The Overford Construction Podcast

 In this episode, Crystal Jenkins is joined by Euan Kellie to discuss the planning process and the challenges developers are currently facing. The conversation covers planning permission, delays, highways approvals, development plans, the impact of the Building Safety Act, viability and feasibility studies, cost planning and project programmes. They also explore how quantity surveyors support proj...

Jason Sharp sits down with Lena Barnes of law firm, Devonshires for a look at the hot topic of termination.  What are the valid legal reasons for terminating a construction contract? How can you safely terminate without risking legal action? How can you minimise the many risks associated with terminating a construction contract? What do standard construction contracts say? Jason and Lena examine t...

Jason is joined by CEO of Merlin Insurance Brokers, Richard O'Brien to discuss key insurance challenges in the construction sector. They cover the impact of the Building Safety Act on premiums, the increase in PI cover costs post-Grenfell, and what firms can do if they’re struggling to secure cover.  Richard also shares insights on modular and tall buildings, performance bonds, and recent JCT...

In this episode, founder and CEO of Built By Us, Danna Walker joins Crystal Jenkins for a conversation about the skills gap in construction. With a conservative estimate of 45,000 workers needed in the UK by  2027, drastic measures are needed if we are to attract and retain the best talent. The pair share their experiences as women working in the industry whilst taking a look at some of the initia...

In this compelling episode, construction experts Paul Sills and Guy explore the evolving dynamics of mediation within the construction and engineering sectors. They discuss the crucial role of construction expert witnesses in mediation, explaining how their involvement reshapes dispute resolution. Discover why mediation, supported by construction expert witnesses, is gaining popularity and proving...

 In this compelling episode, Paul Sills and Guy delve into the crucial role of Construction Expert Witnesses within tribunals, courts, and adjudications. They explore how these experts significantly impact the dispute resolution process, shedding light on their essential contributions to legal proceedings involving construction disputes. Discover why the involvement of Construction Expert Witnesse...

Construction Experts - Paul and Guy discuss different tribunals and different types of expert. How do they all work and relate to each other?  What’s a ‘Part 35’ Expert and why do we have them? Should this be the standard for all expert work?  Can an advisor be an expert?  The pair take a look at the importance of an expert ’sticking to their lane’ and being open to independent thought and imparti...

In this episode, Guy talks to Kort Egan of Gatehouse Chambers about the enforcement of adjudication decisions.  In the second of the two-part episode, we look at settlements - can you enforce a decision after you’ve agreed on a settlement?  The team also look at insolvency and dealing with parties who can’t pay.   Also - what about costs? H ow do courts deal with costs and how to deal with the ris...

In this episode, Guy Jackson talks to Kort Egan of Gatehouse chambers about the enforcement of adjudication decisions. How are adjudication decisions treated when parties look to obtain or resist the decision they’ve been awarded?  The pair look at the background to enforcement and its purpose. Can enforcement be easily resisted? Should enforcement be quick, in a similar fashion to the adjudicatio...

In this episode, Jason and Guy are joined again by Carly Thorpe, Partner at Law firm Walker Morris.  The trio discuss methods for avoiding disputes. What is the best way to minimise the risk of legal fees? How should you manage your contract and ensure the best possible outcome? 

Jason and Guy are joined again by Carly Thorpe, Partner at Walker Morris. The team take a look at some of the different forums for dispute resolution - how they work and what the advantages and disadvantages of each are.  The episode features:  00'30" - Introduction to the different forums.  01'00" - Litigation - going to court to resolve a dispute. 03'30" - Arbitrati...

Guy and Jason are joined by Carly Thorpe, Partner at law firm, Walker Morris. They look at 'Smash and Grab' adjudications.  What is a smash and grab adjudication, why do they arise, what does the construction act say. What do contracts say and is it possible to improve the system as it stands, using the contract? Will ‘the scheme’ step in if the construction contract doesn’t say anything...

Guy and Jason take a look at the importance of record-keeping in construction. What records should you be keeping? How should you keep them and where? How important are records if you later need to rely upon them in the event of a claim or dispute? 

In this episode Guy and Jason have a chat about the role of experts. Looking at everything from the importance of conflict checks and impartiality through to the different types of experts. They will discuss why training is so important. Guy and Jason start by looking at appointing a part 35 expert.