Kensington & Chelsea settles judicial review claim and removes projects consultancy from list of banned suppliers drawn up after Grenfell Inquiry reports

The council had adopted a policy of banning certain suppliers and other companies in response to the Grenfell Inquiry reports.

Kensington & Chelsea said its decision meant that “the policy does not apply to Artelia Projects UK Limited and it is not a banned supplier”.

Further detail of the policy is on Kensington & Chelsea’s procurement pages. 

According to Brick Court Chambers, the local authority’s decision followed a successful judicial review claim by Artelia.

The set said the company had not been included in the parties identified by the Grenfell Inquiry as responsible for causing or contributing to the fire.

Artelia challenged Kensington & Chelsea’s inclusion of the company on its policy announced on 11 December 2024.

This was by way of judicial review on the grounds that it was ultra vires the Public Contract Regulations 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023, irrational and taken pursuant to a procedurally unfair process, Brick Court Chambers said.

It added that the claim was listed to be heard in October 2025 but was settled shortly before trial, with the council agreeing to pay Artelia’s costs.

The council subsequently issued its public statement that Artelia was not a banned supplier.

A spokesperson for Artelia Projects UK, said: “Artelia Projects UK brought judicial review proceedings against the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC). These proceedings have since been settled and RBKC’s decision against Artelia Projects UK has been withdrawn.”

Tim Johnston of Brick Court Chambers acted for Artelia, instructed by Reed Smith.