools and hospitals.

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Efficiency drive pays off

Increased scrutiny of the performance of suppliers is promised by the Treasury and the results could be shared with other clients, according to the government’s second annual report on its three year Infrastructure Cost Review programme.

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Joint strategy launched

Construction and life cycle costs are to fall by 33 per cent and project completions are to be achieved in half the time by 2025, according to the government’s new strategy for the sector.

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End feast and famine first

Construction in 2025 will certainly be a hugely different industry from the one it is now if even a fraction of the ambition revealed in the government’s new report Construction 2025 is realised. Construction costs to be down by 33 per cent, projects to be completed in half the time that they are now, planning reformed, late delivery and cost overruns a thing of the past, no more accidents … the list goes on (see news).

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International arbitration – an industry perspective

In the latest article in our alternative dispute resolution series Rachel Chaplin of Clyde & Co reviews the findings of a survey into the international use of arbitration. Fears of ‘judicialisation’ have not put people off its use.

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Conditions and warranties in insurance policies

Breaches of warranties can void insurance policies, even if they had no impact on the events leading to claims under a policy, warns insurance expert John D Wright of JD Risk Associates in this review of common conditions and warranties.

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Keeping the faith

Good faith clauses seem to be growing in use, but not all parties seem to be fully aware of their significance, says Vijay Bange of Trowers & Hamlins. Recent cases show the dangers of being over reliant on them.

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