Kent firm completes panel for builders' federation

Construction: companies offered 10% discount on fees

Tunbridge Wells firm Thomson Snell & Passmore has completed the National Federation of Builders' (NFB) first legal panel ahead of a nationwide launch next month.The 17-firm panel, divided into six regional groups covering England and Wales, offers construction companies a free one-hour consultation and a 10% discount on fees for any subsequent legal action.These benefits are only available to members referred by the NFB's in-house legal department; members making direct contact do not receive them.

The NFB is sending out a legal directory to members in January.The other firms on the panel are: Addleshaw Booth & Co, Bevan Ashford, Browne Jacobson, Denison Till, Hammond Suddards Edge, Hill Dickinson, Lee Crowder, Merricks, Mills & Reeve, Morgan Cole, Pinsent Curtis Biddle, Prettys, Shoosmiths, Taylor Joynson Garrett, Trowers & Hamlin, and Watson Burton.David Brown, a property partner at Thomson Snell, said: 'The NFB represents the interests of almost 4,000 medium-sized contractors and builders, so we view getting on the panel as an important step in developing our client base in construction law.'An NFB spokesman said: 'There is still a free helpline available to members [through the Construction Federation], but if they require legal representation the new scheme gives them direct access to professional legal advice from specialist solicitors.

'We hope the initiative will help us form stronger links with firms in the regions and provide them with a constant stream of repeat business.'Andrew Towler