NEC Training, Consultancy & Expert Witness advice

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 :

• 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 paytment options; and they have pick'n'mix secondary options;
• 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
• 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.

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.

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 (see the bottom of this page). Since then he has almost 20 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 a 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 being an expert witness on a £200+m 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,
• practical / pragmatic, and
• flexible / conversational as he asks for and directly answers participants' specific questions.