Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has launched a stripped-back 500-word subcontract aimed at cutting through legal jargon and making construction contracts simpler and fairer.

The new template, developed with contract expert Sarah Fox, for the sector forms part of the trade body’s Responsible No campaign to push back on overly complex contract terms that tie up specialist firms in unnecessary red tape and risk.

Free to FIS members, the simplified sub-contract aims to reduce disputes, speed up deal-making and foster better business relationships across the sector.

Fox said her guiding principle is that simplification works, and that clearly written terms can save time, money and confrontation.

Matt Hallam, divisional director at Telling Finishings and part of the working group behind the contract, said: “For years construction contracts have increased in both content and terms, often adding minor changes and clauses which continue to confuse, conflict and often compromise those required to sign them.”

“The need for a shorter and ultimately more simplified contract has never been greater and we at Telling Finishings look forward to rolling out the ‘500-word contract’, to hopefully give both the comfort and clarity these contracts were originally built to achieve.”