In the face of lengthy and voluminous documentation with inter-relating provisions, guarantees, indemnities and warranties, we understand that you need effective and experienced legal representation to help you deliver your projects on time (or, when necessary, pursue or defend any claims arising).
Large-scale construction projects bring together many partners (often operating to demanding timescales) with a number of legal challenges and considerations in the way of their critical path.
Working alongside you and taking time to understand your commercial objectives and priorities, our experienced solicitors can help ease administrative burden and provide you with the clear, practical advice you need to ensure that your project runs smoothly and to schedule.
For times when projects haven’t gone to plan, look to our team to help you identify, pursue or defend any disputed or litigated claim or action and guide you through alternative options and achieve your desired outcome.
Get in touch with our friendly team of advisors on enquiries@andrewjackson.co.uk for help and advice on any aspect of law in relation to the Construction sector and how it may affect you and your business.
Or call your preferred office today to speak to a member of the team.
Testimonials
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The advice received has always been prompt, clear and helpful in resolving the matters at hand. The team demonstrate a thorough understanding of the legal aspects of building contracts and related issues.
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"Martin continues to provide valued and trusted insight throughout our dealings together. We are never in any doubt that our legal interests are in safe hands and would recommend his services without hesitation"
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"We required a swift legal advice as part of our contract negations. Martin was able to provide us with the information we required allowing us to meet our deadline. Martin is clearly very knowledgeable in his area of the law and highly experienced in the legal issues that can arise from large scale development projects. We were very satisfied with the advice and service we received from Martin throughout this matter."
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"Martin is clearly very knowledgeable in his area of the law and highly experienced in the legal issues that can arise from large scale development projects. We were very satisfied with the advice and service we received from Martin throughout this matter."
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"... and I would wish to thank you for your prompt assistance in resolving this matter. We would have no hesitation in using your practice in the future for our legal matters and would recommend your services to friends, family and colleagues. Thank you."
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News & Events
News
‘Smash and grab’ adjudications and recovery of costs

Two recent cases have considered a number of issues in relation to 'smash and grab' adjudications and the recovery of costs in construction contracts, so it's important to consider their implications if you're involved in the construction industry. Martin Collingwood, the firm’s head of construction law, has …
MoreArticles
Brexit: Dispute Resolution Governing Law Jurisdiction and Enforcing Judgement

The UK-EU Trade & Co-Operation Agreement is now in place and, although hailed by both sides a success, the deal does not specifically address important matters of civil judicial co-operation. The impact for civil disputes is therefore, effectively, a no deal Brexit in which the UK has …
MoreConstruction update: VAT Reverse Charge to apply from 1 March 2021

New VAT rules for construction services will come into effect on 1 March 2021 in a major change to the way VAT will be collected in the construction sector. The new domestic reverse charge regime of VAT accounting must be used for most supplies of building and construction services. It …
MoreBrexit: What does it mean for the Construction Industry

The recently concluded Trade and Co-operation Agreement, which came into effect on the 20 January 2021, is likely to impact on the construction industry in the UK in four main respects namely: A new UK regulatory framework and harmonisation standards; A mutual recognition of goods and product marketing; Movement …
MoreWhat are the differences between the current EU framework for Civil Justice and Judicial Co-Operation and the position post Brexit?

The EU framework rules governs the following aspects of civil justice and judicial co-operation: Determining which court will have jurisdiction – recast Brussels Regulations. Ascertaining the law that applies to contractual and non-contractual obligations respectively under contractual and non-contractual disputes – Rome II Whether leave to serve English proceedings …
MoreCIC Lower Value Disputes Resolution Procedure

The above procedure was launched on the 1 May 2020 and provides a streamlined Construction Act procedure for dealing with uncomplicated disputes of a value of £50,000 or less. The procedure provides that where the issues are clear and uncomplicated an adjudicator nominated can determine whether the procedure applies …
MoreConstruction Update: New Initiatives Support Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods

Many readers will already be aware of the various alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods that exist as a means of resolving disputes away from the courts. ADR methods, including mediation, arbitration, adjudication, conciliation and expert determination, have long been of interest to parties who wish to minimise the cost of …
MoreCollateral Warranties : When might the protection end?

In the recent case of British Overseas Bank Nominees Ltd and others v Stewart Milne Group Ltd [2019] the Inner House of the Court of Session in Scotland, whose decisions are of persuasive authority in England, considered the terms of a collateral warranty granted by a design and build contractor …
MoreConstruction update - Reverse charge VAT: how will it affect my business?

Update, September 2019: - Following publication of the article below, HMRC has announced that the Construction Scheme Domestic Reverse Charge has been delayed for 12 months and will now not come into force until 1 October 2020. HMRC will change the way it collects VAT from construction organisations, so businesses operating …
MoreConstruction Contracts: Build UK sets out recommendation on terms

Build UK, a leading representative organisation for the construction industry, has published a non-binding recommendation on contract terms, which seeks to form a new common ground between clients and the supply chain in the construction sector. It aims to promote collaboration, encourage a fairer allocation of risk through the …
MoreHow will reverse charge VAT affect my business?

In less than six months' time, HMRC will change the way it collects VAT from construction organisations, so businesses operating in the sector would be wise to prepare for the changes now. From 1 October, the government's new reverse charge taxation system will come into force as part of …
MoreWhat happens when the liquidated damages end?

The question of whether liquidated damages can be claimed after termination is relevant in the current climate, where contracts are often terminated following contractor insolvency, among other things. Recently I commented upon the case of GPP Big Field LLP v Solar EPC Solutions which concerned the recovery of liquidated damages …
MoreContract law update: Do liquidated damages clauses amount to unenforceable penalties?

Case background In GPP Big Field LLP & Another –v- Solar EPC Solutions SL, GPP engaged a contractor, Prosolia UK, on five separate EPC contracts for solar power generation plants in the UK. Each contract allowed for liquidated damages in the event of the contractor's failure to achieve the …
MoreCourt of Appeal confirms the death of knell of smash and grab adjudications

Earlier this year, I reported on the significant judgment of Grove Developments Limited v. S&T (UK) Limited where Mr Justice Coulson had left a significant legacy in the Technology & Construction Court (TCC) before his elevation to the Court of Appeal. His judgment confirmed that a party does …
MoreContract Law: varying the law of variations

The recent case of Rock Advertising v MWB Business Exchange Centres Limited [2018] confirmed that a contract containing a no oral modification (NOM) clause cannot be amended orally. It also raised the question of how contracts are varied and what is the variation, says Martin Collingwood At its most basic …
MoreRock solid: No oral variation clauses

In the recent case of Rock Advertising Ltd v. MWB Business Exchange Centres Limited [2018],the Supreme Court handed down its much anticipated judgment and concluded that a contract containing a no oral modification (NOM) clause, which states it may only be amended in writing, cannot be amended orally. In …
MoreIR35 update: recent rulings highlight complex rules governing contractors
Earlier this year, the decision in Christa Ackroyd Media Ltd vs HMRC was published. It was notable not only for being the first in a long line of cases which HMRC is reportedly bringing against former BBC presenters, but also because it was the first "IR35" case that HMRC had …
MoreConstruction Contracts: Issues and trends

2016 and 2017 have seen developments concerning two of the UK’s major forms of construction contracts. Our head of construction, Martin Collingwood, considers the implications for industry. Amendments to the JCT suite of contracts The Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) began to publish an updated suite of contract documents in …
MorePre-Action Construction Dispute Mechanism Revised

The Pre-Action Protocol for Construction and Engineering Disputes (the "Protocol") made its appearance some 16 years ago and has now been revised following a wide consultation. The Protocol applies to all construction and engineering disputes (including professional negligence claims) although there are some exceptions to its applicability. The key …
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