Description
Mark Holden-Smith
Chartered Quantity Surveyor, Forensic Delay Analyst and Construction Dispute Resolution Expert
LLB (Hons) FCIArb MRICS MCIOB DipAdj DipArb
Mark Holden-Smith is a highly experienced Chartered Quantity Surveyor, Chartered Construction Manager, forensic delay analyst and professional dispute resolver. With more than 30 years’ experience in the construction industry, Mark provides independent expert advice on complex construction claims, delay analysis, quantum and contractual disputes throughout the United Kingdom, including Scotland and Ireland.
Mark has successfully handled more than 500 construction and engineering claims on behalf of employers, clients, main contractors and subcontractors. His extensive knowledge encompasses disputes arising under JCT, NEC and bespoke construction and engineering contracts.
Construction Claims, Quantum and Delay Expertise
Mark accepts appointments as a Delay and Quantum Expert, preparing clear, independent and carefully reasoned expert reports for construction and engineering disputes. His combination of technical construction knowledge, quantity surveying expertise and legal qualifications enables him to assess both the financial and contractual issues affecting a claim.
His specialist services include:
- Quantification and evaluation of construction claims
- Forensic delay analysis
- Independent expert reports
- Adjudication party representation
- Adjudication decision writing
- Arbitration award writing
- Contract review and risk assessment
- Advice on JCT, NEC3, NEC4 and bespoke contracts
Mark has quantified approximately 500 construction, engineering and delay claims across a wide range of trades and project types. These have included internal partitioning, suspended ceilings, mechanical and electrical services, joinery, painting, external cladding, structural steel framing, warehouse racking, concrete reinforcement, screeding, rendering, glazed balustrading and extensive groundworks, including excavation, piling and reinforced concrete slabs.
Adjudication and Arbitration Experience
As a Registered Adjudicator on panels maintained by both the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Mark is trusted to examine evidence, consider contractual arguments and produce clear, properly reasoned decisions.
He has acted as an adjudicator and issued decisions under the RICS Consumer Dispute Resolution Service and the CIArb Low Value Construction Adjudication procedure. He has also represented both referring and responding parties in approximately 40 adjudications as of December 2025.
Mark is additionally a Registered Arbitrator with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. His understanding of dispute resolution from the perspectives of expert, representative and decision-maker gives him valuable insight into the presentation and assessment of construction claims.
Contract Reviews and Dispute Avoidance
Mark’s work is not limited to disputes that have already arisen. He also assists construction businesses in identifying and managing contractual risks before contracts and subcontracts are signed.
As of December 2025, he had prepared more than 100 Contract Review Risk Registers relating to NEC3, NEC4, JCT and bespoke contracts and subcontracts. His practical recommendations have supported clients during contract negotiations, helping them understand proposed obligations, allocate risk appropriately and reduce the likelihood of future disputes.
Professional Qualifications and Memberships
Mark holds the RICS Expert Witness Certificate and is a Chartered Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Building.
He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Construction Claims Practitioners, a member of the Adjudication Society and a committee member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Mark supports the Conflict Avoidance Pledge and Conflict Avoidance Coalition and is a joint author of Construction Industry Collective Voice practice notes.
Contact Mark Holden-Smith
Holden-Smith Consultancy
1 Middle Lodge Road
Barrow, Lancashire
BB7 9XS
Area of work: Nationwide, including Scotland and Ireland
Telephone: 07834 284308
Email: mark@holden-smith.com
Website: www.holden-smith.com
Mark is available for instructions involving construction claims, quantum assessment, forensic delay analysis, adjudication, arbitration, contractual risk and construction dispute resolution.
