The main contractor on the Grenfell recladding project did not check whether architect Studio E had the relevant knowledge for the project, its contracts manager has said.

Simon Lawrence also admitted he had not known at the time it was novated that the architect had never worked on a high-rise residential scheme before.

Lawrence, who was Rydon’s senior manager on the Grenfell refurbishment, was giving evidence to the inquiry into the events leading to the deaths of 72 people in June 2017. He is due to resume his evidence at 10am this morning, with the whole of this week slated for testimony from Rydon staff.

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