The LDEDC Bill 2008 is part way through the four days allocated for debate in Grand Committee. By Thursday morning (29 January) we should be one step closer to knowing what amendments may be made to the Construction Act 1996. Some of the changes currently suggested are entirely inappropriate for the industry. (more…)

Lynne McCafferty, barrister, 4 Pump Court:

I agree with the recent MCMS post that 2009 is likely to see an increased use of the CPR Part 8 procedure to bring jurisdictional challenges before or during an adjudication. (more…)

UK law currently requires most companies to pay VAT within 30 days of the end of the VAT quarter. The Financial Times recently reported a proposal to extend the payment period for smaller companies, suggesting that it could rise to 90 days. The proposal is intended to improve cash flow for small companies, who are finding it especially hard to get bank finance. (more…)

There are many competing construction and engineering standard form contracts. Some would say too many. (more…)

In December 2008, at a “prompt payment summit”, the Business Secretary, Lord Mandelson, launched a new Code of Practice aimed at increasing the speed of payments to small companies (SMEs). This summit followed an earlier Government commitment to pay its suppliers within 10 days. (more…)