Natas Group Ltd v Styles & Wood Ltd

Natas Group Ltd v Styles & Wood Ltd

The claimant's explanation of lack of resources does not justify non-compliance with court orders. Parties and their solicitors must ensure proper preparation for trial, and the court will issue further directions to bring the case back on track.

Parties
Claimant: NATAS Group Limited (In Administration); Defendant: Styles & Wood Limited
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
07 March 2012
Procedural Posture
Civil (construction Dispute) / Pre Trial Case Management Conference
Outcome
Further directions issued; final order to be drawn up by counsel.
Legal Topics
Case Management, Trial Preparation, Security for Costs, Conditional Fee Agreements, After the Event Insurance
Civil Procedure Construction Law Case Management Trial Preparation Security for Costs Conditional Fee Agreements After the Event Insurance

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Parties

NATAS Group Limited (In Administration)

Claimant

Styles & Wood Limited

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil (construction Dispute) / Pre Trial Case Management Conference

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the claimant's delays in trial preparation justify further directions or sanctions
  2. 2 Obligations of parties under court-ordered timetables
  3. 3 Adequacy of resources and professional obligations under CFA and ATE insurance

Ratio Decidendi

The claimant's explanation of lack of resources does not justify non-compliance with court orders. Parties and their solicitors must ensure proper preparation for trial, and the court will issue further directions to bring the case back on track.

Court Disposition

Further directions issued; final order to be drawn up by counsel.

Orders

  • Claimant to serve final draft amended Particulars of Claim by 9 March.
  • Claimant to provide trial bundles to defendant's solicitors by end of day.