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30 June 2020 | Comment | Article by Emily Powell

VIDEO: When does a contract actually start in a tender process?


Lack of clarity in the procurement process can cause all sorts of problems.

Ambiguity over when a contract starts or, indeed, whether has started at all, can lead to expensive claims.

That’s nothing new. But, the difficult economic climate we find ourselves in, due to the coronavirus, has brought the issue to the forefront. The implications of confused contracts are much greater.

  • What’s the legal position on tenders?
  • How can you ensure terms are clear and consistent?
  • What should be included in a contract pack?

If you’re a contracting authority or a procurement specialist, you’ll want to avoid unnecessary claims.

If you’re a supplier, you’ll want to know what information to look out for if you win a contract.

In this 12 minute video, our Corporate and Commercial Partner, Emily Powell and Procurement Adviser Huw Thomas talk through the key principles.

If you would like to talk to our experts about procurement and tender processes, please get in touch with our team.

Author bio

Emily is a partner in the Corporate and Commercial team. Emily specialises in commercial law, public procurement and subsidy control. Emily has advised housing associations on their procurement processes and can provide a complete legal service for all procurement and project requirements. Emily also hosts a forum for ‘heads of’ procurement working within the social housing sector.

Disclaimer: The information on the Hugh James website is for general information only and reflects the position at the date of publication. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be treated as such. If you would like to ensure the commentary reflects current legislation, case law or best practice, please contact the blog author.

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