Gleeds has launched a new dispute advisory business aimed at servicing clients across its global network of 73 offices, as it prepares for dispute resolution service requirements to expand on a worldwide basis post-Covid. 

Having previously advised clients on dispute issues as complex as the 9/11 twin towers collapse and the challenging aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Gleeds has extensive experience working with insurers, loss adjusters and professional consultants, from legal to forensic accountancy. However, this is the first time the service has been brought together as a single operating entity. 

The new International Dispute Advisory Group is made up of a collection of specialists, many of whom are renowned arbitrators, mediators, adjudicators, and expert witnesses, who have benefitted from a lifetime of experience when it comes to understanding the challenges clients face. The Group’s service offering will include dispute avoidance, dispute resolution, schedule and quantum analyses, strategic procurement and contract advice, as well as expert witness work. 

Chris Soffe, a member of Gleeds’ Main Supervisory Board, is responsible for launching the new business. He 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.”

Gleeds intends to run the business out of offices that span Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas, enabling the new operation to ‘think global, act local’ - offering global capabilities, coupled with local support, resource and knowledge. As an independently owned and managed consultancy, Gleeds has operated for over 135 years and views its ability to bring specialist advice based on a long and successful heritage as a key differentiator from others who operate in the same space.

“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” said Chris Soffe.

Julian Barlow

Julian Barlow
PR Consultant

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