Radio 4 explains how the EU procurement regs work.  Or don’t. Radio 4’s ‘File on 4’ programme recently looked at the impact of EU procurement regulations on the contracts placed by UK public sector bodies.  Following the recent public debates after the award of contracts to overseas firms for the New Forth Crossing’s steelwork and the rolling stock for Thameslink, the programme looked at potential ways of involving the local supply chain within the requirements of the regulations.   The BBC’s own text follows: To the west of Edinburgh, construction of the new £1.5bn Forth road bridge will use steel.

Continue Reading

  As a leading provider of NEC training and advice we are often asked about text books and guides on the contracts.  We are happy to recommend this book, written by a renowned NEC expert. The NEC Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC) has spawned a number of guide books over the 20+ years of its existence.  This book is a re-write of Broome’s 1998 text on the then NEC2 contract.  This is a practical guide based on the author’s own experiences of the contract through his consultancy business.  Those working with NEC3 contracts at  the ‘coalface’ will appreciate this guide. .

Continue Reading

The subject of legal professional privilege when using non-legal professionals cropped up in this case about the delays and additional costs on a domestic project in London.   The client for the project, and the defendants in this case, engaged a firm of claims consultants to assist with its project and that firm employs legally-qualified staff.  The defendants sought disclosure of documents created by the claims consultant as part of this case.  This case raised issues as to whether documents generated by or towards a claims consultant, even one which retains legally qualified personnel, attract legal professional privilege.   The.

Continue Reading

    ICE Publishing has announced that the fourth addition of the Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement is to be published next month.  Last updated in 1991, CESMM is used to prepare and interpret bills of quantity for use in contstruction contracts.  Further details can be found on the ICE Virtual Library Website here: http://www.icevirtuallibrary.com/content/book/102863   Guide price £65.00 CESMM4 is published by ICE Publishing. Paperbound ISBN: 978-0-7277-5751-7 Ebook ISBN: 978-0-7277-5752-4

Continue Reading

The Scotsman, on 6 March, reviewed the contribution of some of the more renowned Scottish engineers over the centuries.  Telford, Nasmyth, Fairbairn all discussed.  Very well worth a read.  http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/heritage/historic-sites/steely-determination-how-scottish-engineers-changed-the-world-1-2156065  

Continue Reading

West Country Renovations v McDowell & McDowell. Application had been made to transfer a relatively low-value claim from the Central London County Court to the TCC. Akenhead J rejected the application and set out the TCC’s approach to claims below £250,000 but with a list of non-exhaustive exclusions. Excerpt from the judgment follows: the full judgment is at http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/TCC/2012/307.html …the approach in the High Court in London will be as follows: (1) Generally, claims which are for less than £250,000 should be commenced in County Courts or other High Court centres outside London which have TCC designated judges. (2) However,.

Continue Reading

Highlands and Islands Airports Limited vs Shetland Islands Council.  The adjudicator in this case sought advice from a lawyer but did not consult with the parties, nor did he seek their opinions on the advice obtained.  The Court of Session (Outer House) therefore declined to enforce his decision.  http://www.bailii.org/scot/cases/ScotCS/2012/2012CSOH12.html

Continue Reading