AN OFFER YOU SHOULD REFUSE?

摘要

The building at 45 Park Lane has shown admirable capacity for reinvention. For almost two decades, it served as the Playboy Club's European outpost. Then, when gaming laws were tightened, it became residences. It is now owned by the Dorchester Group, which has created a hotel to rival its glorious art deco flagship. For the refurbishment, it turned to Kier Construction's Wallis Interiors arm. The mechanical and electrical works were subcontracted to Mitie. Four years after the glitzy opening, the fight over money continues. At the heart of the argument lies an old-fashioned practice: the discounts that many subcontractors offer to contractors. The employer took the case to adjudication. Dorchester alleged that Kier had failed to pass on discounts obtained from Mitie. This was backed by the adjudicator, who awarded £689,290. That wasn't enough. Off the developer went to the Technology and Construction Court.