NECtar Briefings

When is a fixed price contract actually the right choice?Fixed price contracts promise cost certainty. Realistically, they often introduce hidden risk, cashflow pressure, and complexchange management challenges.In this episode, Glenn Hide and Neil Earnshaw break down the reality behind fixed price contracting in construction, under NEC4 Option A:Why change management becomes difficult under fixed price contracts How poor scope definition creates risk and cost overruns Where cashflow issues arise in real projectsIf you're working on infrastructure or construction projects and relying on fixed price contracts for cost certainty, this episode will give you a more realistic view.(00:00) - Introduction(01:25) - Do all contracts come with main options?(02:24) - When is fixed price the right choice?(04:34) - Is it really the simplest option?(05:58) - Key characteristics(10:41) - Can the programme/payment structure change?(15:52) - How changes are assessed(22:53) - Common issues(35:32) - Unpriced work explained(36:41) - What’s changed in newer contracts?(41:56) - Quickfire questions(48:11) - OutroDon’t forget to like, subscribe and share for more inspiring conversations with construction industry experts.Check us out on:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/871752YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalBeehiveLtdWebsite - https://www.digitalbeehive.com/Guest's websites:Glenn Hide - https://gmhplanning.co.uk/Neil Earnshaw - https://www.neconsult.co.uk/

We are pleased to present our webinar with guest speaker Lesley Hunt - a catalytic leader with 20+ years’ experience delivering infrastructure across energy, water, transport, and maritime sectors. She specialises in procurement strategy and contract administration, with a focus on clear governance frameworks informed by clean, reliable commercial data, and effective decision-making. With Lesley being a Contract and Procurement Specialist at Jacobs, she is a perfect addition to the ‘Project Audits & Contractual Health Checks’ webinar, by providing a client’s perspective on a structured and manageable approach to deal with contract administration.Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction and overview of NEC Project Audits webinar(02:58) - Periodic ECC contract reviews(06:13) - NEC Programme Principles(08:49) - Programmes review under the NEC(12:57) - Early Warnings within contractual health checks(21:38) - Compensation Events review(29:53) - Payments within NEC Project Audits(34:13) - General items to review under the NEC contract.(40:37) - Demonstration of a Project Audit(46:00) - End: Summary, Q&A, and future webinar topic

Under the title ‘Closing the Gap: Subcontractor Management Under NEC Contracts', with Neil Earnshaw (NE Consult), Glenn Hide (GMH Planning - NEC Training), and Brad Cahill (Digital Beehive). The 40-minute session, along with a 20-minute Q&A, will explore:Utilising NEC throughout the whole supply chainEnsure all parties understand the importance of NEC contract management toolsIssues with Contractors, and the Subcontractor’s acceptanceSubcontractor managementContract Bee in conjunction with Contractors and SubcontractorsIan Hedley will discuss the authentic problems that have surfaced from his experiences with subcontractors over timeOur guest, Ian Hedley, is the North East Regional Director at Solomons Europe and has been a member of their team for over 11 years. He has extensive experience in business expansion within the North East region, as well as providing consultancy and bespoke training in accordance with the NEC3 & NEC4 Contracts. This webinar is ideal for anyone operating under NEC contracts to demonstrate how digital adoption can boost construction developments for Subcontractors and all parties involved.Timestamps:(00:00) - Intro to Subcontractor Management Under NEC Contracts(04:01) - Contractor scenario(08:46) - Using NEC with the supply chain(10:36) - Pitfalls in Purchase Order terms for appointment of Subcontractors(14:21) - Tender stage with Subcontractors(22:47) - Subcontract specific document and scope(27:43) - Subcontractor acceptance on an NEC contract management system(34:34) - Poor NEC administration causes problems across main options(39:40) - Is contract management better between Client and Contractor?(44:34) - NEC contract software with Subcontractors(49:38) - Educate Subcontractors and treat fairly(55:23) - End: outro and Q&A discussion

Join the professionals as they explore how to navigate NEC Contracts and how effective contract management systems can transform NEC delivery — empowering teams to deliver projects with clarity and consistency.What to Expect:Mott MacDonald's Ross Verhey unpacks:▪️ An overview of the NEC Suite of Contracts▪️ The principles and objectives behind NEC▪️ How NEC differs from traditional forms of contract in Singapore▪️The benefits and challenges of implementation, and how Digital Beehive helps bridge that gap▪️ Phyllis Chung provides a case study example of ‘The use of Digital Platforms for NEC Contract Administration in Hong Kong’Brad Cahill at Digital Beehive demonstrates:▪️ The risks of not using a contract management system▪️ The benefits and wider value of digital adoption▪️ How NEC-aligned tools like Contract Bee improve compliance, visibility, and performanceAnd finally, Mott MacDonald Bentley | MMB's Matthew Luxton shares real-world insights from administering Yorkshire Water contracts, showcasing how Digital Beehive supports efficient contract delivery in practice. This session offers practical insights, proven digital methods, and real-world examples tailored to Singapore’s context to help you maximise your NEC projects, regardless of your experience level.Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction and agenda(03:15) - About Mott MacDonald (04:54) - An overview of the NEC Suite of Contracts(11:03) - Target cost contracts - key considerations(20:26) - Use of Digital platforms for NEC contract administration in Hong Kong(23:50) - Benefits of a cloud-based software in managing NEC contracts(36:05) - Yorkshire Water using Contract Bee on a project(45:40) - End: Q&A, Clause 10.2, and managing Compensation Events

Managing NEC contracts can be complex, and even experienced teams can fall into avoidable traps that increase cost, delay, and disputes. This webinar will highlight the most common mistakes made in NEC contract management and provide clear, practical guidance on how to steer clear of them. Hosted by: Digital BeehiveGuest Speakers: Glenn Hide, Director, GMH Planning | Neil Earnshaw, Director, NE Consult What you’ll learn:What are the most common pitfalls in NEC contract management, and how to avoid themBest practices for identifying and managing risks effectivelyThe importance of early warnings, risk registers, and regular programme updatesHow to approach compensation events clearly and consistentlyThe role of clear communication and record-keeping in reducing disputesWays to apply NEC’s collaborative principles to achieve better project outcomesBy the end of the session, you’ll have a stronger understanding of how to get risk right in NEC management using the contract’s built-in mechanisms effectively to manage risk fairly, avoid disputes, and deliver better project outcomes.Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction to common misconceptions(02:52) - Early Warning Register at tender stage, notifications, and replies(12:37) - Contractor quotation assumptions(16:35) - X7 Delay Damages(19:48) - Deemed acceptance by the Project Manager(30:23) - Quotation not yet agreed(40:15) - Project Manager instructions(43:17) - Spirit of mutual trust and co-operation(49:30) - End: Q&A and value of a contract-management system