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Introduction

Ashfords' Construction and Engineering Department services the construction and engineering industries and its clients nationally as well as acting for international contractors and clients. The department works closely with the firm's Projects, Commercial Property, Public Law, Corporate and Banking departments to provide a comprehensive service to the industry.

The department is headed by Stephen Homer, a respected construction lawyer who is a practicing adjudicator, mediator and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

Work handled includes:

Non-contentious

• Advice on and drafting of all forms of Building Contracts
• Advice on and drafting of Civil Engineering Contracts
• Collateral Warranties
• Partnering Contracts including PPC 2000, NEC
• Consultants' Appointments
• Sub-contract agreements
• Funding agreements
• Novations
• Performance Bonds
• Parent Company Guarantees
• Advice on property aspects of the Disability Discrimination Act 2005
• Health & Safety
• PFI advice (eg in the healthcare and education sectors)
• Advice on CITB Training Levy
• Renewable Energy

Contentious

• Dispute avoidance and resolution
• Contractual Disputes
• Professional Negligence
• Adjudication
• Arbitration
• Mediation and alternative dispute resolution
• Litigation including proceedings in the Technology & Construction Court and Court of Appeal

Recent work undertaken includes:

• Advising SWRDA on Construction Contract amendments and Collateral Warranties in relation to development of Osprey Quay Marina for the Olympics, Weymouth

• Advising a higher education authority on their Framework Agreement and amendments to Consultants' Appointments for multi-million pound estates development programme

• Advising Rokbuilding Limited on standard amendments to JCT 2005 and Sub-Contracts

• Acting for National Westminster Bank PLC as funder on development of new Highways Agency Office at Ash House Exeter

• Advising SWRDA on Construction Contract and Collateral Warranties for the redevelopment of St Austell Town Centre

• Advising Mowlem on the Construction Contract for the first stage of the new Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club

• Lloyds TSB advising on Building Contract, Consultancy Appointments and Collateral Warranties for funder in respect of residential premises development at Portwrinkle, Cornwall
• Acting for Finance Cornwall as funder in relation to construction of sea salt production plant
  
  

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What others say about us

"According to market sources, this thriving team is doing everything right: "We're looking for quick turnaround and accuracy - we get all that and more from Ashfords" The secret to this firm's successful client service lies in its "team of straight-talking, hard-working individuals"
Chambers Directory 2009

"Prominent practitioner and group head Stephen Homer delights clients with "his proactive client service and personable approach" attracting wide recognition for his adjudications work".
Chambers Directory 2009

"Eric Livingston brings to the table a strong practice in contentious construction law and procurement advice".
Chambers Directory 2009

The strength of this construction outfit is said to lie "in the can-do personalities of the lawyers."
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession, 2008 Edition

This "excellent outfit," represents a significant number of contractors and supply chain clients
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession, 2007 Edition

"Noted for its skills in adjudication"
Legal 500, 2006 Edition

"Stephen Homer achieves a rare mix of professional and social aptitude - peers enjoy dealing with him and clients are full of praise for his dynamism and intelligence ....a respected adjudication practice."
"John Birch is refreshingly sensible - someone you can work with"
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession, 2006 Edition

"Clients describe Ashfords' Stephen Homer as the ultimate professional"
Legal 500 2005 Edition

"Robust reputation for construction work"
Legal 500 2004 Edition

"This "professional and flexible" team has an "excellent" reputation within the region"
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession, 2004 Edition

"Astute Commercial Advice"

Stephen Bennett, Mid Devon District Council.

"We have worked with Stephen Homer on a number of partnering projects. Stephen's advice on the partnering process was invaluable and the success of these projects led to the council being awarded Beacon Status for Rethinking Construction from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. I have no hesitation in recommending Ashfords construction team.
Stephen Bennett, Mid Devon District Council.

"Ashfords construction team are always exemplary"
Mark Harvey, Principal Project Manager, Scott Wilson. Following the Construction Update Seminar 2008