01 / Introduction

Procurement practice is always important, but in the midst of the covid-19 crisis it is taking on an even greater significance. Clients and their project teams have so far focused their collaboration on addressing challenges with existing schemes. Alongside ensuring that all construction work can proceed safely, however, it is time they began considering starting new projects, which will rely on defining how future risks will be allocated.

Procurement is the gateway to future turnover, establishing the terms by which projects will be delivered. Usually the risks are well understood, but this is no longer the case. Rarely have levels of uncertainty associated with construction investment been higher, potentially making negotiations much more complex and time-consuming. In order for the construction sector to commence its recovery, it is vital that clients and their contractors can agree terms as quickly as possible. This is likely to require compromise.  

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