Ann Minogue
Comment1984 revisited
As one of our longest-serving columnists prepares to bow out, she looks back at how things have changed in construction law since she wrote her first column for the magazine
CommentRotten to the core
The CIOB has been trying to root out corruption in the industry but how deeply ingrained is the problem?
CommentGuaranteeing the guarantees
What happens when a firm agrees to deliver a bond or collateral warranty and then fails to do so? Mr Justice Ramsey, it seems, thinks ordering specific performance may be a solution
CommentLetters of intent: Don’t stick to the letter
A case involving Turner & Townsend shows, once again, that letters of intent are no substitute for an actual contract
CommentShould contracts have a clause explaining what 'force majeure' means?
Force majeure has no definition in common law so is it time to introduce a clause into construction contracts that actually says what it means?
CommentClients transferring risk: The bullies are back
The abuses and macho posturing we got from clients’ advisers in the nineties have returned - but given their attitude to risk, aren’t they the real wimps?
CommentBite the bullet or fire it?: Terminating a contract
The only thing an employer can be certain of when it gets rid of a contractor is that it will be in for endless headaches and hassle. Here’s why…
CommentProject bank accounts: Private practices
The project bank accounts proposed by the guide could work in the private sector – if they can be made effective
CommentRudi’s on the wrong track
Rudi Klein has been complaining about Network Rail’s new contracts. But Ann Minogue, who helped document the client’s procurement strategy, thinks he has missed the point
CommentGreen for go
A recent sustainability conference came up with some bright ideas for carbon-cutting products, projects and codes. But the time for talking is over. How do we take action?
CommentThe troubles we’ve seen
If there’s one thing you can confidently predict about 2006 it’s that the rows that raged in 2005 will rage on. In case you needed reminding, here they are …
CommentIt’s not their job
Clients are increasingly told that health and safety is their job, but why? Surely it’s illogical to make customers responsible for the industry they employ
CommentThe fiddle of fitness
Whether you’re a building contractor or a pastry-making equipment supplier, the fitness-for-purpose debate rages on – and it isn’t getting any easier
CommentYou know it makes sense
The British Property Federation has produced one short, simple and fair consultancy agreement for every profession. What do you think its reception will be?
CommentFawlty law
The law of tort is a fundamental regulator of commercial relationships. Appropriately enough, a hotel in Torquay has revealed that it is also a bit of a farce
CommentMind and will
In a landmark case, a council architect is on trial for manslaughter, after an outbreak of legionnaire’s disease killed seven people. The verdict will be pivotal …
CommentSeduced by simplicity
Last week Ashley Pigott used the Holyrood fiasco to take a pop at construction management – but easy targets don’t help us understand complex problems