Forbes Solicitors supports the next steps of Perspex International’s Eco-Friendly Plant

Forbes Solicitors has helped the development of Perspex International’s new £40million production plant in Darwen to take another significant step forward.

The Lancashire-headquartered law firm has finalised a complex Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) framework, which brings together a multitude of different contractors who will deliver the new hi-tech, eco-friendly plant and research centre. 

A series of agreements are now in place with contractors from across Lancashire and the North West, with the construction work being project managed by Hart Process Services. 

Bryan Welch, Operations Director at Perspex International, said: “We’ve been working closely with the commercial team at Forbes Solicitors to prepare, negotiate and bring together multiple construction contracts that deliver expertise and value.

“Our investment at Chapels Park, Darwen will create a modern facility that streamlines processes to reduce water consumption and CO2 emissions. Realising these ambitions requires extensive knowledge and experience, and the collaboration of different specialists. Implementing our carefully developed EPCM framework makes this a reality and is a key milestone for driving our plans forward.”

Forbes Solicitors was initially appointed by Perspex International in 2022 to assist with pre-construction services agreements, governing matters including the obtaining of planning consents and health, safety and risk assessments for the new 13,000 sq ft extension at Chapels Park. The law firm has now subsequently supported the development of the EPCM framework. 

John Pickervance, a partner and head of the commercial department at Forbes Solicitors, said: “An EPCM model allows Perspex International to retain control of contractor agreements, while appointing a dedicated project manager who isn’t directly involved in construction works. This enables a more detailed approach to specialist, and potentially complex developments, while also delivering more reliable time and cost projections.

“Successful EPCMs are based on extensive research, consideration and negotiation to successfully match the best-fit contractors with the goals of the construction project. Finalising the framework provides Perspex International with the robust construction agreements required to progress with works.”