Articles
Our lawyers contribute regularly to industry and legal journals in addition to writing legal briefings, newsletters and case reports for clients and contacts. All of our articles are free to read and download here.

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Global Vantage: Inflation, Inflation, Inflation – London tops list of world’s most expensive places to build

Arcadis has released its latest International Construction Costs Index (the “Index”), which ranks the costs of construction in 100 locations around world. London takes top spot, with a host of other cities in the UK and Ireland – including Bristol and Dublin – also occupying the top 25. Inflation, rising materials prices and pressures on… Read More >
“Sharing is caring” – Although don’t expect a duty of care to always arise for shared professional advice – McClean and others v Thornhill QC [2022] EWHC 457 (Ch)

In the recent case of McClean and others v Thornhill QC, the High Court ruled that no duty of care was owed by the defendant tax QC to the claimant investors for professional tax advice shared with the Claimants by the promoters of film financing schemes. The case illustrates that it will only be in… Read More >
Van Oord UK Limited v Dragados UK Limited

On 7 April 2022, the Outer House, Court of Session delivered the Lord Braid decision in the case of Van Oord UK Limited (“Van Oord”) v Dragados UK Limited (“Dragados”). The “Natural Justice Issue”. In this case, the Scottish Courts considered the validity of a decision made by an adjudicator. In assessing whether the adjudicator… Read More >
Reports From the Courts

Our regular review of the court decisions of most interest to construction comes from Andrew Croft and Ben Spannuth examine a case that shows the Claimant-friendly approach being taken by the courts in relation to amendments to pleadings and limitation, especially in relation to cladding/fire safety claims; and one that acts as a further reminder… Read More >
NEC and climate change : NEC releases new X29 secondary Option for consultation

As we have previously reported in our “Beyond Net Zero” series, the built environment sector faces huge challenges in reducing its environmental impact and reaching Net Zero. In a welcomed development, NEC have now released their new X29 secondary Option, reducing the impact of works on climate change, for consultation. The Option X29 has been… Read More >
Tendering: when does co-operation become collusion? EU Commission issues new guidance

Introduction Competition Law regulates when businesses who are rivals may work together. It prohibits agreements or arrangements between firms which have the purpose or effect of restricting competition. There are harsh penalties for infringing competition law, including fines of up to 10% of group, worldwide turnover, damages actions and director disqualifications. For serious infringements, individuals… Read More >
Reports from the Courts – March 2022

Our regular round up of the court decisions of most interest to construction comes from Andrew Croft and Ben Spannuth look at a dispute between a houseowner and a builder that highlights the importance of parties ensuring strict compliance with the payment and termination provisions in contracts; and another where the decision stands a reminder… Read More >
New Cabinet Office review of frameworks

Andrew Croft and Kevin Henderson cast their eye over the recently published Cabinet Office commissioned review of construction frameworks that advised how they could achieve a ‘Gold Standard’. Employers might use it to push harder for an unfair risk-share with the project delivery team, they caution. This article was first published by Construction Law March… Read More >
A protocol for operational BIM

Unpacking the new digital data management protocol for the operational, rather than delivery, phase of a building’s lifecycle. Click the below link to read. A protocol for operational BIM Comment Building This article was first published by Building Magazine March 2022.
Legal action against Shell urges businesses to make haste in move to Net Zero

A year on from Shell losing its landmark climate case in the Dutch courts (which we have previously discussed here), Shell is once again facing climate change related legal action, this time in the English courts. ClientEarth has taken legal action against Shell’s 13 directors, holding them liable for failing to implement a sufficient strategy… Read More >