| RJC’s case-load continues to comprise a wide spectrum of dispute resolution issues, from forensic quantity surveying on “traditional” projects to analysis and settlement of complex prolongation and loss & expense claims on multi-million pound PFI schemes. Amongst many other recent successes and emphasising RJC’s specialist skills in diverse construction works, we are delighted to have seen some excellent results in our case-load over the last few months. Not only have we obtained a successful result in a major Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Services Adjudication for a major client, but we have also received a successful (though very long-awaited) decision on an Arbitration for another major client. Commercial Workshops
RJC’s ‘in-house training’ is proving very popular amongst clients and we have secured more bookings on a wide range of topics for the near future. We are pleased that our clients find this input useful to their business and we hope to continue to develop this sphere of work. Marketing
RJC had the pleasure of hosting an evening at Windsor races in May. The riverside setting of the race course, coupled with the balmy summer weather made it all the easier to enjoy both the action on the course and the hospitality suites off course. Despite studying form and only betting on the “dead-certs” there were, unfortunately still no big winners amongst us (or not that we know of), so we’ll have to try again next year. 
RJC hosted an evening at Windsor races in May |
Alternatives to Adjudication
Construction continues to benefit from the effect of increased public spending, whilst the private sector remains reasonably bouyant. Meanwhile RJC’s clients are finding themselves dealing with sub-contract resources that are in many instances overstretched. This has resulted in an upturn in disputes. Many sub-contractors appear to rush straight into Adjudication without exhausting the tried and tested methods of preparing a properly substantiated and sensibly argued submission and then engaging in meaningful negotiation. This causes problems for the main contractor who has to try and deal with this onslaught whilst continuing to fulfil his ongoing site responsibilities.
In an effort to over come the ‘dispute culture’ many enlightened clients are considering the use of dispute board/panels or dispute procedures with compulsory mediation, which has to take place before Adjudication can commence. RJC can advise on how to incorporate such provisions and/or administer the process for clients and in this way ‘head off’ many of these potential Adjudications.
In-House Legal Advice
RJC is pleased to announce that arrangements are now in place to enable the in-house provision of legal advice and drafting by experienced solicitors and/or barristers for our clients. This service, when coupled with our ability to have direct access to counsel will mean that for most of our clients’ needs we will be able to provide a ‘one-stop shop’ for dispute resolutions.
Business Development
Now that RJC is firmly established in both the South West and Thames Valley regions, we are actively seeking to achieve a presence further north and to this effect we are currently searching for suitable premises in the Midlands in order to be able to do this. We can, however, now boast a truly global presence with clients ranging as far afield as Switzerland and Canada!
We welcome aboard Mark Stevenson, a newly appointed Senior Consultant, based in our Bristol office and would like to take this opportunity to congratulate him on his recently gained MCIArb qualification.
Our work-load continues to expand and, because of this, we are still actively looking
to recruit additional Senior Consultants with the relevant expertise and experience to complement our existing staff in all regions
of the UK.
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