QSi Means Quality,
Providing Commercial And Contractual Solutions
About Us
QSi Consultancy Group is a specialist international consultancy established in 2007, providing professional services including: contractual advice, commercial management, claims handling, delay analysis, dispute reso-lution and expert services to the construction industry and related sectors.
Our consultants have collective experience in over 30 countries around the globe on major projects including; nuclear and conventional power plants, oil and gas, airports, railways, tunnels and highways, high-rise towers, hotels, museums, marine works, ship building, amongst others.
We can facilitate project objectives by identifying and minimising both commercial and schedule risks. In the event of disputes, we provide professional claims preparation and defence services with the ultimate objective of dispute resolution.
QSI’s dedicated consultants are client focused and apply high professional and ethical standards to all assignments, whilst working towards optimal commercial solutions and risk management.
QSi Consultancy Group has offices in the U.K., the E.U. and in the Middle East enabling it to respond rapidly to client instructions in multiple regions.
Our memberships and affiliations include:
Our services
Commercial and Contractual Advice
QSI can provide insightful commercial and contractual advice at both the pre-contract and post-contract stages of projects. Early QSI involvement at the pre-contract stage can help clients to minimize risks and optimise contractual terms & conditions.
In addition, QSI can assist clients in establishing a Claims Management Strategy & Execution Plan, or similar, prior to commencement. QSI has previously prepared and implemented such plans for clients on multi-billion Euro projects.
Preparation and Defence of Contractual Claims
QSI has extensive experience and expertise in the preparation and defence of contractual claims, typically for additional time and money. For entitlement to relief to exist, entitlement in principle (contractual and/or legal), causation (delay analysis) and quantum (monies) must each be demonstrated to the requisite standard (as would be required by tribunal or the courts).
QSI has successfully acted for owners, main contractors, subcontractors and tribunals (tribunal appointed expert) in multiple cases where QSI has taken the lead in claim analysis, preparation / defence and reporting.
Arbitration and Litigation Support
QSI can support arbitration and litigation proceedings by advising on commercial and programme matters (including delay analysis) and in preparing related work product for inclusion in formal pleadings. QSI has extensive experience of working with legal counsel. QSI can also assume the role of case manager, if required.
Project Controls
QSI provides project controls services to keep costs and schedules on track, encompassing; baseline management, schedule control, cost control, risk control, change control, analysis and reporting.
This service can be provided either remotely or via seconded personnel, to suit the needs of the project.
Due Diligence
QSI provide due diligence services in construction industry insolvency and insurance cases, in order to establish the extent of assets and liabilities. Such work may include; the valuation of works to date, assessment of entitlements and liabilities arising from existing contractual claims for time and costs.
Construction Contracts Administration
Post-contract, QSI can provide contract administration services. This will involve, inter alia, interpretation and application of the contract, ensuring delivery of contractual notices and submissions, establishing procedures for records and correspondence, change management, commercial management and contractual risk tracking.
This service can be provided either remotely or via seconded personnel, to suit the needs of the project.
Dispute Resolution
When engaged early QSI is able to implement dispute avoidance procedures in conjunction with its client, whilst working to optimise the commercial outcome.
When disputes do arise, QSI works with clients to arrive at appropriate mechanisms and strategies for resolving disputes, supported with appropriate risk analyses. Once the dispute forum has been established, QSI can manage the process, prepare all necessary evidence and submissions, and provide advice in order to optimise the outcome for its client.
Project Planning and Delay Analysis
QSI can prepare and update realitisic and optimized prospective critical path programmes, utilizing recognized planning software.
QSI’s expert planners can provide detailed delay analysis on complex projects, utilizing industry recognized prospective and retrospective techniques to a standard that is sustainable in arbitration and /or litigation forums. Such analysis can be undertaken to support or defend against claims for extension of time, acceleration measures, disruption and reduced productivity.
Expert Witness Services
QSI provide delay and quantum expert witness services to support arbitration and litigation proceedings. QSI’s experts typically have more than 25 years of industry experience, are experienced in providing expert testimony in Hearings and/or Courts, and are accredited by recognized expert bodies.
Cases where QSI have provided expert witness services include, for example; buildings, tunneling, rail, oil and gas, ship building.
QSi Core Team
Brian Allan
MANAGING DIRECTOR
MSc, FRICS, FCIArb, HKIAC Accredited Mediator
Brian Allan is Managing Director of the QSI Consultancy Group and a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with over 30 years of construction industry experience covering Europe, the Far East and the Middle East. In addition to being a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, he is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, an RICS Registered Expert Witness, and an Accredited Mediator with Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre. Brian also holds a Master’s degree in International Construction Law. He has represented both public and private sector clients in the prosecution and defence of construction claims, and in conciliation, mediation, adjudication and arbitration proceedings.
Brian’s experience covers a wide range of construction related projects including; nuclear and conventional power plants, airports, highways, bridges, rail, marine works, information technology systems, tunnels, sewage treatment schemes, power transmission, factories, schools, offices, hotels, hospitals, sports stadiums, retail outlets and shipbuilding. He is also an RICS assessor, an experienced trainer and speaker, and acts as an expert witness.
Martyn Forse
DIRECTOR
MSc, FRICS, FCIOB, MAPM, MCIArb
Martyn holds an MSc in International Construction Management from the University of Bath, is a Chartered Surveyor (FRICS), Chartered Construction Manager (FCIOB) and an RICS Accredited Mediator. In addition, he is a Member of the Association for Project Management (MAPM) and a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (MCIArb).
Martyn has over 35 years of experience in the construction industry and has spent over 20 years in the Middle East and Asia involved in the leadership and management of large and complex construction projects. He has a strong track record of delivering projects on time, within budget and with strict attention to the achievement of quality objectives. He has excellent communication and man-management skills, and gives due consideration, at all times, to health, safety and the environment. In addition, Martyn has extensive experience in contract and claim management. This wide ranging experience allows Martyn to have a broad and strategic appreciation and understanding of matters influencing design, construction and operation.
Steve Harber
DIRECTOR
MRICS
Steve is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with over 35 years of experience in the construction, civil engineering and oil & gas industries in Europe, the Far East and the Middle East. Steve experience covers all aspects of commercial and project management; from tender to final account on petrochemical, industrial, commercial, retail, airports, rail and civil engineering projects as well as mechanical and electrical works. He has spent over 20 years leading the commercial management and contract claims strategy of large infrastructure and oil & gas projects overseas.
He has widespread experience of practices and procedures across all major industries in different parts of the world and detailed understanding of commercially related contractual obligations. This experience forms the background to his expertise in preparing and defending contractual claims and in dispute resolution forums, including arbitration.
Marko Arenius
EXECUTIVE CONSULTANT
MSc, CPMO
Marko has more than 20 years professional consulting experience. His areas of expertise areas include project and program management, focusing on large scale industrial and R&D projects. For the last 15 years he has worked within the nuclear industry including on the construction of a new build nuclear power plant (Olkiluoto 3), on the world’s first underground nuclear waste repository and in nuclear related research facilities. During this time, he has been responsible for the development of project management tools and processes, including project management software, and for project data management. He has worked as project management officer, group leader and project management / project controls specialist.
Marko has also supported the preparation of pleadings in in large scale international arbitration.
Dale Clark
DIRECTOR
BSc
Dale has over 35 years of experience in project controls, construction management and dispute resolution. He has extensive experience in forensic schedule analysis methodologies relating to delay and disruption claims and has been involved in numerous negotiations and mediations with contractors for the settlement of such claims. Dale also has extensive experience in the development, implementation and monitoring of Project Control Systems, which include schedule, cost, change orders and document control systems.
He is proficient in the use of various delay methodologies, various project control software packages including P3, P6 and MS Projects and report writing. His experience covers a wide range of construction related projects including nuclear, highways, railroads, mass transit, infrastructure works, airports, high-rise buildings, residential developments, power stations, oil offshore platforms, refiners and pipelines, schools, hotels, shopping malls and industrial projects.
David Greig
EXECUTIVE CONSULTANT
B.Eng (hons), MAE
David’s forte is managing, researching and drafting commercial claims for additional time and money, forensic delay analysis and claims negotiation. He is an intuitive and adaptive civil engineer, claims specialist, planner, delay analyst, a testified expert witness (under DIFC, DIAC and ICC) and Member of the Academy of Experts.
David’s experience covers over 25 years construction, 20 of which being involved in scheduling, contractual & commercial claims with extensive experience involvement in contentious work. He has worked extensively in Hong Kong and the U.A.E. and also in many other countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Graham Hicks
EXECUTIVE CONSULTANT
BSc (Hons), CEng
Graham is a Chartered Engineer with more than 35 years’ experience in the construction industry throughout UK, Oceania, the Far East and the Middle East. He has extensive experience in construction, project management, project planning, contract drafting, construction claims and contract law. Graham has developed a particular expertise in the preparation, prosecution and defence of claims for additional time and cost arising out of his background in construction, project planning and the administration of contracts.
His construction experience covers a wide range of engineering projects including; power stations, airports, railways, highways, bridges, marine works, container terminals, high-rise and industrial buildings, sports stadia and environmental engineering including waste management facilities.
Craig Knight
EXECUTIVE CONSULTANT
FRICS
Craig Knight is a highly experienced Chartered Quantity Surveyor and has over 30 years of construction industry experience on international projects, having worked in the U.K, U.S.A and Finland. Craig’s experience and capabilities extend not only to commercial management, but include claims and dispute management. He has provided high level contractual advice to a variety of international clients and contractors and has been involved in multiple dispute resolution proceedings including major international arbitrations.
Craig’s experience covers a wide range of disciplines including; nuclear (new build and decommissioning), oil and gas, petrochemicals, pipelines, process, water treatment, utility, power generation, rail, civil engineering, building.
Alibert Seroy
MANAGING CONSULTANT
BSc
Alibert is a qualified civil engineer and quantity surveyor with over 13 years of experience in Asia and the Middle East. His project experience includes; infrastructure works, utilities, tunneling, airports, hotels, retail, residential, museums and oil & gas facilities.
Alibert’s professional expertise includes; estimating, measurement, project controls, the valuation of works and variations, contractual claim preparation and defence, assisting quantum expert in arbitration.
Projects
- QSI provided contract management and dispute resolution services to the owner throughout the execution period of this multi-billion Euro project.
- Olkiluoto 3 (OL3) is a 1,600 MW EPR-type pressurized water plant with modern technology based on proven technology and advanced new safety features. Particular attention has been paid to factors that further increase safety, such as the prevention and management of major accidents, and the efficiency and economy of production.
- Olkiluoto 3 EPR has been ordered by the owner from a consortium (plant supplier) consisting of AREVA GmbH, AREVA NP SAS and Siemens AG. The same EPR technology is being used at Hinkley Point in England.
- According to the plant supplier, the plant unit’s regular electricity generation will start in 2020.
- QSI established claims management procedures and provided contract management services to the owner.
- This USD 20 billion project comprises four APR1400 is a Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) and each unit produces up to 1,400 Megawatts of electricity.
- Construction of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant began in July 2012. In 2015, with the start of construction of Unit 4, the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant became the world’s largest nuclear energy construction site with four identical reactors being safely constructed simultaneously on one site.
- The successful start-up of unit 1 was achieved in 2020.
- QSI were appointed by the owner to assess and provide an opinion on the main consortium’s claim submissions.
- Pritzker-prize winning architect Jean Nouvel sought inspiration for the concept of Louvre Abu Dhabi in traditional Arabic architectural culture, creating a ‘museum city’ in the sea covered by a vast dome. A vast dome, 180 metres in diameter, covers the majority of the museum city. This impressive structure is visible from the sea, the surrounding areas and Abu Dhabi city centre. The 8 layered dome is a marvel of geometric design allowing light to penetrate the layers and creating a cinematic “rain of light” effect as the sun’s path progresses throughout the day. Supporting piers are hidden within the building to give the impression that the dome is floating.
- Louvre Abu Dhabi’s complex engineering concept has made it one of the most innovative and challenging museum projects built in recent times and achieved several prestigious international design and sustainability awards.
- The construction of the museum took place from 2013 to 2017.
- QSI were appointed by the owner to provide contract and claims management services.
- The Velena airport management is constructing a new 78,000m² international passenger terminal building, which will have the capacity to accommodate up to 7.5 million passengers a year upon its completion in 2022 at a cost of USD 800m.
- A new 3,400m long and 60m wide code-F runway is being built to accommodate wide-body aircraft such as A380. The runway, which is expected to solve the issues related to space and flight delays, initially opened in September 2018 when an Etihad A380 landed at the airport.
- QSI were appointed as Quantum Expert by the main contractor in an ICC arbitration involving a subcontractor.
- The Department of Municipal Affairs in Abu Dhabi implemented an upgrade of Al Salam Street (later renamed Sheikh Zayed Street) at a cost of USD 1.36 billion.
- Construction included:
- Widening the street to four lanes in each direction.
- Constructing an expressway tunnel 4.2 kilometers long that routed traffic to key streets and interchanges.
- Constructing four interchange underpasses, each approximately one kilometer long.
- The Sheikh Zayed Tunnel, through the city’s central business district, opened in December 2012. One of the longest tunnels in the Middle East, it was renamed in memory of the country’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nayhan.
- QSI were appointed as claimant’s representative and provided case management services in an arbitration between a subcontractor and the main contractor.
- The USD 400 million, 220,000m2, project was completed in 2012. It overlooks the Grand Canal at the foot of Abu Dhabi island and features a 10-storey main building with 447 rooms. The building also comprises conference facilities, a ballroom, restaurants and bars, a marine village, underground garages and utilities, a 3,000m2 spa, furnished apartments and 85 VIP chalets that resemble offshore “floating houses.”
- The project is inspired by the 15th to early 17th century Renaissance architecture and the urban planning of the city of Venice.
- QSI provided risk management services to the owner during an upgrade of the building.
- The iconic Etihad Towers was developed by the Sheikh Suroor Projects Department (SSPD) at a cost of US$1.0 billion and is located on the Abu Dhabi Corniche.
- The project is a prestigious mixed-use development of approximately 460,000 square meters comprising five elegant towers ranging from 53 to 77 floors, a large multi-level podium and a four-level underground car park with capacity for more than 3,200 cars.
- The project was completed in 2012.
- QSI were appointed by the landscaping contractor to prepare extension of time and cost claim submissions.
- The King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) is a development under construction in Riyadh being undertaken by the Rayadah Investment Corporation.
- The USD 8 billion project consists of 59 towers in an area of 1.6 million square meters. It will provide more than 3 million square meters of space for various uses. Upon completion, KAFD is expected to host round 50,000 residents.
- QSI were appointed by one of the main consortiums to prepare extension of time and cost claim submissions. QSI were also appointed as Quantum Expert in an ICC Arbitration on another section of the project.
- Doha Metro in Qatar’s capital city is designed as one of the most advanced rail transit systems in the world. Phase one of the metro became operational in 2019 in preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Capable of reaching 100 km/h, the Doha Metro will be one of the fastest driverless trains in the world.
- As of December 2019, the USD 36 billion metro rail project contains a 76km network with three lines and 37 stations. Qatar Rail has been officially recognised by Guinness World Records for having “The Largest Number of Tunnel Boring Machines Operating Simultaneously in a Single Project”.
News
24 May 2021
QSI is pleased to announce its membership of the Hinkley Professional Services Group (PSG).
The PSG supports clients involved in the Hinkley Point C project to manage risk and make the most of opportunities available to them. Our clients seek to grow businesses which are sustainable, resilient and profitable, and which meet the high standards expected within the sector. The PSG is endorsed by the Hinkley Supply Chain and supported by Hinkley Point C.
We look forward to working with existing clients and new clients on HPC and to extending our long track record in new build nuclear.
14 April 2021
QSI is proud to announce we are now an institutional supporter of the @Campaign for Greener Arbitrations: The Green Pledge by signing ‘The Green Pledge’.
The campaign aims to reduce the carbon footprint of international arbitrations through behavioural change. We look forward to supporting this initiative and make a positive impact on the environment.
Learn more: www.greenerarbitrations.com
1 January 2021
Happy New Year from QSI to our clients and friends in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
30 June 2020
QSI Panelists at Construction Week’s Dispute Resolution Question Time Dubai Event
QSI’s MD Brian Allan along with Sachin Kerur of Reed Smith were the panelists at Construction Week’s Dispute Resolution Question Time Dubai Event, 2020, which this year was held as a webinar (moderated by Ashley Williams of CW).
High attendance made for a great event, which covered topics including; the root causes of construction claims and disputes, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms, COVID-19 impacts and risk management, the use of technology in dispute resolution, the outlook for the Middle East’s construction sector.
30 January 2020
QSI Attends Tate Britain Function at Invitation of White & Case
QSI’s Managing Director Brian Allan was delighted to attend an exclusive preview of British Baroque: Power and Illusion at the Tate Britain at the invitation of White & Case. QSI has greatly enjoyed working with White & Case over the past 12 years.
Tate Britain, Millbank, London (photo taken with Brian Allan’s I-phone).
11 January 2020
QSI Article Published in Construction Week Middle East
Thanks to Construction Week Middle East for publishing in its 11 January 2020 magazine QSI MD Brian Allan’s article Dispute Resolution – Potential Consequences of Differing Procedures and Applicable Law in a Subcontract and the Main Contract
1 January 2020
Happy New Year from QSI to our clients and friends in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
17 October 2019
QSI Joins Nuclear Southwest
QSI is pleased to announce its membership of Nuclear Southwest, the nuclear cluster for the South West of England. After having worked in new build nuclear continuously for more than a decade in the E.U. and in the Middle East, QSI looks forward to working with existing and new clients in the U.K. nuclear power industry.
4 October 2019
QSI Attends Nuclear South West Showcase and Conference, Bridgwater, U.K.
QSI attended the Nuclear South West Showcase and Conference (2-3 October 2019) as an exhibiter and representative of FinNuclear. This was a tremendous event and some great contacts were made. Our thanks to Andy Bates and the rest of the NSW team.
QSI's Brian Allan, Jazmin Morcozo and David Greig.
Dale Edwards of Clarke Willmott and Brian Allan
of QSI engaged in serious debate.
Recruitment
QSI welcomes applications for employment in the U.K. or the U.A.E. from construction professionals, including; Project Controls Specialists, Claims Consultants, Delay and Quantum Experts.
Similarly, we invite contact from freelance consultants interested in collaboration.
There are currently no available positions. CVs for future consideration are welcomed.
Contact Us
U.K. office:
QSI CONSULTING LIMITED
33 Colston Avenue
Bristol, BS1 4AU, UK
Tel. +44 117 332 6778
Managing Director:
Brian Allan
Tel. +44 736 834 6219
Middle East office:
QSI MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY
Office 1005, 10th Floor
Al Odaid Office Tower, Airport Road
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Tel. +971 2414 6623
Office Manager:
Jazmin Morcozo
Tel. +971 55 544 9983
QSI CONSULTING
LIMITED
33 Colston Avenue
Bristol, BS1 4AU, UK
Tel. +44 117 332 6778
QSI MANAGEMENT
CONSULTANCY
Office 1005, 10th Floor
Al Odaid Office Tower,
Airport Road
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Tel. +971 2414 6623