Interpreting Practical Completion: University of Warwick v Balfour Beatty Group [2018] EWHC 3230 (TCC)

Background: The University of Warwick (Warwick) contracted Balfour Beatty Group Ltd (Balfour Beatty) under an amended JCT 2011 D&B to design and construct the National Automotive Innovation Centre (the Centre). The works were split into 4 sections. Balfour Beatty took possession of each of these sections on the 20 April 2015. However, the dates for…

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High Court awards damages against guarantor in GPP Big Field LLP v Solar EPC Solutions SL [2018] EWHC 2866

Background: GPP Big Field LLP (“GPP”) was the Employer to 5 Engineering, Procurement and Construction contracts (“EPC contracts”) to build solar plants in the UK. The Contractor, Prosolia UK Ltd, is currently insolvent and therefore GPP sued its parent company, Solar EPC Solutions SL (“Solar”) as guarantor in order to recover both liquidated damages (“LDs”)…

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Collateral warranty claim struck out in Swansea Stadium Management Company Ltd v City & County of Swansea [2018] EWHC 2192 (TCC)

On 15 August 2018 O’Farrell J struck out part of Swansea Stadium Management Company’s claim against Interserve Construction Ltd in their application for summary judgment. Juli Lau, an Associate and commercial contracts specialist and Alexandra Bellis, a Trainee Solicitor in our Disputes Resolution team, consider the implications for construction contractors from the partial summary judgment awarded by the Technology and Construction Court.

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PPP contracts – how to avoid bringing long-term contracts from the boardroom into the courtroom

PPP contracts – how to avoid bringing long-term contracts from the boardroom into the courtroom The jury is once again out on whether PFI contracts are worth entering into or whether the government should put an end to such arrangements. This unfavourable attention comes hot on the heels of construction giant Carillion’s insolvency in January…

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North Midland Building Limited v Cyden Homes Limited [2017] EWHC 2414 (TCC)

Authors: Juli Lau and Amy Brown Background Cyden Homes Limited (the “Defendant”) engaged North Midland Building Limited (the “Claimant”) to design and construct a large house (known as ‘South Farm’) plus outbuildings. The contract used was the JCT Design & Build Contract 2005 with bespoke amendments. The amendment at issue in this case concerned the extension of time…

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