Retention is one of the most contested mechanisms in UK construction contracts. This guide breaks down how much is withheld, when it's released under JCT and NEC, and how the government's proposed retention ban will change payment practice.
Getting variations JCT contract valuations right means knowing the clause 5.6-5.10 hierarchy in order: contract rates, pro-rata rates, fair rates, then daywork. This guide walks through each tier with a worked example and the records needed to defend it.
Value engineering construction gets confused with cost cutting more often than any other commercial practice term. This guide explains function analysis, the VE job plan, when in the RIBA stages VE should happen, who runs it, and what goes wrong when it's done badly.
Ever wondered what a construction project manager actually does? This guide breaks down their core responsibilities, typical day, salary and qualifications — and explains exactly how the role differs from a quantity surveyor.
Elemental cost analysis helps quantity surveyors break a construction budget into meaningful building elements so clients and design teams can see where money is being spent and where costs are moving.
Learn exactly how to prepare a CVR construction report: gather the right data, reconcile value against cost, calculate a defensible cost-to-complete, and turn the numbers into a report commercial management can act on.
Free tools
Calculator
Enter your day rate and contract structure to see exactly what lands in your bank account after tax — comparing Ltd Company, Umbrella and Inside IR35 side by side using the latest 2026/27 HMRC rates.
