Beyond the Hard Hat: A Spectrum of Construction Careers
In a recent survey by YouGov, it was discovered that 69% of UK adults wouldn’t consider a career in construction. It also revealed that 77% of full-time students aged between 18 and 24 would not do so either. The poll was carried out for Deconstruction – a campaign aimed at improving perceptions of the construction […]
Safety First: 5 Critical Construction Site Protocols
In the ever-changing realm of construction, where towering skyscrapers and intricate infrastructure projects take shape, safety remains the bedrock of every undertaking. As the industry progresses, it encounters new challenges and potential risks. Nonetheless, within these challenges lie opportunities for innovation, adjustment, and the improvement of safety protocols, all aimed at safeguarding every individual on […]
The RAAC Crisis
Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) made a dramatic entrance into public awareness in late August this year. Days before the start of the school year, the government ordered over 100 school buildings to close their doors. The crisis rapidly extended its reach from schools to encompass approximately 24 hospital trusts, which were instructed to prepare […]
How Construction Can Break into the Digital Marketplace
The world is changing at a fast pace and construction companies need to make sure they are keeping up. Manual jobs being replaced by technology has been a topic of conversation for years, but there is much more to say about working alongside this technology. In fact, if construction companies play their cards right, there […]
Can I Manage Adjudication Myself?
Construction adjudication might seem straightforward, but it is best undertaken with experienced experts. While it is possible to manage the adjudication process on your own, there are several critical reasons why enlisting professional assistance from firms like Mercantile Barristers can be invaluable. Adjudication, while faster than traditional court proceedings, follows a strict procedural framework. […]
5 ways contractors lose money
Having spent over 30 years dealing with construction disputes and litigation, I’ve gained a deep understanding of the challenges that can financially impact construction contractors. The construction industry offers great opportunities but also comes with a plethora of risks. In this article, I discuss seven common areas where contractors often lose money and how […]
Contractual Clarity: Your Foremost Defence
The 2019 Global Construction Dispute Report by Arcadis brings to light the foremost cause of legal disputes in this sector: a lack of comprehension regarding contractual duties. For owners of construction businesses, this revelation is not merely a warning but a guide to sidestepping legal entanglements and securing project triumph. Prior to committing to […]
Can I Manage Adjudication Myself?
Construction adjudication might seem straightforward, but it is best undertaken with experienced experts. While it is possible to manage the adjudication process on your own, there are several critical reasons why enlisting professional assistance from firms like Mercantile Barristers can be invaluable. Adjudication, while faster than traditional court proceedings, follows a strict procedural framework. […]
I advised my client to write off £2m in a legal dispute
Over the past decade, I have worked on some very large legal cases in the construction industry. Whilst I have to protect client confidentiality, I wanted to share one particular experience that helped my client avoid insolvency but involved them writing off more than £2m. I was asked to advise on a series of […]
Contractors: Don’t wait for the dispute
In the bustling world of construction, where projects are vast and complex, the importance of integrating legal counsel into day-to-day operations cannot be understated. It is a common misconception within the construction sector that legal advice is a remedy to be sought only when a dispute arises. However, this reactive approach can often lead to […]