
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
28+ Years
Experience in Construction

Chartered Quantity Surveyors 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 have instructed Mark Holden-Smith as an expert in quantum and delay on a number of occasions in adjudications. I find him to be thorough and methodical but never slow. His reports have always been concise and persuasive, and I recommend him."
-Andrew Rimmer, Solicitor - Construction and Engineering Partner.
Mark Holden-Smith
FCIArb MRICS MCIOB FICCP DipAdj DipHE(Law)
Managing Director
Construction Claims Specialist
Chartered Quantity Surveyor
Chartered Construction Manager (Disputes)
Registered Adjudicator
Mark Holden-Smith is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor and Chartered Construction Manager specialising in construction claims 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 28 years experience in construction. Mark is well-placed to help parties to construction contracts in the quantification and management of construction claims and disputes.


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