LEADING voices from across the UK construction and built environment sectors will come together to promote co-operation and avoiding disputes at the Conflict Avoidance Conference 2026.
The event, which will be held at Plaisterers’ Hall in London on September 16, will highlight the latest opportunities, challenges, and trends within the industry. The conference will also explore the issues causing disputes and ponder how to overcome the challenges in implementing conflict avoidance processes.
The conference is being organised by the Conflict Avoidance Coalition (CAC), an alliance of over 100 organisations working to prevent conflict and reduce costly construction-related disputes. The coalition includes contractors, professional institutions, public bodies, and consultants with a shared ambition to embed conflict avoidance processes into daily operations in an effort to improve project outcomes and strengthen partnerships.
The CAC promotes best practice and early resolution methods to avoid disputes escalating and improve the image and reputation of the construction industry.
Speakers at the Conflict Avoidance Conference 2026 will include Sue Barrett from the Houses of Parliament restoration project and Veronica Flint Williams from the Environment Agency, who will discuss the attraction of conflict avoidance and how to adopt it. Ed Moore, chief executive of ResoLex, will explore conflict avoidance pre-contract, highlighting what can be done before a construction contract has even been agreed and building a collaborative culture.
Anthony Armitage, general counsel at Thirdway, will give a talk on the dos and don’ts of amending standard form contracts, while Jeremy Glover, Fenwick Elliott LLP and VP of the Conflict Avoidance Coalition, will look at what the UK can learn from infrastructure projects abroad.
Experienced Scottish construction consultant Len Bunton, who is president of the Conflict Avoidance Coalition, will join Ian Mcilwee, CEO of the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS), and Edward Schryver, group commercial director at VVB Engineering, to explain why companies should sign the Conflict Avoidance Pledge.
Len Bunton told Project Scotland, “Delighted at the traction on this. We need a commitment from all SMEs to sign the Conflict Avoidance Pledge so we can start eliminating disputes in the industry.”
• Tickets for the conference can be purchased on the RICS website at www.rics.org/training-events/conferences/conflict-avoidance-conference
