More news – Page 3882
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FeaturesNo regrets
Nobody knows better than Sir Martin Laing, former chairman of Laing, how a wafer-thin margin can turn into a catastrophic loss. He tells us about how a contract used to be a gentlemen’s agreement and why he wasn’t to blame for that £1 sale.
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CommentSecond-chance saloon
The DTI’s consultation on reforming the Construction Act could clarify grey areas on adjudication that cloud the original intentions – but only if the industry responds in time
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CommentIdeal for multiple injuries
It’s hard to introduce a new defence in the middle of a trial, but in adjudication – being a quick first-aid for two parties in a punch-up – it’s the very opposite
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Comment
The Jackson files
Mr Justice Jackson took charge of the Technology and Construction Court 10 months ago. Under new rules, he will work there full-time. But what’s he done so far?
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CommentWho’s suing whom
Legal wrangles at the High Court over valuable land in trendy Borough Market, a south London restaurant that never served a meal and an IT agreement that crashed. Plus our Brussels update
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Comment
A bit of light pressure
In an attempt to meet the targets set by our government for a CO2 reduction of 20% by 2010 and a 60% reduction by 2050, we should embrace pressure testing as a way of demonstrating that the performance and construction of our dwellings is improving (3 June, page 64).
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Comment
An attack on adversaries
Nick Henchie (20 May, page 39) suggests Tony Bingham’s proposed “arbitral investigator” may be possible but is unlikely to succeed as it requires consent.
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Comment
A pragmatist writes
Ann Minogue’s recent article “You know it makes sense” (27 May, page 47) listed the wholly unilateral benefits of the new British Property Federation form of consultancy agreement compared with the forms of the Association of Consulting Engineers, the RIBA and the RICS.
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Comment
BIW vindication
Last year, you published a potentially misleading article concerning my company (“Inland Revenue probes IT provider BIW”, 24 September 2004, page 14) and a subsequent letter from me (8 October 2004, page 32), relating to BIW Technologies’ claims for some £400,000 worth of research and development tax credits.
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Comment
Counting the cost
I read with interest the news that the Health and Safety Executive is to target injuries caused by manual handling with a view to “promoting the use of mechanical handling equipment”.
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Comment
Missing: One ombudsman
When I took up the tenancy of a flat from a Berkshire housing association I gave them a snag list of various items including health and safety breaches.
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Comment
In defence of management trainees
Although I agree that there are many young management trainees who clearly exhibit a worrying need to proclaim their greatness in front of anyone they meet, I would also ask that John Smith (27 May, page 31) acknowledges the many other hardworking, enthusiastic and motivated young individuals whose aim is ...
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Features‘once they find you, you don’t argue’
Protection rackets run by rogue security firms are holding construction sites in the North-west to ransom with threats of violence. Now the government is fighting back – but might its measures do more harm than good?
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FeaturesSo, would be a you be a contractor ?
Are you a ballsy go-getter or an arty sensitive type? Do you get up at the crack of dawn or prefer a leisurely start? Are you mostly inspiration, calculation or perspiration? Try our quick quiz to determine whether you’re really cut out for a career as a contractor.
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FeaturesFive ways to fight back
As a small contractor, you might be exposed to a higher risk of getting squashed. But then, small firms can change direction, rebrand and find new markets faster than major contractors can hold a board meeting. We report on the five best ways to stay in business
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News
Lawyers warn of JCT contract pitfalls
A week after the JCT launched the first part of its 2005 suite of contracts, construction lawyers have warned that the staggered publication dates of the remaining forms could lead to confusion.
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NewsOne down, one to go
Architect Grimshaw is working up designs for the second phase of University College London’s £19m engineering faculty.
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CommentWonders & blunders
No-nonsense broadcaster Robert Elms adores Lasdun’s austere Thamesside masterpiece, but has no time for showy St Pancras