Relational Contracts -NEC in Perspective Philosophy and Ethos of ECC

Abstract

In the UK in particular the NEC is used across the construction sector in building, civil engineering, utilities and power. Some of the major projects NEC is used on includes BAA’s Heathrow Terminal 5, Channel Tunnel Rail Link, the Eden project and the National Health Services’ Procure21 hospital building framework. Outside the UK, Eskom in South Africa is a major user. The successor, the ECC, is intended to provide an up to date method for employers, designers, contractors and project managers to work collaboratively and to achieve their own objectives for their work more consistently than other forms of contract. This should lead to a much reduced risk to the employer of cost and time overruns and of poor performance of the completed projects which should give a much increased likelihood of achieving a profit for the contractor, subcontractor and suppliers. The developments of the contracts and their state of implementation is discussed.