Gleeds has launched a new advisory business in preparation for an expected wave of construction disputes in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic.
The business will service clients across Gleeds’ network of 73 offices around the world. Its new International Dispute Advisory Group is made up of a collection of arbitrators, mediators, adjudicators and expert witnesses.
Services will include dispute avoidance, dispute resolution, schedule and quantum analyses, strategic procurement and contract advice, as well as expert witness work.
The consultant has previously worked with clients on dispute issues including the 9/11 twin towers collapse and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina but this is the first time the service has been brought together as a single operating entity.
Chris Soffe, a member of Gleeds’ main supervisory board and past president of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), is responsible for launching the new business.
Soffe said: "After the tragedy of the pandemic there will be clients involved in projects and schemes worldwide who will face huge challenges in meeting the contractual obligations agreed prior to covid. With vast experience in helping organisations successfully resolve disputes, we can bring a skillset and professionalism which will mitigate risk and deliver positive results after this stressful period."
"The pandemic has presented a once in a generation series of challenges which will impact many aspects of the creation, management and implementation of the built environment worldwide. We intend to use our unparalleled knowledge of planning, delivery and operating assets which we integrate into our solutions for clients to our best advantage.
"Taking a multi-dimensional approach to avoidance, mitigation and the resolution of disputes is the best route to securing successful outcomes. Principally we work closely with all stakeholders to understand their needs and develop a solution that provides speedy, cost effective and proportionate advice that delivers the required results."
Image: Worker wearing a face mask in a construction site in Macau, China (Macau Photo Agency/Unsplash)
