Forms of Contract

The Contracts

There are currently two suites of contracts available, one suitable for the UK market and another for international use. Each contract contains a model form of agreement and general conditions, supplemented with detailed guide notes to assist the user in preparing a contract.


UK Contracts – current editions

Lump Sum, The Red Book, Fifth edition, 2013

The Red Book is a lump sum contract suitable for use in a wide range of industries, particularly those where a high technical input is required in design and construction and where a proven system or service is required for the completed project.

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Reimbursable, The Green Book, Fourth edition, 2013

Based on the philosophy of co-operation between parties to achieve the mutual objective of a successful project, the Green Book is a cost reimbursable contracts for the design, construction and commissioning of performance based process plants.

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Target Cost, The Burgundy Book, Second edition, 2013

Encouraging both parties to work together as efficiently as possible and to be rewarded as a result, the Burgundy Book is used for either setting the target cost at the time of making the contract or later during the contract, when the detailed scope of work has been agreed.

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Subcontracts, The Yellow Book, Fourth edition, 2013

Working fully back-to-back with the Red, Green and Burgundy Books, the Yellow Book is intended for subcontracts that include the design, supply, site construction, erection and/or installation and testing of equipment that is significant in the main contract plant.

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Subcontract for Civil Engineering Works, The Brown Book, Third edition, 2013

Fully compatible with the three main contracts, the Brown Book is for civil engineering subcontracts in relation to work that is often required prior to the construction of a process plant, such as access roadways, foundations and other ‘non-process plant’ elements.

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Professional Services Agreement, The Silver Book, First edition, 2017

This contract is split into a short form agreement and a long form agreement. The short form agreement is ideal for pure consultancy services for projects of relatively low cost and short duration. The latter is a more detailed contract suited to complex projects requiring high value professional services.

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Minor Works, The Orange Book, Third edition, 2018

The Orange Book is invaluable for use with minor packages of work involving an existing process plant. Applicable where the far more comprehensive Red, Green and Burgundy Books would be too detailed and complex.

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Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management Contract (EPCM), The Blue Book, First edition, 2023

The Blue Book has been published for the provision of Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) services for the project management, design, procurement, construction supervision and commissioning services of process plants.

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International Contracts – current editions

Whilst immediately recognisable to users of the UK contracts in their arrangement, general drafting and philosophy, the international contracts have been prepared to reflect the particular needs of international contracting in various jurisdictions. 

Lump Sum, The International Red Book, First edition, 2007

An international version of the lump sum contract, with additional clauses to meet the special requirements of international projects. Written in user-friendly English language, removing specific references to UK law, the contract maintains the tradition of extensive guidance to the schedules and clauses. 

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Reimbursable, The International Green Book, First edition, 2007

An international version of the reimbursable contract, with additional clauses to meet the special requirements of international projects. Written in user-friendly English language, removing specific references to UK law, the contract maintains the tradition of extensive guidance to the schedules and clauses.

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Target Cost, The International Burgundy Book, First edition, 2007

An international version of the target cost contract, with additional clauses to meet the special requirements of international projects. Written in user-friendly English language, removing specific references to UK law, the contract maintains the tradition of extensive guidance to the schedules and clauses.

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Subcontracts, The International Yellow Book, First edition, 2007

An international version of the subcontract, with additional clauses to meet the special requirements of international projects. Written in user-friendly English language, removing specific references to UK law, the contract maintains the tradition of extensive guidance to the schedules and clauses.

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Formats and pricing

Our Forms of Contract are available to purchase in hard copy, PDF, and editable word document formats. Visit our online store to buy hard copy books and PDFs, or contact our sales team on +44 (0)1788 534470 to purchase editable word documents.