Category: Legal
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‘Our client says we haven’t made a valid application for payment’
In a recent case, 1st Formations Ltd v Lapp Industries Ltd [2025] EWHC 1526 (TCC), the court looked at whether the AFP for a payment on account was valid. In this case, the contractor stated that the sum due was £341,854.32 (including VAT), but the payment “requested on account” was £100,000 plus VAT. In addition, the sums were…
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New homes delivery: time for an MMC renaissance?
Image: Brizmaker | Dreamstime.com From improving quality and efficiency to addressing skills shortages, modern methods of construction (MMC) could be the answer to a number of challenges facing new homes delivery. Once seen as a niche sector, MMC is now being taken more seriously as a solution to some of the UK’s biggest housing headaches. …
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New homes delivery: time for an MMC renaissance?
Image: Brizmaker | Dreamstime.com From improving quality and efficiency to addressing skills shortages, modern methods of construction (MMC) could be the answer to a number of challenges facing new homes delivery. Once seen as a niche sector, MMC is now being taken more seriously as a solution to some of the UK’s biggest housing headaches. …
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‘Our scaffolding has collapsed. What are the legal implications?’
Scaffolding collapses are rare, but high-impact events with potentially severe consequences, especially when members of the public are involved. By responding swiftly, reporting correctly, engaging legal and insurance professionals and investigating thoroughly, construction firms can minimise costs and embed stronger safety and compliance protocols. View the original article and our Inspiration here
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Crackdown on illegal working in construction
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More than twice the number of employers have been banned from sponsoring foreign workers in the first year of this government compared with the year before, according to new figures. Between July 2024 and June 2025, 1,948 licences allowing companies to bring in migrant workers were revoked – more than double the number in the…
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‘Help! Our employer’s agent is favouring the contractor’
This month’s contract clinic question comes from a construction client worried the employer’s agent is siding with the late-running contractor. Hakan Ozsoy responds. Image: Dreamstime The question We are the employer on a small residential development. We believe our employer’s agent (EA) is failing to deliver his duties and favouring the views of the contractor,…
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Bankside rights to light ruling takes developers out of darkness
On 8 July, the High Court handed down its judgement refusing an injunction sought by local residents to alter part of a new office tower in London, claiming that it blocked natural light to their apartments. Rachel Kerr and Nicholas Levy explain what happened and why this is an important decision for developers. An extended…
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AI risk of ‘inequality in arms’ in construction dispute resolution
Construction dispute resolution is poised to be transformed by AI, though take-up is uneven, and there is a risk of a technology gap between big and small firms. That is one of the takeaways from a report by global independent law firm group CMS. It found that while legal professionals in larger construction and engineering…
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Q&A: what happens when good faith is breached in construction contracts?
Contracts will often contain a clause which says that parties must act in good faith in relation to one another. The recent case of Matière SAS v ABM Precast Solutions Ltd discussed what the extent of that duty is – and what happens if it is breached. Jane Hughes answers this Q&A. Image: Olivier Le…
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‘Are facilitation payments the same as bribery?’
The company I work for is building a series of apartments in Dorset. The heating contractor has offered me an opportunity to ensure we get their best people and a faster delivery of the projects, if we can guarantee him the next six contracts. In return, the contractor is willing to provide me with what…