Legal Update and Networking Breakfast

Summary

Join us for this CPD and fantastic networking opportunity.

Solicitors from Trowers & Hamlins Construction team will be providing a three-part session, which will consist of:

• Hot topics in NEC3/4 including what's new with NEC4, dispute avoidance, risk allocation/ risk registers, X22 early contractor involvement.

• A discussion of the Government's late payments consultation: tackling poor payment practices, the proposed legislative measures, the Government's response to the consultation and the potential impact for the UK construction industry.

• On the contentious side, they will [provide an interactive update on the recent decision in Crest Nicholson Regeneration Ltd & Ors v Ardmore Construction Ltd (In Administration) & Ors [2026] EWHC 789 (TCC). It is, at this point, a well-worn observation that the Building Safety Act 2022 has profoundly reshaped the construction industry. Not least amongst its vast range of reforms is the provision for the making of Building Liability Orders, or BLOs. These orders allow 'associate' entities to be held to the 'relevant liability' of an original entity where it is 'just and equitable' to do so. For example, where a party is responsible for building defects and is unable to meet its liabilities (by reason of insolvency, dissolution, or otherwise), options for recovery may be extended to its 'associate' entities.

The decision in Crest Nicholson Regeneration Ltd & Ors v Ardmore Construction Ltd (In Administration) & Ors [2026] EWHC 789 (TCC) is only the second time the High Court has made a BLO. Key questions addressed by this decision are (1) whether an adjudicator's decision is a 'relevant liability' for the purpose of a BLO; (2) whether a BLO can be made in advance of a finding of liability on the part of the original entity; and (3) the necessary 'just and equitable' circumstances for the making of a BLO. The update examines the Court's responses to these questions and the wider impact of this consequential and fast-moving area of law.]"

Topics:

• BSA update – CIOB members are still interested in understanding recent developments, case law etc;

• Retention / payment reform – very topical at the moment with the recent response from the Government; and

• NEC 4 or JCT Target Costs Contract – intro into the contract, where they are used etc

This learning activity can contribute to your annual CPD return and should be logged accordingly. The theme of this event aligns to the CIOB Core theme of Quality and also Professionalism.

This event is for over 18's only

All monies raised from this event will be donated to CIOB Assist

Refreshments

Tea/Coffee and pastries will be served at 9am

***Please advise of any special Dietary Requirements when booking***

Contact

Emma Streames

Member Services and Events Co-ordinator - Bristol, Exeter, Cornwall & Plymouth

01344 630857

[email protected]

How can we help you get the most out of this event? We want to ensure accessibility for all of our members. Please contact us in confidence prior to attendance and we will do our best to answer any questions and support any additional needs you may have.