Steven Beaumont, BSc (Hons), MSc, MRICS, MCIArb

Expert QuestionS & AnswerS

Your experience spans energy projects across Middle East — how do the dispute dynamics and evidentiary challenges differ in this sector compared to others you’ve worked in?

Of the Energy Projects I have worked on across the Middle East, disputes can be far more technically and contractually complex than those encountered in sectors such as infrastructure and highways. Energy projects have intricate contractual structures involving EPC, O&M vendor supply and concession agreements. One reoccurring challenge we see is scope creep and change control which are key drivers in claims and disputes. Evidentiary – reconstructing causation is a challenge.

Quantum assessments require bridging accountancy, engineering, and contract law — what’s the most common gap you see in how quantum claims are presented, and how do you address it in your expert reports?

The most common gap is connecting cost records to the actual cause & effect chain. Claims use accounting data, delay analysis and contractual entitlement often in isolation. I link the records, engineering evidence and contractual obligations to demonstrate how a specific event drove time and cost impacts to create a coherent narrative for tribunal. There must always be an auditable trail with cause, effect, entitlement and substantiation

Your professional chartership reflects a depth of technical and ethical commitment — how do professional standards and codes of conduct influence the way you approach independent expert work in quantum assessment?

When writing a report, I would test the assertions through audit and adhere to the rules of independence, honesty, integrity and to take responsibility. When reviewing assertions presented, my duty to the Tribunal is to explain the case truthfully and coherently.

What’s the most surprising cause of delay or cost overrun you’ve uncovered in a dispute that neither party had initially recognised?

Hidden costs as a result of non-critical activities being delayed and EPC / Contractor not realising the impact of the delay having on costs (disruption). Also, understanding the difference between local delay and concurrent delay (these are very different) and costs associated with local delay were almost overlooked. Often clients are wrongly influenced and accept that the SCL protocol is the law when it’s a guide only.

What’s the single most important thing a party can do at the start of a construction project to protect themselves if a dispute arises later?

Employ a young (or old) Engineer whose job is to solely keep records. The value in the records could be 1000 times of the cost to employ the person responsible for keeping records.

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