Gold award for conflict avoidance at Urban Growth Company

Solihull 's Urban Growth Company has become one of only a handful of organisations in the UK to achieve 'Gold Accreditation ' from the Conflict Avoidance Coalition. UGC is recognised for its inclusion of conflict avoidance procedures in new contracts.

The Urban Growth Company (UGC) has made signing the Conflict Avoidance Pledge a precondition of tendering for work on the extensive 'UK Central Hub ' development project around the Solihull HS2 Interchange Station. It 's the largest infrastructure project outside of London.

The professional bodies signing up to the Conflict Avoidance Pledge have committed to working together to provide the construction industry with information and guidance on how conflict can be avoided and, if disputes do arise, how early intervention techniques can work effectively to reduce the time and costs of achieving a resolution.

UGC 's managing director, Jonathan Bretherton (pictured) said: “We are really pleased to have gained the Gold Accreditation. Collaboration is key with any big contracts. Failing to embrace adequate techniques for dealing with conflict at an early stage can lead to minor issues which can ultimately escalate. When this happens meaningful dialogue often stalls and positions become entrenched. ”

According to RICS between 2010 and 2014, the financial costs of disputes in the UK construction industry increased from £4.6 billion to £17.6 billion.

The length of time it takes to resolve disputes through litigation is frequently measured in years, and implications on finances and other resources can be immense.

A Conflict Avoidance Toolkit prepared by the Conflict Avoidance Coalition suggests five fundamental features of a well-designed dispute avoidance procedure. These including, 'Clarity ', with contracts written in plain English, 'Applicability ', with suitable language on the type of work to be undertaken.

There should also be 'Effective Contract Management ', which can help mitigate any risks, and 'Early Warnings ', to identify and communicate problems.

Finally, the guidance suggests there should be 'Workable procedures ' for dealing with compensation events, establishing the cost and time effects related to changes when they occur.

Jonathan Bretherton said: “We have already included conflict avoidance in several contracts including those with HS2 and the Department of Transport. Well drafted contracts, which are easy to understand and include practical systems for avoiding and resolving conflict at an early stage, enhance a culture of collaboration between the parties. ”

Signing the Pledge signals to clients and suppliers that:

• You are a good business to work with.
• You are committed to maintaining good business relationships and dealing with problems early and amicably. These are keystones of your day-to-day commercial operations.
• Your business is fully committed to delivering value for money and working collaboratively to ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget and on par.

For further information please contact Perry Buck on 07753 232752 - email perrybuck@core-marketing.co.uk