Legal and Commercial Group

In May 2025, the Supreme Court handed down judgment in URS Corporation Ltd v BDW Trading Ltd. This appeal was the first dealing with claims associated with the Building Safety Act 2022 and it examined the allocation of liability where a developer undertakes remedial work on a property it no longer owns and seeks to recover its losses from its supply chain, alleging a duty of care is owed despite the primary limitation period having expired. The Supreme Court decision reinforces the stated objectives of the BSA and indicates developers have a wide ability to pursue claims against contractors and consultants.

Inevitably the Court’s decision impacts members. As such, the ACE Legal and Commercial Group is hosting a roundtable with Mott MacDonald to help understand the challenges industry could face going forward. Discussions will include risk, the legal road ahead and impact upon the supply chain. With contributions from Mark Ewen, Jon Glanville and Drew Henderson.