Whether it is contractual disagreements, unforeseen delays or issues securing resources, many things can (and do) go wrong in modern construction, engineering and energy projects.

The myriad of complexities in the construction, engineering and energy sectors often lead to disputes that are usually centred around or involving intricate quantum and delay issues. This is where a quantum and delay expert can help.

Quantum and delay experts can conduct a quantum analysis to provide a clear financial picture of how much the project delays have cost. It’s this assessment which aids negotiations and offers a factual basis for claims.

In our blog, we’ll be exploring the common problems of hiring quantum and delay experts, including the difficulties of finding top quantum and delay experts with the right skill set, knowledge and experience you need for effective dispute resolution. Read on to find out more.

The dual demand: quantum and delay expertise in disputes

One of the most significant problems when hiring quantum and delay experts is finding someone who can do it all.

Quantum and delay experts are often inextricably linked in construction and engineering disputes. For example, delays can lead to increased costs for labour, materials and overheads, and acceleration measures can also impact the quantum of a claim because they often involve additional expenses and risks.

While quantum and delay analyses are related, both require different skill sets. Delay analysis focuses on how the delays impact project timelines and scheduling, whereas quantum analysis is all about quantifying the financial losses and costs incurred due to the delays and other events. Most experts specialise in one or the other, and it is very rare to find a professional who is proficient in both.

It’s rarer still to come across a professional with quantum, delay and expert witness skills. An expert witness must be able to clearly communicate, craft effective reports, have court or tribunal experience, and remain impartial to all parties.

Finding a quantum and delay expert proficient in quantum and delay analysis and with experience as an expert witness in the UK is often difficult. However, it’s not impossible.

At Novus Resolve, we’re a firm of Chartered Quantity Surveyors who provide dispute avoidance and expert witness services to the construction, engineering and energy sectors, including delay and quantum analysis.

The scarcity of combined expertise in the UK market

If you’re looking for a quantum and delay expert in the UK, you need to ensure they have specific expertise in disputes and experience within your sector.

For example, if you need a quantum expert for disputes, your Chartered Quantity Surveyor must have experience in forensic cost analysis, valuation of variations, and loss and expense claims. They should also have an extensive understanding of the legal framework in construction contracts.

If you need a delay expert for disputes, then your expert should have expertise in critical path method (CPM) scheduling, forensic schedule analysis, and delay event analysis. They must also have an in-depth understanding of the impact of delays on project completion.

It’s difficult enough to find an individual with the right expertise in quantum or delay, let alone finding a professional who possesses deep and demonstrable knowledge in both to an expert witness standard. This is because each area requires specialised knowledge and expertise. On top of that, the individual needs to be independent and take an unbiased approach to the expert witness aspect of the dispute.

In the UK, the unique construction and legal landscape means that there is a demand for quantum, delay and witness expert services all rolled into one. Despite the demand, few firms are able to offer the expertise and knowledge to effectively manage disputes, especially across various sectors.

However, our Managing Director, David Daly, is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor and testifying expert witness with extensive experience in dispute avoidance, management and resolution in the construction, engineering and energy sectors.

The premium on experience and credibility

Another common problem when hiring quantum and delay experts is that, as well as possessing the technical knowledge and expertise, they also need to be credible. You need to ensure you’re hiring a professional who has both expertise and credibility.

Not only is an expert witness required to have practical, hands-on experience with complex projects, but they also need to have a proven track record of providing credible evidence.

A credible expert witness is more reliable and persuasive, which can impact how adjudicators, tribunals and judges perceive their testimony.

This means you need to find quantum and delay experts who have the right qualifications, communication skills and reputation. The former two can be learnt. However, an expert witness’s reputation takes time to build, so it’s difficult to find an expert with a solid reputation who is also perceived as independent in the eyes of the courts and tribunals.

What makes this situation even more challenging is that due to the scarcity of experienced and credible quantum and delay experts, there’s a premium cost for the few who can provide such services. The higher costs of hiring quantum and delay experts who have experience and credibility can impact the cost-effectiveness of dispute resolution.

When disputes are unavoidable, and you need an experienced and credible expert witness, you can rely on Novus Resolve.

At Novus Resolve, our carefully selected consultants and experts have been involved in some of the largest and most complex projects in the world, which means our team not only has the know-how to help you, but we’re also well-respected and highly regarded in the industry.

Strategic approaches to securing quantum and delay expertise

With so many challenges to overcome regarding hiring quantum and delay experts, you need to ensure you develop strategic approaches to find and source the best of the best.

Here are some strategic approaches to help you secure the most qualified and credible quantum and delay experts for your dispute:

Search online directories

You can search online directories and registers when looking for reliable, credible, experienced quantum and delay experts. Alternatively, you can use professional institution recommendations, such as RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), which offers an Expert Witness Referral Service.

Attend networking events

Another strategy is to attend networking events where quantum and delay experts and expert witnesses are present, and start building a relationship with them. For example, at Novus Resolve, we regularly attend events hosted by the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), CIArb (Chartered Institute of Arbitrators) and SCL (Society of Construction Law), to name a few

Cultivating relationships with specialists

Once you’ve developed an initial connection with quantum and delay specialists, you need to cultivate the relationship. By having a pool of trusted quantum and delay experts you can call upon for specific cases, you’ll be in a better position should you experience a dispute and need an expert witness.

Internal development

You could always invest in developing delay analysis techniques and claim preparation internally. This might not be an option for smaller clients; however, for larger firms, training and development might help your employees when working on projects that may experience a dispute.

The value proposition: why access to top quantum and delay expertise matters

While there are problems with finding and securing quantum and delay experts, they are absolutely vital for dispute resolution firms and clients alike.

By analysing project timelines, identifying delays and quantifying financial impacts, top quantum and delay experts can offer valuable insight into the right dispute resolution method.

For dispute resolution firms, having access to top quantum and delay expertise is essential because it can help enhance your credibility and strengthen your case preparation, which ultimately leads to better outcomes for your clients.

Construction, engineering and energy clients can also benefit from working with firms that have access to a credible and reputable quantum and delay expert because it leads to more accurate assessments of claims, stronger defence strategies and potentially faster and more cost-effective solutions.

At Novus Resolve, we’re committed to providing our clients with access to the quantum and delay expertise they need to efficiently and effectively resolve disputes. When you appoint us, you can rest assured that our prompt, expert advice and strategies work for you.

Hire an experienced, credible and reputable quantum and delay expert

As we’ve mentioned, dispute resolution firms and construction, engineering or energy clients may experience difficulties when trying to find top quantum and delay experts. For example, you might struggle to secure a specialist with the knowledge and skills needed for your specific dispute or experience problems finding a credible and reputable professional.

However, hiring experienced, credible and reputable quantum and delay experts is key to effectively and efficiently resolving a dispute, and most importantly, it is possible.

At Novus Resolve, we’re committed to providing our clients with bespoke quantum and delay advice and support to ensure your disputes are quickly, efficiently and effectively resolved.

Are you looking for experienced, credible and reputable quantum and delay experts? Contact our team now to discuss your dispute resolution needs.