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鈥檛 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鈥� advisers in the nineties have returned - but given their attitude to risk, aren鈥檛 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鈥檚 why鈥�
CommentProject bank accounts: Private practices
The project bank accounts proposed by the guide could work in the private sector 鈥� if they can be made effective
CommentRudi鈥檚 on the wrong track
Rudi Klein has been complaining about Network Rail鈥檚 new contracts. But Ann Minogue, who helped document the client鈥檚 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鈥檝e seen
If there鈥檚 one thing you can confidently predict about 2006 it鈥檚 that the rows that raged in 2005 will rage on. In case you needed reminding, here they are 鈥�
CommentIt鈥檚 not their job
Clients are increasingly told that health and safety is their job, but why? Surely it鈥檚 illogical to make customers responsible for the industry they employ
CommentThe fiddle of fitness
Whether you鈥檙e a building contractor or a pastry-making equipment supplier, the fitness-for-purpose debate rages on 鈥� and it isn鈥檛 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鈥檚 disease killed seven people. The verdict will be pivotal 鈥�
CommentSeduced by simplicity
Last week Ashley Pigott used the Holyrood fiasco to take a pop at construction management 鈥� but easy targets don鈥檛 help us understand complex problems