Procurement Strategy & Contract Expertise

At James Scott Associates, we provide expert advice on procurement routes and contract selection, tailored to the specific needs, risks and objectives of each project.

We have strong experience working with JCT and NEC4 standard forms of contract, and understand how different procurement strategies can influence cost certainty, programme, risk allocation and overall project success.

Early-Stage Procurement Advice

We advise clients from the earliest feasibility stages, helping to determine the most appropriate procurement route before design progresses too far.

This early advice considers:

• Project scale and complexity
• Risk profile and client appetite for risk
• Cost certainty and programme priorities
• Design responsibility and control
• Market conditions and contractor availability

By addressing procurement strategy early, we help avoid misalignment between design, contract and delivery.

Procurement Routes We Advise On

We regularly advise on and manage projects procured via:

• Traditional procurement
• Design & Build
• Develop & Construct
• Two-stage and negotiated procurement routes

Each route is assessed objectively to ensure it aligns with the client’s commercial, operational and risk requirements.

Contract Administration & Employer’s Agent Expertise

We are experienced in administering and managing projects under:

• JCT standard forms of contract
• NEC4 contracts, where appropriate

Our understanding of these contracts allows us to:

• Advise clearly on roles, responsibilities and risk
• Manage change and variation effectively
• Maintain clarity between employer and contractor
• Reduce the likelihood of dispute

This contractual competence underpins our Project Management and Employer’s Agent services.

Procurement & Contractor Appointment Advice

For residential projects, choosing the right procurement approach and contractor can make a significant difference to cost, quality and stress levels.

At James Scott Associates, we provide early advice on:

• Suitable procurement routes for residential projects
• Contractor selection and appointment
• Risk and cost considerations
• Programme and buildability

We help clients understand the pros and cons of different approaches and support informed decision-making before works begin.