Tony Bingham is clearly unhappy with the use of the NEC for all government contracts

Tony and many others struggle with NEC3. He is quite right that it is not what we’re used to and there are other contracts that do, more or less, the same thing. Of course there is nothing actually wrong with the NEC; it’s at least as good as and perhaps better than the other partnering alternatives, but it’s not perfect.

But clear government guidance that requires the use of the NEC3 contract across the board means it will be used across the board! One problem in getting efficiency in this industry is the myriad standard forms of contract. Most of those that use these contracts simply ignore the differences and get on with the way they always have. The result, all too often, is that it is left to the likes of Tony or myself to fix the resulting mess.

The widespread adoption of a single, good (if not perfect) form of contract can only be a good thing for everyone except those of us that thrive on disputes. So I say well done the public accounts committee; let’s stop bitching about the NEC and get on with it.

James Golden, director, Quigg Golden

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