CLAUSE FOR CONCERN- examines exactly what constitutes an "onerous and unusual" clause in a business contract and how unwary purchasers can find themselves protected.

IT'S PAY BACK TIME- looks at the legal position on late payment, by both suppliers and purchasers, and how the law could be improved to better protect the supplier.

THE PRICE OF BLAME- looks at the legal position on joint and several liability and how mooted changes to the law will not be enough to solve the problem for contractors.

ENSURE THE INSURANCE- examines the importance of making sure that indemnity clauses in contracts will protect the purchaser effectively in times of trouble.

CLASH ON DEMAND- examines the controversial issue of "on-demand" bonds and current attempts to make the whole bonds system more equitable and efficient for both sides.

TO PAY AND BE PAID- looks at some further problems facing suppliers and buyers, such as pay-when-paid clauses.

BUILDING ACT FALLS DOWN - surveys the construction industry act and concludes that it is built on weak foundations with provisions that offer little practical benefit

MAKE A CONTRACT KILLING- knowing your legal rights in the event of a contract being cancelled could mean the difference between profit and loss.

SMOOTH ARBITRATOR- the new Arbitration Act 1996, which comes into force January 1997 both improves and simplifies the process of settling disputes.

IT PITFALLS - whether a software provider can be held responsible for quality and fitness for purpose depends on a number of important distinctions.

ROUTES TO PEACE- choosing the correct method to resolve a dispute can save time and money and prevent the loss of future business.

A SPANNER IN THE WORKS- The EC public procurement directives are riddled with problems for purchasing professionals and run counter to best practice.

A LAW UNTO OURSELVES - Every country in the EC is signed up to a law that protects them from exploitation in the sale of goods - except the UK.