Annual Construction Seminar Brings Industry Professionals Together to Discuss Key Challenges
Rogers & Norton Solicitors welcomed construction professionals, developers, surveyors and property specialists to our Annual Construction Seminar at Dunston Hall last week, for a morning of practical insight and discussion on some of the key legal and regulatory issues currently affecting the sector.
The seminar brought together speakers from both Rogers & Norton and external specialists, covering topics including the responsibilities of Principal Designers under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015), the ongoing impact of the Building Safety Act 2022, construction adjudication, final accounts, contractual disputes and construction due diligence in real estate transactions.
John Read, Partner at Daniel Connal Partnership, opened the seminar with a detailed session examining the practical realities of acting as a Principal Designer under CDM 2015 and the interaction between CDM duties and the Building Safety Act 2022. His presentation explored common compliance failings, the increasing overlap between dutyholder responsibilities, insurance considerations and the growing importance of competency assessments under the new building safety regime.
Peter Hastings, Director and Head of Litigation at Rogers & Norton, covered several key legal developments affecting the construction sector, including Building Liability Orders and Building Information Orders under the Building Safety Act 2022, the expanding scope of liability in construction disputes, adjudication issues surrounding the residential occupier exception, final accounts and recent case law developments.
Attendees also heard from Ryan Bigland, Head of Commercial Property at Rogers & Norton, who provided a practical overview of construction due diligence within commercial property transactions. His presentation covered the importance of reviewing construction documentation, collateral warranties, assignments, novations and how purchasers can effectively ‘step into’ existing construction arrangements when acquiring property or development sites.
The construction and property sectors continue to face a rapidly evolving legal and regulatory landscape, particularly following the introduction of the Building Safety Act and the continued development of related case law. Through events such as our Annual Construction Seminar, we aim to provide practical, commercially-focused guidance that attendees can take back into their businesses and projects, whilst also creating an opportunity for professionals across the sector to connect, discuss challenges and share experiences.
Delegate feedback:
‘‘Thank you for a very useful seminar, and for the slides which I am actually referring to now as I work up one of the documents mentioned yesterday, result!’’
‘‘Excellent event, content and lunch. Thank you Peter and all.’’
‘‘Thank you for organising, it was well worth attending.’’
The seminar formed part of Rogers & Norton’s wider programme of construction-focused events and workshops taking place throughout 2026. Our next event in the series will be a Construction Workshop on Litigation, Adjudication and Arbitration, taking place on Wednesday 24th June 2026 at our Norwich office. The workshop will explore the practical differences between litigation, adjudication and arbitration, the advantages and disadvantages of each process, and the key considerations construction businesses should be aware of when disputes arise. The session will include practical guidance, discussion and an opportunity for attendees to ask questions relevant to their own projects and experiences.
For more information or to book a place at our upcoming Construction Workshop, please email events@rogers-norton.co.uk
For further advice and assistance in Construction matters please do not hesitate to contact Peter Hastings at peter.hastings@rogers-norton.co.uk
For more information on our legal services or to arrange an appointment with a member of our team, contact us at 01603 666001, email enquiries@rogers-norton.co.uk or complete the ‘Request a Consultation’ enquiry form on our website.
*This article is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or any other professional advice.