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Lantau Fixed Crossing

Chek Lap Kok Airport,
Hong Kong

John is committed to successful project delivery, through effective contract award processes (see articles on Navigating the Tender Process and Follow-up), contract conditions which reflect appropriate allocations of risk (see article on Unforeseen Physical Conditions and Drafting for Disputes) and contract management practices which promote project outcomes. (See article on Avoiding Construction Disputes)

Typically, John advises on contracting strategies, defining project outcomes, risk identification and management, assisting with tender and contract negotiations, financing and insurance issues.

The early identification of project risk, dispute avoidance and conflict management are critical elements of the services John provides. Project mediation is central to this approach.

Past projects are listed in the Profile (PDF format).

Tailored Solutions

There is a tendency in the construction industry to adopt standard practices and to use standard forms. This ensures high levels of quality and consistency. Familiarity with the standard forms is essential for any practitioner, as is a knowledge of the shortcomings of the standards which need to be addressed by special conditions.

The industry's adherence to standard forms has also resulted in a growth in more imaginative contracting structures which avoid the confrontational relationships common to traditional tendering approaches. Frequently, these are collaborative working arrangements, alliances and project finance driven arrangements (whether PPPs or PFIs). Each contracting arrangement has a place when dealing with particular project risks, which John's happy to advise upon. (See article PPPs - who bears the cost?)

Whether a standard form is tendered or an alliance or a tailored set of contracts drafted and negotiated, the driving factor should be to address particular project risks and the specific needs of the participants. John has the experience and the expertise to assist in these critical decisions, and the consequences which flow from them.