Blog

‘Re-integration’

/ Chairman's Blog

  Blog Author: Richard Saxon CBE, JCT Chairman The collapse of Carillion is probably another nail in the coffin of the current UK model of main  contracting where virtually all the trade work is subcontracted. Over fifty years in the industry, I have seen the change from traditional contractors with their main trades in-house to the current, insustainable pattern. The vertically integrated contractor was brought down by recurrent business cycles which punish employers. Once the idea spread that trade specialists could be hired in just…

Goldsmith Street

/ Case Studies

When completed later this year, the new terraces of flats and houses at Goldsmith Street, Norwich will be the UK’s largest Passivhaus development. If that wasn’t ambitious enough, it is also commissioned by Norwich Council as a 100% social housing scheme. A JCT Standard Building Contract provided the contract solution. Goldsmith Street is the pinnacle of a recent series of developments which is seeing Norfolk become a hub in the UK for Passivhaus projects. Designed by Mikhail Riches Architects and built by RG Carter, it…

JCT On Demand: New JCT Digital Contracts Now Available

/ JCT Product Updates

JCT has launched its improved and updated On Demand digital service, taking on board user feedback to deliver a new service with a range of enhanced features. The On Demand digital service is re-launched with three of JCT’s most popular contracts, JCT Minor Works Building Contract (MW), JCT Minor Works Building Contract with contractors’ design (MWD) and JCT Design and Build Contract (DB). The Design and Build Contract Guide (DB/G) is also available. The new On Demand digital service seamlessly integrates with the JCT online…

What Can One Learn from Carillion?

/ Contractual Issues, General

Blog Author: Peter Hibberd The collapse of Carillion was a shock and affects many within the industry, not least sub-contractors and suppliers. It was a shock because, despite the warnings of some commentators, large companies supposedly should not go into compulsory liquidation. It is in that belief that a sub-contractor is generally happier to work for large companies. Carillion’s collapse shows that belief, if not entirely misplaced, to be one that cannot be taken for granted. Just because a company is large it is not…

Using Weather and Climate Data to Manage Risk

/ General

Introduction JCT has teamed up with the Met Office to offer two new locationbased products: Monthly Planning Averages and Monthly Downtime Summaries. The reports are designed specifically for project planning and management, helping you to minimise the impact of weather on your project and complement the weather clauses found in JCT contracts. Ric Robins, Business Group Head of Meteorology and Science at the Met Office states “we have collaborated with the construction industry and JCT to develop two new weather summary reports, location-based monthly planning…

JCT Contracts Discovery

/ JCT Product Updates

Education Module Revised and Remodelled for 2018 JCT Contracts Discovery, the learning and education module first published in 2012, has been substantially updated and revised for 2018, providing an improved and more in-depth tool for those in construction education. JCT Contracts Discovery is designed for education and training providers, in-house training teams and independent tutors. It is also useful for students studying contractual matters as part of their construction-related course as a reference guide. Delivered in hard-copy format, the module provides the materials that students…

JCT Interviews…Steven Thompson

/ Interviews

In this series we shed some light on some of the key people who are involved with or give their time to support JCT, to ensure that all areas of the construction industry are represented and can contribute to the development of our contracts. We will look at how our interviewees contribute to JCT specifically, and gain their views on JCT’s wider role within the industry. Member of the JCT Drafting Sub-Committee Steven is a fellow of the RICS, qualifying in 1984 as a chartered…

JCT launches improved On Demand digital service

/ Latest News, Press Releases

JCT has launched its new On Demand digital service, taking in feedback from users to deliver a service with a range of enhancements and features, enabling easy completion of JCT contracts online. JCT On Demand seamlessly integrates with the JCT online store, www.jctltd.co.uk, so that users are able to purchase the JCT On Demand digital version of their contract, log in to their account and access their contract any time that is convenient to them. The new JCT On Demand service enables users to: Complete…

Met Office and JCT team up to provide new weather services for construction industry

/ Press Releases

The Met Office and JCT have launched a new range of weather services designed specifically to assist in project planning and post-project analysis. The products will work in conjunction with the weather clauses in the JCT suite of contracts. Two new products, Location Based Monthly Planning Averages and Location Based Downtime Summaries, provide project teams with trusted information to inform scheduling, design refinements and budget in the planning stage. They also deliver accurate information to aid resolution of disputes and requests for extension of time….

Is Offsite Construction the Answer?

/ General

Blog Author: Richard Saxon CBE, JCT Chairman The construction industry is heading for the buffers. Capacity is draining out as skilled tradesmen retire and few enter as apprentices. The go-to supply of EU migrant tradesmen is likely to be restricted soon and is already less interested as the pound falls. Construction quality is declining in the housebuilding world. Mark Farmer’s message: Modernise or Die, is clear that a major move to offsite construction is needed to keep the industry from decline. The core problem is…