The Supreme Court’s ruling in URS Corporation Ltd (Appellant) v BDW Trading Ltd (Respondent) [2025] UKSC 21 has been highly anticipated and is now regarded as one of the most significant construction law rulings in recent years. It marks the Court's first major interpretation of both the Defective Premises Act 1972 and Building Safety Act 2022.

Morgan Taylor, Claims and Technical Executive at Howden, and Jonathan Carrington, Senior Associate at RPC, examine the background to the case, the Court’s findings, and the potential implications for construction and property professionals moving forward.

The Defective Premises Act 1972 has been around for nearly half a century, and yet has become a central focus recently following the Supreme Court’s decision in URS Corporation Ltd v BDW Trading Ltd. The May 2025 judgment has brought renewed attention to previously untested aspects of the legislation, with significant implications for the construction and property sector.

Morgan Taylor, Claims and Technical Executive at Howden, is joined by Jonathan Carrington, Senior Associate at RPC, to explain the Defective Premises Act 1972 (DPA) and its importance, looking at the duty introduced by the Building Safety Act (2022), who is owed this DPA duty, and whether is it a DPA duty of strict or reasonable care.

Care providers in the UK are facing more and more challenges to remain a commercially viable business. Understand the steps they should take to address these challenges while avoiding the risk of underinsurance. Hosted by Richard Lawson, Senior Account Executive at Howden Health & Care.

With the expertise of Nadra Ahmed, Executive Co-Chairman of the National Care Association, and David Taylor, Executive Director, Head of Howden UK Health & Care. We provide an overview of the impacts of the workforce and funding issues that care businesses face and the effect it has on a wide-ranging sector facing various risks.

We discuss the work that the National Care Association does to support an industry battling with the erosion of appeal for its workforce and how the different services and levels of support that they offer helps to ensure no provider feels alone. We then discuss the proactive steps providers can take to ensure they have adequate insurance.

Finally, the discussion moves onto what the future holds for the care sector and how care providers need to continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of our population.

In the second of a two-part series Neil Williams of Howden is joined by guests Richard Highley and Julian Bubb-Humfreys from DAC Beachcroft as well as Thomas Plewman from Brick Court Chambers to discuss audit reform and emerging trends in regulation. In this episode, we explore the current state of civil claims and discuss risk-mitigation strategies.

If you missed the first in the series, find it here.

Neil Williams of Howden is joined by guests Richard Highley and Julian Bubb-Humfreys from DAC Beachcroft as well as Thomas Plewman from Brick Court Chambers to discuss audit reform and emerging trends in regulation. Here we look at changing regulatory risks and explore how AI might impact the regulatory environment and look at emerging trends.

Understand the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the impact that their ratings system has on the insurance premiums of Care Home providers. Hosted by Richard Lawson, Senior Account Executive at Howden Health & Care.

With the expertise of Becky Garnett Buchma, Managing Director at Fulcrum Care Consultancy, and Sabrina Meetaroo, Head of Risk and Claims at Howden Health & Care, we provide guidance to help care home providers navigate the challenges of a CQC inspection process.

We discuss who the CQC are and examine the different ratings that a care home provider could receive from an inspection. We then delve into the impact that these ratings could have on care businesses; both from an insurance perspective and how the challenges that the CQC currently faces could lead to delays in reinspection.

Finally, we provide insights to help care home providers to prepare for a CQC inspection to ensure they can attain a higher rating and the insurance policies that providers should consider for their business.

Master your firm's transition strategy as we dissect the world of exit and investment options for regulated firms. Hosted by Chris Davies, Executive Director at Howden.

With the expertise of Roderic Rennison, Catalysts LLP, and Alex Canham, Herrington Carmichael LLP, we look at how the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) intensified focus on consumer duty compliance is reshaping acquisition priorities.

As we explore the shifting dynamics of the private equity market, Rennison and Canham shed light on the pivotal role of professional indemnity (PI) coverage amidst increasing regulatory scrutiny. With the private equity market experiencing a period of reassessment due to regulatory changes and budget constraints, we look into how these factors may influence future strategies and market consolidation.

Practical advice is shared on how to craft straightforward business deals, limit vendor liabilities, and organise affairs in advance for successful transitions. Delve into the nuances of asset sales, the importance of aligning with partners and family, and the necessity of having a clear post-deal strategy to ensure a seamless and profitable exit.

Listen to episode one.

Master your firm's transition strategy as we dissect the world of exit and investment options for regulated firms. Hosted by Chris Davies, Executive Director at Howden.

With the expertise of Roderic Rennison, Catalysts LLP, and Alex Canham, Herrington Carmichael LLP, we break down the shift from traditional exit paths to modern strategic options. Whether you're a retiring firm owner or looking to raise capital, this episode offers invaluable insights into navigating the current landscape of mergers and acquisitions in the financial advisory sector.

We delve into the challenges faced by consolidators and discuss how untapped growth potential presents a wealth of opportunity. The conversation moves to the practicalities of business transactions, examining share versus asset sales.

Finally, we tackle the complexities of risk management in mergers and acquisitions, focusing on the interplay between sellers, buyers, and regulatory bodies. By examining insurance strategies and the necessity of professional indemnity, we equip you with the tools needed to manage potential liabilities effectively.

Listen to episode two.