JCT’s Construction Industry Parliamentary Reception 2026, hosted at the House of Commons Terrace Pavilion, was an occasion for celebration and acknowledgement of the members, contributors, and supporters across the industry who play a vital role in JCT’s success.
In her speech, JCT chair, Karen Kirkham, reflected both on her tenure in the role – which included the successful release of the JCT 2024 Edition – and paid tribute to all those involved, not just in producing the contracts, but in maintaining what makes JCT unique within the industry.
Karen explained the loyalty that being part of the JCT community inspires, particularly because the familiarity of its contracts belies the hard work and talent of those involved:
“When asked by new clients to describe [a JCT contract], I can say, without reservation, just read it. It’s a story with a beginning, a middle, and an end. It doesn’t require a law degree or a dictionary. And when they do read it, they get it and are greatly encouraged.
“That’s partly because like all great pieces of work JCT looks easy, obvious. But it isn’t.”
“A great many talented people, [the] staff, the members of Council, the Board the Drafting Sub-Committee make it what it is and work constantly and tirelessly to make sure it continuously evolves, improves, and responds to new situations, pressures, commercial trends, and legislation, [ensuring] that the 2024 launch was a triumph.”
JCT’s annual Construction Industry Parliamentary Reception is an exclusive occasion for its members and guests, and one of the highlights of the construction industry calendar.
Each year the event celebrates achievements in the built environment, raises awareness of important issues or new developments, and, in particular, recognises the work of members across all sectors of the industry that contribute to JCT.
The reception provides a welcome opportunity to meet colleagues and peers, form new connections, and socialise within the famous surroundings of the Houses of Parliament.