Research & insight

This year’s Annual Review inevitably focuses on the continuing economic and political challenges facing the construction industry. We also look at the Building Safety Act 2022, and the changes to the regulatory regime for the design, procurement, construction, and management of buildings. We discuss the steps being taken to work towards a secure, low-carbon, sustainable energy future, yet still find room to consider the latest developments in the courts from adjudication to Wagatha Christie as well as the FIDIC and NEC forms.

This year our Annual Review celebrates its 25th year. We provide our usual adjudication and caselaw update and focus on the impact of climate change on construction contracts. We cover liquidated damages, bonds, PFI contracts, unforeseeable ground conditions and also track the courts’ approach to expert evidence. We also consider bias & conflicts of interest amongst both experts and arbitrators. Globally, we consider possible changes to witness evidence, the UNCITRAL Expedited Arbitration Rules and Investment Treaty Arbitration. 

2020 will be remembered for one thing, and this year’s Review reflects the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also track the Bresco story, look at termination and consider the growing scandal about properties covered in combustible cladding. Focussing on digital technology, we cover data & digital processes, the new Information Protocol & BS 19650, Digital Twins and modular construction. Globally, we consider the Advancing Net Zero project, KSL Arbitration Law, the penalties doctrine, changes to the LCIA rules and the Enka v Chubb decision.

This year’s Review reflects the typically diverse range of issues we have found ourselves looking at over the past year. Increasingly this includes digital technology including the use of drones and the JCT guidance on using BIM. From an international perspective we review multi-tiered dispute resolution clauses in the UAE, the new KSL Arbitration Law and the Singapore Mediation Convention. We also consider indemnities, notices, force majeure, completion and liquidated damages as well as providing an adjudication update and discussing what happens next with retentions.