The Guernsey Construction Industry Forum (CIF), in conjunction with the Guernsey Chamber of Commerce, is launching a new minor works contract specifically designed for use by the industry in the island.
The initiative has been developed in response to demand from clients of the construction industry for a locally-focused contract that will enable the responsibilities and expectations for projects to be clearly set out from the start.
The new contract is designed to cover minor to medium sized works and will be suitable for many types of project, from extensions to patios and electrical works to plumbing.
The contract has been developed alongside local law firm Ferbrache & Farrell, with input from Trading Standards, other legal practices and industry representatives, ensuring it is not only legally robust but accessible and useful for those it is designed to help. As part of that aim the contract has been written in plain English, as has the comprehensive set of guidance notes that accompany it.
Chair of the Chamber Construction Industry Group, Tim Guilbert, said: “Developing the contract has been a priority for us and has taken a couple of years to complete, as we were very aware that there was a real need for it in the island. We hope that the contract will not only offer protection to both clients and contractors, but will help avoid disputes in the future as both parties will be clear on their responsibilities and objectives from the start of a project.
“We have done our utmost to ensure that the contract is suitable for all areas of the industry and feel that this is a really positive step for everyone involved in the construction sector, whether as a client or contractor.”
The contract and guidance notes will be provided free of charge and will be available to download from the Guernsey Chamber of Commerce and CIF websites.
Following the contract launch, Chamber’s Construction Industry Group will be hosting a private event with a wide range of invited representatives from across differing industries and organisations to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the construction sector and consider views of the future. The results of this discussion will be analysed and further information will be released to the media in the form of a strategic document in due course.
