The second Business and Property Court Forum took place on 8 October 2018 at Northumbria University. The event was focused on Construction and Insolvency and was attended by over 80 participants, including Solicitors, Barristers, members of the Judiciary, Lecturers, Accountants and Construction professionals.
The Forum benefited from an introduction by HH Judge Kramer, and a very engaging, useful and listener-friendly talk by HH Mr Justice Fraser, Judge in charge of the Technology and Construction Court. He expertly took the audience through the maze of the English insolvency law and the construction angle to the challenges faced by those dealing with such matters. His talk also touched on the Adjudication process and was sprinkled with examples we all know and had an interest in, like the Carillion collapse, a giant for whom Fraser J acted in the past.
The landmark case of Michael J Lonsdale (Electrical) Ltd v Bresco Electrical Services Ltd, Court of Appeal – Technology and Construction Court, July 31, 2018, [2018] EWHC 2043 (TCC) was also covered, this being a very important case where Fraser J gave judgment earlier this year. Hearing the reasoning for the decision from the decision maker himself had a great impact and was very convincing. He very graciously however informed us that permission to appeal was granted, so the discussion isn’t over just yet.
Fraser J confessed this was the first Business and Property Court centre he visited and was very pleased with the warm welcome he received.
The Forum ended with closing remarks from HH Kramer, networking and the announcement that the next Forum will take place on 21 January 2019.It will focus on the new Disclosure Regime that comes into force on 1 January 2019.
Many thanks to all the participants for their presence, to the Newcastle Law Society for their assistance and to Northumbria University for providing the venue. I personally feel thankful to my fellow Committee members, District Judge Temple, District Judge Phillips, Alexandra Withers, Sarah Farish, Lauren Tennant, William Ralston, Neil Harrold, Stephen Fletcher, Dominic Bayne, who all worked together under the guiding hand of HH Judge Kramer.