Andrew Moncrieff
Andrew began his post-graduate academic career studying the rocks and sediments left behind in East Greenland and other parts of the Arctic by one of the world’s deepest glaciations. After achieving his doctorate, he joined the British Antarctic Survey, with which he completed two field seasons in the spectacular mountains of Alexander Island on the Antarctic Peninsula. He studied rocks that formed at a time when there were no glaciers or ice caps anywhere in the world. These studies left him with a lifelong interest in climate change. In 1992 Andrew joined Hawkins where he trained in the investigation of fires and explosions, a discipline in which he has worked ever since. Andrew also introduced Hawkins to forensic geology and carries out small, but significant numbers of investigations relating to geology. These include the deterioration of natural building materials, failures in quarries and mines, and the use of rocks and soil in the identification of fraud. On the criminal side, Andrew has now conducted numerous geological investigations into serious crimes, the most high-profile example being the Soham murder enquiry. He used soil and rock evidence to show that Ian Huntley had driven his car on the remote track where the […]
Ian Giddings
Ian gained sponsorship for his degree from GEC Satchwell Control Systems. Whilst studying for his degree he also undertook periods of formal training with Satchwell in their Electromechanical Section, Technical Laboratory and the London North Office. After obtaining his degree with honours, Ian worked as a design engineer for Satchwell. Ian utilised his knowledge of mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering to take a number of projects from concept to manufacture. These projects included the design of microprocessor based control systems, valve actuators and gearboxes. He was also responsible for project planning and the ISO 9001 documentation for each of his designs. In 1999 Ian joined Dr J H Burgoyne & Partners LLP as a Consulting Engineer, where he specialised in the forensic investigation of fires, explosions and engineering incidents. Ian conducted around 400 investigations and was appointed on several occasions to present expert evidence in accordance with Part 35 of the CPR and also for criminal proceedings. In 2006 Ian joined Hawkins’ office in Reigate, Surrey where he continues to carry out forensic investigations of fires, explosions and engineering incidents. Ian has conducted a wide range of investigations including fires in domestic, commercial and industrial premises, fires in domestic appliances, […]
Ian Giddings
Ian gained sponsorship for his degree from GEC Satchwell Control Systems. Whilst studying for his degree he also undertook periods of formal training with Satchwell in their Electromechanical Section, Technical Laboratory and the London North Office. After obtaining his degree with honours, Ian worked as a design engineer for Satchwell. Ian utilised his knowledge of mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering to take a number of projects from concept to manufacture. These projects included the design of microprocessor based control systems, valve actuators and gearboxes. He was also responsible for project planning and the ISO 9001 documentation for each of his designs. In 1999 Ian joined Dr J H Burgoyne & Partners LLP as a Consulting Engineer, where he specialised in the forensic investigation of fires, explosions and engineering incidents. Ian conducted around 400 investigations and was appointed on several occasions to present expert evidence in accordance with Part 35 of the CPR and also for criminal proceedings. In 2006 Ian joined Hawkins’ office in Reigate, Surrey where he continues to carry out forensic investigations of fires, explosions and engineering incidents. Ian has conducted a wide range of investigations including fires in domestic, commercial and industrial premises, fires in domestic appliances, […]
Robert Edwards
After completing a Post Doctoral Research Fellowship, Robert joined Liverpool John Moores University as a Lecturer and then Senior Lecturer in Environmental Chemistry. Here he developed a successful research programme in environmental chemistry and environmental analysis, publishing numerous papers in scientific journals and books and presenting research work at many national and international conferences. Robert has lectured extensively on analytical, environmental and corrosion chemistry. He was the course leader for the University’s MSc Analytical Chemistry course and was an assessor for the Higher Education Funding Council (Wales). Robert also gave annual lecture courses and workshops in Universities in Thailand, where he was a visiting lecturer. Since joining Hawkins in 2001, Robert has specialised in post-fire, post-flood and post-chemical spill contamination investigations throughout the world. This work involves determining the effects of contaminants on buildings, production equipment, complex computer systems and products, including food stuffs, and providing advice on the long term effects of the contaminants and best remediation techniques for recovery. During his time at Hawkins, Robert successfully completed the BOHS course for surveying buildings for asbestos and has since carried out asbestos contamination surveys following various incidents in the UK and Europe. Robert has also conducted many forensic fire […]
Robert Edwards
After completing a Post Doctoral Research Fellowship, Robert joined Liverpool John Moores University as a Lecturer and then Senior Lecturer in Environmental Chemistry. Here he developed a successful research programme in environmental chemistry and environmental analysis, publishing numerous papers in scientific journals and books and presenting research work at many national and international conferences. Robert has lectured extensively on analytical, environmental and corrosion chemistry. He was the course leader for the University’s MSc Analytical Chemistry course and was an assessor for the Higher Education Funding Council (Wales). Robert also gave annual lecture courses and workshops in Universities in Thailand, where he was a visiting lecturer. Since joining Hawkins in 2001, Robert has specialised in post-fire, post-flood and post-chemical spill contamination investigations throughout the world. This work involves determining the effects of contaminants on buildings, production equipment, complex computer systems and products, including food stuffs, and providing advice on the long term effects of the contaminants and best remediation techniques for recovery. During his time at Hawkins, Robert successfully completed the BOHS course for surveying buildings for asbestos and has since carried out asbestos contamination surveys following various incidents in the UK and Europe. Robert has also conducted many forensic fire […]
Graeme Drysdale
Graeme joined the Glasgow Claims Department of Commercial Union in 1982 and left to join Thomas Howell Selfe as a trainee loss adjuster in 1986. Over the ensuing 16 years Graeme worked variously for Cunningham Hart, Willis Corroon, THG, Davies, Crawford & Co and GAB Robins, including a period of self-employment trading as Whittle Drysdale & Co. In 2002 he joined AXA Corporate Claims, Ipswich handling Major Loss First Party & Casualty losses. He also enjoyed a short secondment increasing his knowledge of EL/PL and Motor Injury claims. Graeme was attracted by the lure of the bright lights and in 2010 left to join Zurich Global Corporate in London as a Senior Adjuster, handling some of the highest value property damage claims in the global market on a lead basis. Graeme found this the most challenging and technically interesting job in his career so far. Graeme joined Hawkins in May 2013 as Business Development Manager and brings his extensive contacts and experience of the workings of the London, UK and International Insurance Markets. He is based in Cambridge and has desks in our Glasgow and London offices. Graeme travels extensively meeting existing and potential customers. He attained the ACII Diploma […]
Luke Collins
Following his Masters in Aerospace Engineering, Luke worked as a Dynamic Test Technician for Ipeco Holdings Ltd, a leading manufacturer of civil and military aircraft seating. In 2009, Luke joined Hannaford Forensic Services Ltd (Hannafords), specialising in the forensic investigation of vehicle fires. During his time at Hannafords, he undertook over 150 investigations, which included road vehicles from all classifications, as well as a large number of off-road plant equipment. To assist with the investigations, Luke successfully completed a VOSA Public Service Vehicle Inspection Procedures and Standards course. On several occasions, he prepared expert witness reports for use in civil litigation and has presented in court in Southampton. In 2011, Hannafords extended into Asia opening a Hong Kong office (HFS-Asia). Luke undertook marine fire investigations, including engine room fires and cargo hold fires. During this time, Luke obtained a Diploma in Marine Investigation from Lloyds Maritime Academy. In 2014, Luke joined Hawkins’ office in Reigate, Surrey. He has expanded his expertise into the field of fire and explosion investigation of domestic and commercial properties, factories and process plants, whilst continuing vehicle and marine fire investigation work. In 2014, Luke completed John DeHaan Theoretical and Practical Fire Investigation courses at Gardiner […]
Alex Chambers
Alex is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, a Director of Hawkins Forensic Accounting Practice and CFO for the Hawkins Group of Companies. He is experienced in corporate and insurance related forensic investigations including trading reviews, business interruption, stock validation and stock loss, cost validation, fraud investigation, royalty payment reviews and reviews of the integrity of legacy ERP systems. Alex has industry experience in Construction, Power Generation, Distribution, R&D, Automotive, Process Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical, Food Production, Professional Services and Technology.
Alex Chambers
After Cardiff Business School, Alex qualified as a Chartered Management Accountant in 2001. Prior to joining Hawkins as a Director, Alex practised at KPMG undertaking corporate investigations for shareholders and providers of debt finance. Alex then worked directly for Private Equity firms and High Net Worth individuals undertaking investigations and reviews into business valuations, business failure and fraud. Alex has a dual role at Hawkins to ensure strong controls around financial and information management, together with heading up our forensic accounting service provision.
Andy Bryce
Andrew’s career in forensic engineering began while carrying out an undergraduate placement at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, analysing the cause of aircraft component failures for the Air Accident Investigation Branch. Following his Masters Degree he joined Rolls Royce plc, Military Engine Division in 1988 where he was trained in the forensic investigation of engine failures for both in-service and development engines. Other areas of responsibility included carrying out in-service turbine component condition assessments and writing quality standards. Andrew resigned from Rolls Royce at Senior Scientist grade and joined Hawkins in 1991. Since joining Hawkins, Andrew has carried out over 1700 forensic investigations involving engineering, fire and explosion incidents both in the United Kingdom and overseas. These cases have covered a great range, from small domestic incidents to multi-million pound losses in shops, warehouses, factories, power stations (gas turbines & compressors), aerospace and marine. Andrew is experienced in the legal process and has given evidence in the capacity of an expert witness in Magistrates’ Courts, County Courts, High Courts, Crown Courts, Coroner’s Courts, mediations and arbitrations on numerous occasions. He is listed as an expert in the Expert Witness Directory. Andrew is currently a Director of Hawkins and based in the […]