The Society's Annual Conference 2010 was held from 30 April to 3 May at the Kenzi Menara Palace Hotel, Marrakech, Morocco.

The Society's Annual Conference 2008 was held in Budapest on 2-5th May.

The Society lost one of its most active and distinguished members on 2 November 2007 when Harold Crowter passed away. Harold was a Quantity Surveyor of huge renown and a highly respected arbitrator. He had recently retired as Hon Secretary of the Society.

It is with great sorrow that we heard that Gilbert Powell had died on 4 January 2006 at the age of 78. Gilbert Powell was qualified both as an architect and a quantity surveyor and became a very distinguished construction arbitrator. The Society extends its deepest sympathy to his family.

One of the Societies most distinguished Arbitrator Members has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Leeds Metropolitan University. The President and all members of the Society extend their congratulations to Ray.

The Society welcomes two new Overseas Members: Charles Molineaux, from Virginia USA, and Colin Wall, from Hong Kong.

The DTI has published a consultation document following the Latham Report. It outlines the Government's proposal to improve both the payment provisions and the adjudication provisions of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act. See the Society's original suggestions below. Copies can be obtained by clicking here.

Very recently Sir Michael Latham presented his first report to the Department of Trade and Industry. As might be expected there was not unanimity concerning the payment provisions but all seem to be agreed that 'pay when certified' clauses and their clones should be outlawed. On adjudication he comments that the Graham Watts report of the CIC identifies some problems and deserve a wider discussion. A short consultation period is suggested and it is hoped to get out the consultation document in the 'Autumn'!