Commercial Building Contractors

Cannock-based Commercial Building Contractors, deliver a ‘turnkey’ solution for the installation of quality interior fit out projects, refurbishment and internal building works.

The firm offer a complete interior fit out service from simple joinery installations to complete multi-disciplinary projects as well as sub-contracting to larger contractors involved in the leisure, education, health and retail sectors.

Neil Hill, Managing Director of Commercial Building Contractors contacted CE Law several years ago and has utilised their services on an ad hoc basis ever since. Upon formation of the NLC by the team behind the CE Law, a legal service launched specifically for the subcontractor, Neil took the decision to join, gaining unlimited access to construction law advice.

With fees based on turnover, at £500,000, Commercial Building Contractors pay a monthly £180 subscription fee.

Neil Hill, Managing Director explains: “I’ve managed and owned subcontracting businesses for many years and there is a definite notion that the ‘subbie’ should remain subservient to the more powerful main contractor. Withheld payment, unreasonable demands and much more is fairly standard in our industry, often on the basis that the subcontractor won’t be able to tackle any legal or financial challenges.

“What the NLC essentially offers is unlimited legal advice from a construction law specialist. During the past 12 months, I’ve used the NLC many times accessing day to day legal advice over various issues from none payment to concerns with contracts, orders etc. The NLC has issued several letters on our behalf which has undoubtedly prevented the issue from escalating to court, ensuring the client payed before, saving significant time and money.

The NLC is particularly effective if your projects are for end user clients, as the process can be slightly different when it comes to recovering outstanding debt; where construction contracts are not in place and are often based on a simple order or verbal agreement.

We have also found the NLC useful; not just for securing overdue debt from customers, but also for tackling disputes with our own sub contractors/suppliers; ensuring that payless notices are issued properly and responses to court claims are dealt with in accordance with relevant legal procedures and in a timely manner.

“The NLC really makes sense for subcontractors and I've recommended the service to several colleagues. I've recently renewed my membership to the NLC and feel that it’s the best money I’ve spent this year by far!”