[1]This year’s Annual Review marks its 29th edition and reports on some of the more significant legal, contractual and industry developments in the UK and internationally over the past year. We highlight the continuing influence of the Building Safety Act, provide guidance on contract interpretation, and consider the impact of AI both in dispute resolution and in managing risk on major projects. We also look at the JCT’s new Target Cost Contract, the new FIDIC Carbon Emissions Guide, developments in PFI handback, key developments in the UAE, as well as other international developments in case law and arbitral proceedings. We close the issue with our customary focus on adjudication trends and some of the most important decisions from the UK courts.

[3]This year’s Annual Review takes stock of the industry’s most significant issues, opportunities and challenges, both domestically and internationally, over the past year.  This includes a closer look at developments and precedents for standard form contracts such as JCT, FIDIC and NEC, as well as PFI contracts and EPCM. We include a dedicated ‘pull out’ section to discuss recent developments in international arbitration. Finally, the Annual Review includes our customary focus on the year’s key adjudication decisions and case law.

[5]This year’s Annual Review reports on a year which has seen the new building control regime come into force, the launch of ChatGPT, significant changes to arbitration in the Middle East, and the continued significance of developing affordable, secure and low carbon energy. We also look at the latest developments and precedents for NEC, IChemE and FIDIC contracts, as well as PFI agreements, and our customary focus on the year’s key adjudication decisions and case law.

[7] This year’s Annual Review inevitably focuses on the continuing economic and political challenges facing the construction industry. We also look at the Building Safety Act 2022, and the changes to the regulatory regime for the design, procurement, construction, and management of buildings. We discuss the steps being taken to work towards a secure, low-carbon, sustainable energy future, yet still find room to consider the latest developments in the courts from adjudication to Wagatha Christie as well as the FIDIC and NEC forms.