Acknowledgements and dedication

To my wife Lynda for her support and patience, and to the many clients, contractors and colleagues I have known over the years who have given me a valuable insight into the procedures and the problems associated with managing building contracts.

I would like to thank Dale Sinclair, who chaired the group which developed the RIBA Plan of Work 2013, for his help and comments in the preparation of this book, and Sarah Busby for her editorial guidance.

My thanks also go to Jeremy Baxter at Gallaghers for advice on insurances, to Rob Ellison at NBS for arranging for me to use a copy of NBS Contract Administrator and to John Wevill of Clarkslegal LLP for his valuable help in reviewing the book.