Commercial enterprises, by choice, do not wish to expend resource, time and money resolving disputes, as it diverts focus from the business, can damage trading relationships and undermines profitability.

The impact and effect of disputes can be reduced by taking early, proactive specialist advice. Such advice can be sought at both the pre-contract or post-contract stage of the process.

Construction disputes mainly arise due to opinions being formed about a party's respective legal rights, obligations and risk by interpretation of the facts and the law.

Anecdotal evidence suggests  many disputes can be avoided by simply ensuring the parties' respective rights, obligations and risk are made clear in the contract documents, as much time and money is spent resolving uncertainty.

Essentially, construction disputes are about resolving disputed facts and disputed law.



Sometimes, complex legal issues arise over contract formation and/or the true meaning and effect of specific contract terms.

Nigel works with solicitors and also has the facility and experience to instruct Counsel direct to provide legal advice on non-contentious and contentious points of law.

Early advice is essential to set a strategy and campaign to effectively dispose of all matters in dispute.

There are various techniques available to resolve construction disputes, namely, negotiation, litigation, arbitration, adjudication, mediation, conciliation, expert determination and dispute review boards.

Nigel is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor, Chartered Arbitrator and Panel Registered Adjudicator with over 30 years experience of the building and civil engineering industry combining a unique blend of experience in commerce and dispute avoidance/resolution techniques. Nigel receives appointments to act as arbitrator, adjudicator, expert witness and provides advice and/or represents parties engaged in the construction process.