Next Generation Partners

Construction in Wales

Blake Morgan LLP

Comprising of ‘very skilled and knowledgeable lawyers across all seniorities’, Blake Morgan LLP‘s Cardiff team acts on its own as well as often alongside other lawyers from offices throughout the network on high-profile domestic and UK-wide projects for developers and contractors. Team head Joanna Rees has vast experience advising on construction issues throughout the life cycle of a project  (from tender through the build phase and on any subsequent disputes which may occur) and regularly works alongside public procurement expert Simon McCann on matters where there is involvement with a public sector entity, including on infrastructure and health projects. ‘Exceptionally capable’ senior associate Kate Howell has developed a strong reputation handling contentious matters before the Technology and Construction Court (TCC) as well as in adjudications and risk management assessments, including as it relates to managing large cladding and defects cases in high rise buildings.


Practice head(s):

Joanna Rees


Other key lawyers:

Simon McCann; Kate Howell; Charlotte Neads


Testimonials

‘They have an excellent understanding of the issues that arise in construction cases. The team comprises very skilled and knowledgeable lawyers across all seniorities, and their high reputation in this field is thoroughly deserved.’

‘The team is widely experienced in construction; I found them to be practical and quick to grasp difficult technical issues.’

‘The team has been running some of the leading claims in the TCC over the past few years, including one of the early cladding claims (a huge multi-party dispute in the TCC). 

Kate Howell managed a hard-fought and highly complex TCC trial with enormous skill and dedication. She was completely on top of the huge amounts of documentation and the complex issues, and managed the case with composure and good humour.’

‘Kate Howell is an exceptionally capable and experienced lawyer. She is smart, organised and innovative in dealing with all levels and industry disputes in construction – completely in control even in the most pressured of situations.’

‘Charlotte Neads is commercially aware and focused on delivery.’

 

Key clients

Transport for Wales


The Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames


SPTS Technologies UK Limited


Ascent Development Limited


Carmarthenshire County Council


NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership – Specialist Estates Services


Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council


South East Wales Highways Framework managed by Cardiff City Council


Platform Housing Group


Premier Inns/Whitbread


Work highlights


  • Advised Transport for Wales (TfW) on all construction issues including on the procurement of contractors for railway works for the Core Valley Lines, Alliancing agreement, environmental and carbon conscious drafting and preparing a bespoke suite of NEC4 construction contracts for use across all TfW projects in 2022.
  • Advising the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames on its “Transform Kingston” programme which is the regeneration of Kingston City Centre – this includes the Kingfisher Leisure Centre, Guildhall One and Guildhall Two and the future regeneration of the Cattle Market car park.
  • Advising SPTS Technologies Limited, the world’s leading semiconductor manufacturer based in Newport on the procurement of a new state of the art factory with clean room technology.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP

Drawing upon an ‘in-depth knowledge of the construction sector’, gleaned from many years’ experience in the field, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has the ability ‘to solve complex issues utilising legally sound and commercially practical advice’. Team head Alison Short provides ‘exceptional legal and commercial advice’ to stakeholders involved in a range of projects relating, in particular, to nuclear, water, renewable energy and transport projects, both domestically and internationally. As well as working alongside colleagues from other key offices in the network, including Birmingham and London, Short is also assisted out of Cardiff by senior associate James Molland , who regularly runs his own caseload focusing more on construction issues associated with traditional commercial property projects.

 


Practice head(s):

Alison Short


Other key lawyers:

James Molland


Testimonials

‘The team provides in-depth knowledge of the construction sector, providing their client with both detailed and excellent legal advice about matters such as contracts, warranties etc., but also detailed information about the wider construction market and the changing legal framework so that the client can best position and protect itself.’

Excellent construction law knowledge and experience. Able to solve complex issues utilising legally sound and commercially practical advice.’

‘Alison Short provides exceptional legal and commercial advice to her clients ensuring they are able to make considered decisions having weighed all the arguments.’

Alison Short displays great attention to detail and is able to simplify complex legal issues quickly that works both commercially and technically.’

 

Key clients

Dwr Cymru Cynyngedig (Welsh Water)


Stena Line Limited


Annington Property Limited


Wales and West Utilities


G4S


Work highlights


Geldards LLP

The 'very approachable' team at Geldards LLP has an excellent reputation in the Welsh market and beyond, as a result of its 'strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills'. The success of the team is firmly centred around team head Tony Norris, whose contractual drafting capabilities and knowledge of the sector is such that the framework agreements that he has drafted, including for Carmarthenshire County Council, have become the industry standard and are used in relation to the majority of local authority and police capital projects in the South West of Wales. Norris is also recognised as 'outstanding construction litigator', which manifests itself not only in the context of risk management in contract drafting but also in any attendant disputes which may arise. Senior associate Claire Laviers is also a key resource to clients on transactional construction matters, in light of her  contract drafting and negotiation expertise.


Practice head(s):

Tony Norris


Other key lawyers:

Claire Laviers


Testimonials

‘The team’s creativity, ability to negotiate in complex situations, along with their strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills are standout attributes.’

Best in class advice and service.’

‘They are very approachable and have excellent knowledge of the sector and the issues that we face in social housing.’

Tony Norris is an outstanding construction litigator. He is a go-to in the market. Widely respected, commercial and really knows his stuff.’

Key clients

Carmarthenshire County Council (Cyngor Sir Gaerfyrddin)


Storage Giant Limited


Sutco (UK) Limited


OGI (Spectrum Fibre Limited)


Welsh Government & Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council (JV)


Western Power Distribution


Cadarn Housing Group Limited


Redrow Homes Limited


Natural Resources Wales


Wales & West Housing Association


United Welsh Housing Association


R & M Williams Limited


Pembrokeshire County Council


Pembrokeshire College


London Borough of Merton


Wandsworth Borough Council


BlueEarth Construction Limited


William Hare Limited


Bowmer & Kirkland Group


Walgreens Boots Alliance


CWC Group / Clowes Developments (UK) Limited / Dove Valley Park Limited


Miller Birch/Cedar Investments Limited


BioCity Group


Sheffield City Council


Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council


Nottingham City Council


Derby City Council


The Council of the City of Carlisle


Chesterfield Borough Council


South Derbyshire District Council


Warrington Borough Council


Julian Hodge Bank Limited


The Development Bank of Wales


Principality Building Society


Lloyds Bank


PPH1 Ltd & DPK East


Nottingham Regeneration Limited


Synergy Health Managed Services Limited


Chrysalis Supported Association Ltd


SDL Group / Wise Living Homes Limited


Nottingham City Homes


Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire


J W Simpkin Ltd


Sacyr UK Ltd


Work highlights


  • Continuing to work with Carmarthenshire on innovative and client-centred framework agreements, including on a number of leisure projects under the Alliance Leisure Framework.
  • Continue to support Sutco with it’s recycling, renewable energy and waste needs.
  • Appointed by Sacyr UK Limited on the first major health project utilising the Welsh MIM PPP model – a new £0.5bn cancer care centre at Velindre.

Hugh James

Drawing upon ‘excellent knowledge and experience’ at handling regional mandates, as well as increasingly work located in London, Hugh James provides a ‘prompt and responsive service’ to public, private and public sector stakeholders, across a wide array of contentious and non-contentious matters. The team has ‘detailed knowledge of the affordable housing sector’, an area that both Matthew Stevens and Iwan Jenkins have been particularly active, advising housing associations, including Pobl, across a wide range of matters. Team head Ioan Prydderch is also recommended, both in the context of contractual drafting in relation to the construction and engineering sector, as well as on litigation, where clients benefit from his deep knowledge of alternative dispute methods of resolution.


Practice head(s):

Ioan Prydderch


Other key lawyers:

Iwan Jenkins; Matthew Stevens; Alun Tobias


Testimonials

‘The team has excellent knowledge and experience, and provides a super service.’

‘They are friendly yet remain totally professional at all times. The communication is first class.’

They provide a prompt and responsive service. The firm has detailed knowledge of the affordable housing sector.’

‘The team has exceptional levels of experience particularly in the context of Welsh Housing-related contracts. They are accommodating, flexible and personable.’

‘The practice has unrivalled expertise in construction law, specializing in disputes and also contract law/ training insolvency’s etc. They always find the resources to cater for our needs, large or small.’

‘Matthew Stevens is always professional and produces work in a timely manner, keeping us up to date with progress. He provides commercial advice and clearly outlines the pros and cons when giving advice.’

 

Key clients

Pobl


Welsh Power


Ely Mill Development Company Limited


Welsh Government


Platform Housing Association


Celsa UK


Swansea Council


WRU


Willmott Dixon


Brackley


Work highlights


  • Advised the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) on the flagship redevelopment of the previous post office and county court heritage buildings on Westgate Street in central Cardiff into a 175-bed luxury hotel that includes fifteen VIP suites, two restaurants, a luxurious spa with a rooftop infinity pool, comprehensive meeting facilities and a ballroom for 400 guests.
  • Advising the Celsa Group companies in the UK in their negotiations with the main contractor joint ventures (BYLOR (Laing o Rourke and Bouygues), BBV (Balfour Beatty and Vinci)) in connection with the HS2 and Hinkley Power Station projects.
  • Advising Pobl, Hafod, Melin, Newport City Homes, Rhondda Housing Association and Tarbed, as well as another five social housing providers and two local authorities, in relation to the use of Project Bank accounts on their multimillion-pound development projects.

Acuity Law

Drawing upon ‘a great mix of experienced and young lawyers’, including former construction head at Douglas-Jones Mercer Philip Graham , who joined in April 2022, Acuity Law displays ‘a can-do attitude’ on behalf of developers and contractors throughout a project life cycle, on matters ranging from complex infrastructure projects to city centre regeneration schemes. Historically better known for its transactional and advisory expertise, Graham’s arrival adds more balance to the team, in light of his ‘very pragmatic approach to the resolution of construction disputes’. James Williams takes the lead on the non-contentious front and continues to spearhead the firm’s efforts for leading developer Rightacres on construction issues arising in relation to its ongoing work in Cardiff city centre.


Practice head(s):

James Williams (Non Contentious); Philip Graham (Contentious)


Other key lawyers:

Ben Honour; Huw Roffe; Harriet Butterfield; Emma Hutchings


Testimonials

‘They always respond proactively to any and all challenges, and have a can-do attitude.’ 

‘The team is a great mix of experienced and young lawyers – the young lawyers being encouraged under a watchful eye to engage directly with the client.’

‘They take the time to understand the practical detail of construction developments, to ensure the contracts reflect the required outcome. They work in a collaborative way with all stakeholders.’

‘Philip Graham provides a very prompt and considered response to any query. He takes a very pragmatic approach to the resolution of construction disputes.’ 

Key clients

Rightacres Property Co. Limited


Principality Building Society


The Ingenious Group


Investec Bank PLC


Hodge Bank Limited


Work highlights


  • The firm has advised Rightacres Property Co Limited (one of Cardiff’s leading property developers) on a number of high-profile mixed use developments in the city with a development cost of circa £300m.
  • Acted for numerous funders such as Hodge Bank Limited, Investec Bank PLC, the Ingenious Group and the Principality Building Society on construction projects throughout the UK with a value of circa £100m.
  • Successfully advised Nalu Homes SPV 101 Ltd in relation to serial adjudications arising from the design and construction of a sustainable homes development adjacent to a national park.

Capital Law Limited

Under the leadership of Stuart Pearson, Capital Law Limited has developed a particularly strong reputation advising on major Welsh infrastructure and energy projects. In this regard, Pearson is particularly effective at advising public sector clients, including the Welsh government, by dint of his market-leading knowledge of projects utilising the Mutual Investment Model (MIM). Pearson also handles contentious matters, as does senior associate Sam O’Callaghan, who adds particular benefit to clients by dint of his qualifications as a trained barrister. On the private sector front, the team regularly works alongside the commercial property team for developers.


Practice head(s):

Stuart Pearson


Other key lawyers:

Sam O’Callaghan


Testimonials

‘The best team in Wales – by a country mile.’

‘Stuart Pearson – the chap you want on your side in that area.’

 

Key clients

Welsh Government


Rhondda Cynon Taf County Council


Transport for Wales


Caerphilly County Borough Council


Bridgend College


University of South Wales


AndersonBrecon (UK) Limited/ PCI Pharma Services (PCI)


Angular Directions Limited


Clarity Capital Partners Limited


The Royal Mint Limited


Hawfinch Homes Limited


Dunbia (UK)


Ascona Group Holdings Limited


Aptus Utilities Ltd


Adra (Tai) Cyfyngedig


Cardiff Metropolitan University


Work highlights


  • Advised the Welsh Treasury in relation to the £3bn portfolio of Mutual Investment Model (MIM) projects.
  • Advised Transport for Wales in preparing an innovative tripartite collaboration agreement for rail improvements to the Cynon Valley lines.
  • Advised local authority on £30m highways infrastructure contract.

Berry Smith

Berry Smith has ‘superb technical knowledge in the field of construction disputes’, regularly acting for for contractors and employers, both as claimants and defendants. Team head Iwan Doull has ‘vast knowledge in his field’, with many of the cases involving overlapping professional negligence elements.

Practice head(s):

Iwan Doull


Other key lawyers:

Harry Moyle; Lauren Parsons


Testimonials

‘The firm is great at cutting through complex legal issues and providing sound and practical advice on how to resolve issues for their clients.’

‘I value the fee-earners’ transparency, pro-activeness, and common sense approach to matters.’

‘The team is very experienced and has superb technical knowledge in the field of construction disputes.’

Key clients

ARAG Plc


Blaenau Gwent County Council


Infuse Construction Limited


DKP Engineering Ltd


Stone Supplies (Bristol) Ltd


Welsh Government


David Griffiths


Work highlights


  • Representing Blaenau Gwent County Council against a national provider of asbestos surveying services.
  • Acting for Stone Supplies (Bristol) Ltd, a specialist stone supplier headquartered, in the defence of two substantial claims by two major national housebuilders making similar allegations. .
  • Represented national steel fabrication company, DKP Engineering, in a multi-party dispute relating to the construction of 150 balconies on a prominent sea front apartment block in Bristol, which it was claimed, would require very extensive demolition and replacement works.

Morgan LaRoche

Led by Stephen Mundy, Morgan LaRoche has a strong reputation for handling contentious and non-contentious matters among contractors and developers across West Wales and beyond. As part of his wide-ranging expertise, Mundy is adept at advising on standard and bespoke building and engineering contracts, as well as representing clients in litigation before the TCC and in adjudications.


Practice head(s):

Stephen Mundy


Other key lawyers:

Eleanor Laxton


Work highlights