What is NEC
NEC contracts are specifically designed to improve project outcomes when there is a contract between two or more parties to deliver it. Now in its fourth edition, the NEC family of contracts has three main objectives compared with traditional contracts: being flexible in its range of applications & risk allocation; being clear and simple to understand and use; and stimulating good project management between the parties.
Why use it?
In short, NEC contracts increase the likelihood of projects being successful. This relates to their objectives :
01
Stimulus to good management
its ‘stimulus to good project management‘ means greater transparency and pro-active management of the issues and risks that arise as they arise rather than re-active administration of what has happened.
02
Clarity & simplicity
its ‘clarity & simplicity‘ means that it is easier to follow the contract so there are less breaches and disputes. This is achieved by writing in plain English, as opposed to legalese, and with a logical structure that is common across the whole family; and
03
Flexibility
its ‘flexibility‘ means it is easier to construct a ‘fit for purpose’ contract strategy without expensive legal input. For example, it is a family of contract for goods, works and services; the long forms have a range of payment options; and they have pick’n’mix secondary options;
But…
Ultimately, NEC is only a piece of paper so to get the best from using it you have to have the right systems, organisation and above all people (knowledge, skillset and culture) in place.
Why Jon Broome?
Watch the video to see how Jon is able to bring his expertise to your project.
Trainer, consultant and expert witness
Jon’s unique understanding of NEC started in 1993 when he began researching its practical application under one of its two co-instigators. This led to him gaining the world’s first PhD on it in 1998 and the publication of his first book on it (since updated twice when the third and fourth editiions of NEC were brought out). Since then he has over 25 years experience on it as a trainer, consultant and expert witness.
As a consultant, he can and has:
- advised on the structure of, written, reviewed and improved documentation from contracts worth £50k under the Short Contract to £500m under the Term Services Contract to £3.5bn annual spend for the MoD;
- worked with NEC project teams to modify their structure and how they communicate to work more efficiently and effectively together;
- frequently advised on contractual differences with the intention that they do not become costly disputes including acting as an expert witness on a £270m difference of opinion.
As a trainer, what sets him apart from other trainers is the depth of his knowledge and training style. Words commonly put of feedback forms are:
- engaging & enthusiastic
- “really knows his stuff”
- practical & pragmatic, and
- flexible & conversational as he asks for and directly answers participants’ specific questions.
Contact Jon, either by email on
jon@leadingedgeprojects.co.uk
or on +44(0)7970 428 929
Resources
Over the years Jon has amassed a wealth of knowledge and experience
What our clients say
“As a contractor, the ethos of the NEC Contracts has enabled a more open and less litigious approach to contracting. Jon is a great proponent of this form of Contract and his writings, training seminars and advice have been without doubt second to none.”
Trevor Exton
ex-Commercial Director, Jackson Civil Engineering Group Ltd
Case Studies
Improving The Royal Parks NEC contracts
To completely re-write NEC3 contract documentation for The Royal Parks landscaping contracts to produce better, faster to assemble and easier to implement contracts.
Read moreThe Luas Cross City Project in Dublin
Impartial NEC3 contract and partnering adviser for the advanced utility works on the 5.6km Luas Cross City line extension to help deliver it on time and without dispute.
Read moreBespoke NEC3 training for Connect Plus
Providing wide ranging, role specific training on NEC3 for Connect Plus – the people who keep the M25 running - whilst identifying areas for improving their performance.
Read more