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Practical Differences for Contractors on Programme, Reporting and Compensation Events For contractors delivering engineering and construction projects in the UK and internationally, the choice between NEC and FIDIC isn’t just a legal technicality – it changes how you plan, report and secure entitlement to time and money. Programme requirements, reporting expectations and the way changes are valued all work differently under each form. If you treat them the same, you increase

Social Value in Practice: How Social-Value Hiring Enhances Construction Projects

Why Cashflow Now Lives Inside the Programme Cashflow remains one of the defining determinants of contractor survival. Multiple studies identify poor cashflow forecasting and weak financial planning as major contributors to contractor insolvency—even on technically successful projects (Ejaz & Nawaz, 2020). As construction projects become more complex and financially constrained, researchers emphasise the need for integrating real project data into cashflow modelling rather tha

Since its debut in 1993, the New Engineering Contract (NEC) suite has revolutionised UK procurement by embedding collaboration, risk-sharing and proactive management into its core clauses. As we look toward 2035, three interlinked forces soaring planning demand, a persistent skills shortage and the drive for digital and sustainable delivery will accelerate NEC’s adoption. This article integrates academic research and industry data to project that NEC contracts will account fo

In today’s project planning and controls  environment, remote planning support is a strategic differentiator. Small and medium-sized contractors who embrace it can unlock significant advantages in bid competitiveness, execution efficiency, cashflow, and risk mitigation. Here, we explore those benefits in detail and show you-visually-why an investment in remote planning pays off. Expanded Contractor Benefits Improved Bid Success Competitive Edge:  Presenting a clear Tender Pro

In the world of NEC contracts, planning is not optional-it’s strategic, commercial, and contractual . For small and medium-sized contractors , this reality often hits too late-after a claim has failed, a bid has been rejected, or a project has burned through contingency due to poor sequencing. At NEC Planning Solutions, we’ve worked with dozens of UK construction project planners , subcontractors , and specialist trades , many of whom believed planning was only for Tier 1 con

A Practical Guide for Planners, QSs, and Commercial Managers in UK Construction In the NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC), Compensation Events (CEs) are intended to provide a fair and transparent mechanism for assessing changes in time and cost. In practice, however, many contractors-particularly small to mid-tier firms-struggle with managing CEs effectively. This can lead to delayed payments, rejected assessments, and commercial exposure. Whether you're a contr

For many small contractors in the UK construction industry, bidding on NEC3 or NEC4 contracts-particularly for public infrastructure or major frameworks-can feel like a high-stakes gamble. Winning work often seems skewed toward Tier 1 giants with expansive teams and in-house planners. But the truth is, with the right project controls, NEC-aligned planning, and a compelling tender programme, small and mid-sized contractors can win NEC bids-and win them profitably. This article

In the high-pressure world of UK construction, particularly within NEC3 and NEC4 contract frameworks, poor planning is not just a technical oversight’s a commercial vulnerability. For small and medium-sized contractors, underestimating the importance of robust project planning can lead to lost tenders, rejected compensation events, cash flow issues, and reputational damage. This article explores the tangible and hidden costs of inadequate planning, particularly when failing t

In the landscape of UK infrastructure and construction projects, NEC3  and NEC4  contracts have emerged as best-practice frameworks for collaborative delivery and proactive risk management. One of the most critical yet misunderstood elements of NEC planning is the Time Risk Allowance (TRA) . Embedding realistic TRAs into your programme not only demonstrates compliance with NEC’s ethos but also safeguards project objectives, budgets, and relationships. What Are Time Risk Allow

In the competitive UK project controls market, recruiters and hiring managers must understand the nuanced distinctions between a P6 Project Planner  and a P6 Planning Engineer . Both roles rely heavily on Oracle Primavera P6 scheduling expertise, yet they serve different functions within an organisation’s project management structure. Clarifying these differences helps recruitment specialists identify the right talent, optimise team structures, and deliver better project outc

Introduction In an increasingly competitive market, small industrial contractors-whether mechanical, civil, or electrical-must demonstrate not only cost competitiveness but also robust tender planning  and NEC contract compliance . One often-posed question is whether a detailed Tender Programme  is required at tender stage. This article explores the rationale for submitting a Tender Programme, examines the benefits it delivers, and provides best-practice guidance underpinned

If you’re working under the NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC) , understanding how to assess the impact of compensation events on time is critical - especially when it comes to protecting your entitlement to extensions and avoiding disputes. This post outlines how to approach delay assessments correctly under clause 63.5 , based on the updated guidance from NEC (January 2019), and what it means for contractors. What Clause 63.5 Means in Practice When a compensat

Industrial engineering and building contractors-whether specialising in M&E, mechanical, civil or electrical works-face growing demands from Tier 1 clients to deliver under NEC3 and NEC4 frameworks. By embedding advanced construction project planning , leveraging Primavera P6  and partnering effectively with a planning consultancy , your business can consistently meet client expectations, protect margins, and win repeat work. 1. Master NEC3 & NEC4 Essentials for Subcontractor

M&E contractor assessing a construction site, highlighting key challenges and solutions in NEC project management. If you're an M&E contractor working under NEC contracts, chances are you’ve heard the phrase:   “If it’s not on the programme, it doesn’t exist.”   And in many NEC disputes — that’s exactly how it plays out. The NEC contract is built on   collaboration and proactive time management , but for many specialist contractors, the programme requirements can feel like a

"Enhancing Client Relationships: Exploring Strategies for Industrial Engineering Contractors to Showcase Value Beyond Cost Savings" In an era of fierce competition, small industrial engineering contractors must find effective ways to set themselves apart. While cost savings are indeed a significant factor in tender submissions, they often represent just a fraction of the total value that a contractor can provide. To expand their proposals and convincingly showcase the broader

Streamlined Project Planning: A Guide for Small Construction Firms to Navigate NEC Contracts Effortlessly. In a competitive construction landscape, small firms often find themselves at a disadvantage, particularly when it comes to project planning. In the context of the New Engineering Contract (NEC) environment, where clarity, collaboration, and communication are essential, lacking a dedicated planning function can lead to challenges that affect project delivery and overall