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Dispute Avoidance Services

We are proud to be a member of the RICS Conflict Avoidance Pledge. We provide a variety of commercial services aimed specifically at assisting you in avoiding disputes and expending the associated costs.

400+

Claims Successfully Handled

25+ Years

Experience in Construction

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A Quantity Surveying Practice Regulated by the RICS

Dispute Avoidance Services

We have a track record for successful dispute avoidance.  We achieve this by providing the following commercial services:


  • Contract Review Risk Registers.

  • Contract Practice.

  • Properly Constructed True Valuation Claims.

  • Negociated Settlement Agreements.

We Advocate Dispute Avoidance

How we Avoid Disputes


Contract Review Risk Registers


The first step in avoiding disputes is to ensure the contract terms are within your understanding of the agreement and within your parameters for risk, and our Contract Review Risk Register takes you through the process of establishing this before you agree to the terms.



Contract Practice


Correct Contract Practice protects your business financially and shows professionalism.  Contract Practice means performing the requirements of the contract, particularly in respect of timely notification or other actions you may be obligated to undertake.


We specialise in advising on the required contractual procedures and drafting of contractual notices.



True Value Claims for Payment


Producing a professional claim or defence in accordance with the requirements of the contract can provide valuable leverage in the dispute avoidance process. Clarity on the contractual position informs on the likely outcome in the event of a formal dispute process, and gives you the opportunity to make a commercial decision on what might be a good settlement offer in consideration of potential costs of seeking a decision from a tribunal.


We are a claims quantum specialist and can quantify true value claims in respect of any contractual matter including:

  • Contract Works & Extra Works.

  • Extension of Time.

  • Delay & Disruption.

  • Breaches of Contract.

  • Suspension.

  • Termination.

Settlement Agreements


A written settlement agreement gives you peace of mind that the settlement reached in respect of a matter of disagreement, is final to the extent you understood it to be.  


We specialise in negotiated settlement agreements, including the management of the negotiation process on your behalf, and the drafting of suitable terms that reflect your understanding of the settlement agreement.

"I cannot recommend Mark from Holden Smith Consultancy highly enough. His attention to detail and knowledge of the construction industry is second to none. His costs are also very reasonable. 5 star without a shadow of doubt."


-M Hepburn, Contractor.

Mark Holden-Smith
Managing Director

FCIArb MCIOB FICCP AssocRICS DipAdj DipHE(Law)
Construction Claims Practitioner
Registered Adjudicator
Quantity Surveyor
Chartered Construction Manager (Disputes)

Mark Holden-Smith is a RICS associate Quantity Surveyor, Chartered Construction Manager with the Chartered Institute of Building specialising in commercial and dispute management, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, a Fellow of the Institute of Construction Claims Practitioners, and a registered Adjudicator with the RICS and CIArb with over 25 years experience in construction.  Mark is well placed to help parties to construction contracts in the quantification and management of construction claims and disputes.

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
Chartered Institute of Building
Institute of Construction Claims Practitioners
Mark Holden-Smith
Blue Skyscrapers

Request a Free No Obligation Review of Your Claim

Call us now on 07834284308, email mark@holden-smith.com, or complete the Free Online Enquiry Form for a free no-obligation review and let us explain your options and the next steps in quantifying your claim or resolving your dispute.

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