How do project teams maintain momentum when decisions take longer than expected? What pressures are Project Managers, Contractors and Consultants facing behind the scenes? And how can communication challenges be managed before they begin to impact project outcomes?
These are just some of the questions that will be explored in our upcoming webinar hosted by Digital Beehive and Thomas Telford Ltd:
Communication Under NEC: Expectations vs Reality
Bringing together leading voices from contracting, consultancy and NEC practice, and hosted by Brad Cahill, Head of Commercial at Digital Beehive, this interactive discussion will explore the challenges, expectations and practical realities of communication on today’s construction projects.
Hosted by Brad Cahill, Head of Commercial at Digital Beehive
Guiding the discussion will be Brad Cahill, Head of Commercial at Digital Beehive.
Working closely with contractors, consultants and clients across the construction sector, Brad has developed a strong understanding of the commercial and contractual challenges that project teams face on a daily basis. Through his work at Digital Beehive, he is focussed on helping organisations improve project delivery, strengthen contract management processes and embrace technology that supports better collaboration and decision-making.
As host, Brad will steer the conversation, challenge the panel with questions from multiple perspectives, and encourage an open and honest discussion around communication, accountability and project delivery under NEC Contracts.
Bringing Together Industry Perspectives
With representatives from contracting, consultancy, project management and NEC consultancy, attendees can expect a well-rounded discussion that explores communication challenges from multiple angles.
Richard Myers – Head of Commercial, VSL UK
Richard is a highly experienced Quantity Surveyor with more than 20 years in the construction industry, working predominantly with Tier 1 contractors across sectors including water, highways and rail. As a member of the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES), he brings extensive commercial expertise alongside a practical and solutions-focused approach to project delivery.
Richard is particularly passionate about leveraging technology and systems to improve efficiencies, strengthen commercial management, and modernise traditional construction practices. His experience on major infrastructure projects provides valuable insight into the contractor’s perspective when communication processes do not always operate as intended.
Martin Newman – Project Director, Turner & Townsend
Martin brings 17 years of experience working under NEC Contracts®. Beginning his career on the contractor side before moving into consultancy, he has spent the last 13 years delivering projects as a Project Manager across a range of sectors and NEC Main Options.
Alongside his project delivery experience, Martin has been an approved tutor for NEC accreditation courses for nine years and has developed and delivered bespoke NEC training programmes for clients across the industry.
Martin will provide the Project Manager’s perspective, exploring the practical challenges that can affect communication and decision-making, while sharing insights into how project teams can work together more effectively.
Robert Gerrard – Senior NEC Consultant, Thomas Telford Ltd
Robert is widely recognised as one of the leading authorities on NEC Contracts, bringing more than 43 years of contract management experience, including 31 years working with NEC Contracts.
Based in Hong Kong, Robert provides NEC consultancy and training globally and has played a significant role in the development of NEC through his involvement as an NEC4 Contract Drafter, member of the NEC3 Working Group and Secretary of the NEC Users’ Group. He is also an Accredited NEC4 ECC Project Manager, internationally accredited mediator, and author of several leading NEC publications, including NEC3 and NEC4 Compared and NEC4 Practical Solutions.
His unique combination of practical contract management, training, drafting and dispute resolution expertise will add invaluable depth to the discussion.
Why This Conversation Matters
NEC Contracts are built around proactive project management, collaboration and effective communication. However, achieving these principles consistently across complex projects can present challenges for all parties involved.
This webinar will explore:
- The gap between contractual expectations and project realities
- Common communication challenges experienced across NEC projects
- The impact of delayed decisions and responses on project delivery
- Different perspectives from Contractors, Project Managers and Consultants
- Practical approaches to improving collaboration and maintaining momentum
Most importantly, it will provide an opportunity to hear experienced practitioners discuss real-world challenges and lessons learned from years of working with NEC Contracts.
Join the Debate
Whether you’re a Project Manager, Quantity Surveyor, Commercial Manager, Contractor, Consultant or NEC practitioner, this session promises valuable insights into one of the most important factors influencing project success.
Hosted by Brad Cahill and featuring Richard Myers, Martin Newman and Robert Gerrard, attendees can expect an engaging conversation that combines practical experience, industry insight and healthy debate with key takeaways around how communication works in theory and how it translates in practice.
