Alternative Dispute Resolution - The Preferred Option In The UK Construction Industry

Anthony Philpott, Legal Counsel, Bovis Lend Lease Ltd, United Kingdom

Alternative Dispute Resolution in its various forms is the preferred option for resolving disputes in the UK Construction Industry and Adjudication in particular brings a swift outcome to the parties. My experience of construction disputes is that often there is fault to be found on both sides, a recognition of which, coupled with the scale of costs that are to be incurred, can foster a spirit of compromise towards an amicable settlement. Legislation enables the parties to Adjudicate “at any time”, and this entitlement is written into the building contract so that if this right is fettered in any way the dispute resolution procedure will become unenforceable.

Anthony Philpott MCIArb has been in the law for over 30 years. He is included in the Legal 500 as one of 200 hundred in house lawyers in the UK. Anthony Philpott is a solicitor, former barrister and a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. He holds the MSc in Construction Law and Arbitration from King's College University London and has a BA Hons Law Degree.