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Current opinions by commentators on the construction industry suggest a somewhat schizophrenic attitude. On the one hand, some parts of the industry are likely to continue to have full order books driven by government spending in housing, education, rail, nuclear projects and renewable energy (as well as the Olympics). Even for the prospects for the housing sector, which has been presented as being right in the path of an economic ‘perfect storm’, are mixed as in the medium term the demand base for housing remains strong.

On the other hand, the current RICS survey presents a grim picture. Growth in workloads has dropped to its lowest level for more than a decade, confidence in future workloads has got weaker for the fifth successive quarter and profit expectations fell for only the second time in the survey’s history.

It seems likely therefore that we are entering a period when only those businesses with strong financial and operational management will be able to weather the current credit storm and avail themselves of the opportunities that such a market will throw up.

Clarke Willmott’s construction team understand that in times of increased economic pressure, delays or variations to contracts can be even more problematic than in other times. We direct employers to the best procurement route for their project and we inform contractors how to reduce the risks they face from contract formation, through procurement options, tendering and CDM regulations.

We also understand the chaos that prolonged disputes can have on a project and we have a specialist team of lawyers dedicated to resolving and reducing their impact.

In our team, we have hands on experience of the construction industry but additionally, we work with other teams within the firm such as our urban regeneration, planning and environmental teams to provide the most extensive and commercially pragmatic service we can to the construction industry.

Contact: Stephen Clarke and Priscilla Hall.