other sectors: construction & Engineering
We act for several major contractors, each of whom excel in
particular sectors and forms of construction. Working with them,
we have in recent years observed great changes in the construction
and civil engineering industry. It is more results-driven and
less hampered by expensive, document-laden disputes. This is
partly because of a culture change - a raising of technical standards,
and the development of design-build contracting and partnering
arrangements. It is also partly down to mandatory
adjudication procedures, introduced in 1998. Good construction
lawyers analyse and manage contractual disputes in a very different
way to 10-15 years ago. Speed of preparation and response, conciseness
and clarity, narrowing down issues early, and seeking resolution
through ADR are all central. But adjudication does not necessarily
mean that cases are easier to run or less complex. Whatever the
forum for the dispute, and whether the claim is for ten thousand
or ten million pounds, we have the skills and tenacity to ensure
a good result. On the non-contentious side, we see our contractor clients being
encouraged to form longer term contractual partnerships with
public sector and larger private sector clients. Whether in the
form of framework agreements providing for repeat business, or
in the form of development partnerships for single long term
projects, they are formed in competitive arenas but they promote
long term collaboration, innovation and constant improvements
in quality and sustainability. As the drive for public investment
and urban regeneration continues, we are keen to introduce construction
companies to opportunities of this type. We do this by applying
our construction contractual and regulatory expertise to other
business sectors where we have an outstanding track record, such
as education, energy and utilities, housing and regeneration.
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