When a main contractor faced a serious legal threat from a former subcontractor, they turned to Dispute Resolution Services (DRS), part of the ST1 Group, for decisive support. The subcontractor—whose contract was lawfully terminated due to poor workmanship—claimed breach of contract and sought payment, damages, interest, and retention.
What they didn’t expect was a complete reversal.
Strategic, Technical and Legal Expertise
DRS conducted a meticulous analysis of the subcontractor’s claim and quickly identified critical weaknesses. We not only dismantled the allegations point-by-point, but also strengthened the contractor’s legal position by demonstrating the subcontractor’s own failure to meet their contractual obligations.
Our approach was grounded in core principles of English common law, ensuring every argument was robust, evidence-based, and strategically aligned to the contractor’s best interests.
Proving Liability — and Recovering Losses
We asserted the contractor’s right to recover losses through contra charges, supported by three essential legal standards:
- Clear contractual obligations existed and were not met
- The subcontractor’s breach directly caused the financial losses
- The losses were foreseeable and the contractor had acted responsibly to mitigate them
The Result: A Complete Turnaround
DRS established that the subcontractor was not entitled to any payment — and was instead liable for nearly £50,000.
A total reversal of the original claim and a powerful demonstration of DRS’s ability to protect and empower clients in high-stakes construction disputes.
The DRS Advantage
At DRS, we combine legal precision with deep construction insight. The result? Stronger positions, reduced risk, and clients who feel confident asserting their contractual rights.
Need clarity or support on a contract or dispute? Our experts are here to help. Call DRS on 01353 669394.