We are pleased to announce that following on from the supply chain school workshop in 2019, a research paper on Improving Temporal Specificity written by Associate Professor Chris Clack and Alan Midgely was presented by Chris at UCL’s CBT Research Showcase on February 20th 2020.

The construction industry contributes approximately £117 billion or six per cent to the UK economy[1], and Infrastructure contributes a further one to two per cent[2]. However, both industries are hampered by low productivity[3], unpredictability[4] and a strongly ingrained adversarial culture[5]. One consequence of this friction is lifecycle contract management which is estimated to contribute 10% of the project costs. Continue Reading

We are pleased to announce that Alan recently completed a CPR 35 compliant expert witness report for adjudication, in a significant matter related to delay.

Blockchain – what does it mean for construction?

Supply chain school

Alan helped to coordinate, and delivered a speech at, a conference on Blockchain in the construction industry. The event was coordinated by ActionSustainability’s supply chain school  which provided with the following outputs:

• Attendees received insight and understanding of Blockchain technology and its potential application in construction supply chains – especially linked to advancing sustainable construction outcomes.
• The speakers shared their experience of what is currently happening in relation to Blockchain technology in our industry.
• They also shared experiences and lessons learned of early adopters of Blockchain tech.
• Inspiring more conversations about the technology within the industry, and how it can be used to drive better construction and social outcomes.

Feedback from the event “…was very good and it was good to see that our partners and members are keen to explore the opportunities that DLT’s present in more depth…”

We are pleased to announce our appointment to assist a main contractor refine and reduce risk on its programme for a complex project, with an extensive basement in central London.

We are pleased to note that expert evidence provided by Alan for an adjudication in May 2018 was instrumental in the Adjudicators decision to award in favor of his client.

In particular he received the following commendations:

“Had a chance to look over the decision….I read a pleasing amount of “I agree with Mr Midgley.” I was also happy to note no sign whatsoever of any agreement with [the other expert] !” – Hardwicke Chambers, Barristers.

“I am delighted to inform you that the adjudicator (on adjudication 1) has reached his decision and agreed with pretty much every point we have made.” – Pennington Manches, Solicitors.

For those who are interested in the facts, the attached parliamentary report should make an interesting read.

Parliamentary report into the collapse of Carillion

…When dividends are paid on the basis of expected profits, the company is effectively borrowing money to pay its shareholders…

…In the five years from 2012 to 2016, Carillion paid out £217 million more in dividends than it generated in cash from its operations…

This July 2016 SCL paper by Michael Mendelblat, may make an interesting read for those facing a dispute over goods or materials on site, the ownership of which has come into question as a consequence of the recent and unfortunate demise of Carillion.