Only Leadership Archives - Hawkins Forensic Investigation https://www.hawkins.biz/management/only-leadership/ Specialising in Forensic Investigation Wed, 19 Aug 2026 10:43:12 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1 https://www.hawkins.biz/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/favicon-1.png Only Leadership Archives - Hawkins Forensic Investigation https://www.hawkins.biz/management/only-leadership/ 32 32 Paul Lemon https://www.hawkins.biz/our-experts/paul-lemon-rm/ Wed, 15 Jul 2026 08:59:56 +0000 https://www.hawkins.biz/?post_type=leadership&p=47509 Paul Lemon is a personal injury expert with Hawkins, specialising in the area of slips and trips.

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Paul is a full-time specialist in the niche area of slips, trips and stair fall incident investigation, and leads Hawkins’ work in this area. He is a sought-after Expert Witness in this field, regularly preparing reports and giving evidence in Court.

He was part of the small HSE team that developed HSE’s early understanding of the causes of pedestrian slips, trips and stair falls. Paul’s work at HSE’s Laboratories (HSL) involved leading and coordinating research in these subject areas, and led to him serving as HSE’s principal Expert Witness for cases involving pedestrian accidents, presenting evidence to Magistrates’ Courts, Crown Courts and at Coroner’s Inquests.

On becoming HSL’s Research Technical Leader for slips, trips and stair falls, Paul continued to lead HSL’s research into these subjects, including their input into a large pan-European research project and managing the two largest research projects into slips and falls ever undertaken by HSE. He maintained responsibility for the authorisation of HSL’s slip, trip and stair fall forensic reports and represented HSE on several British Standards Committees, taking part in the production of numerous HSE Guidance documents and National Standards (such as BS7976-2 and BS5395-1) concerning slips, trips and stair falls.

He has developed a substantial list of publications in this subject area, is a long-standing, active Member of the UK Slip Resistance Group (UKSRG) and was the Editor of Issue 5 of the UKSRG Guidelines. He is a Chartered Scientist, a Chartered Physicist and a Fellow of the Institute of Science & Technology.

Paul joined Hawkins in 2009, and is a Principal Associate and Regional Manager of our Leeds Office.

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]]> Sandra Rustomji https://www.hawkins.biz/our-experts/sandra-rustomji/ Tue, 07 Jul 2026 14:22:26 +0000 https://www.hawkins.biz/?post_type=leadership&p=47436 Sandra is a Business Development Manager at Hawkins, with experience across sales, lead generation, marketing, and client engagement within the insurance, legal, technology, and wider professional services sectors.

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She focuses on building and maintaining long-term relationships with clients and stakeholders by developing a strong understanding of their needs and connecting them with the appropriate expertise within Hawkins.

Sandra is fully bilingual in English and Spanish, enabling effective communication with a diverse range of clients and international stakeholders. She has experience working across international markets, including Europe, North America, and Latin America, within commercially driven, client-facing environments.

Her background also includes working with clients across a range of professional sectors, strengthening her ability to adapt to different industries and stakeholder requirements. She supports clients and key stakeholders by ensuring they are connected with the right experts to meet their needs.

Please contact Sandra if you have any queries or need advice on the appointment of an expert.

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]]> John Evans https://www.hawkins.biz/our-experts/john-evans/ Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:44:04 +0000 https://www.hawkins.biz/?post_type=leadership&p=43550 Hawkins experts can investigate a wide range of incidents with specialisms spanning across more than 70 different core disciplines.

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]]> Alan Harper https://www.hawkins.biz/our-experts/alan-harper/ Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:41:34 +0000 https://www.hawkins.biz/?post_type=leadership&p=43547 Hawkins experts can investigate a wide range of incidents with specialisms spanning across more than 70 different core disciplines.

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]]> Ian Major https://www.hawkins.biz/our-experts/ian-major-bristol-regional-manager/ Wed, 13 Aug 2025 07:39:20 +0000 https://www.hawkins.biz/?post_type=leadership&p=40969 Ian started his career working for Aspen Burrow Crocker on a variety of civil engineering projects. He was involved in the design of numerous highway and infrastructure schemes, waste transfer stations and the Thameslink rail project. He has also spent time supervising construction work on site including a year working at wastewater treatment plants. In 1999, Ian joined Hyder Consulting where he spent 11 years working predominantly on the design and project management of major infrastructure projects including the N5 in Ireland, the A2 widening in Kent and the A421 improvements in Bedfordshire. Ian joined Hawkins in 2010, specialising in the investigation of property damage and personal injuries involving civil engineering and building incidents. He is also an experienced fire investigator, having investigated over 200 fires including major and complex losses in domestic, commercial and industrial premises. In his specialist field of engineering, Ian has determined the causes of a wide range of losses from small domestic claims of water ingress through to catastrophic building collapses. Other examples of incidents that Ian has investigated include wall failures, subsidence, flooding and problems associated with ground-borne vibration. Much of this work has involved advising on matters in relation to the requirements of […]

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Ian started his career working for Aspen Burrow Crocker on a variety of civil engineering projects. He was involved in the design of numerous highway and infrastructure schemes, waste transfer stations and the Thameslink rail project. He has also spent time supervising construction work on site including a year working at wastewater treatment plants. In 1999, Ian joined Hyder Consulting where he spent 11 years working predominantly on the design and project management of major infrastructure projects including the N5 in Ireland, the A2 widening in Kent and the A421 improvements in Bedfordshire.

Ian joined Hawkins in 2010, specialising in the investigation of property damage and personal injuries involving civil engineering and building incidents. He is also an experienced fire investigator, having investigated over 200 fires including major and complex losses in domestic, commercial and industrial premises.

In his specialist field of engineering, Ian has determined the causes of a wide range of losses from small domestic claims of water ingress through to catastrophic building collapses. Other examples of incidents that Ian has investigated include wall failures, subsidence, flooding and problems associated with ground-borne vibration. Much of this work has involved advising on matters in relation to the requirements of Building Regulations and relevant design standards.

Ian is the Regional Manager of the Reigate office.

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]]> Sophie Parsons https://www.hawkins.biz/our-experts/sophie-parsons-rd/ Tue, 13 Feb 2024 16:45:05 +0000 https://www.hawkins.biz/?post_type=leadership&p=28265 Sophie is a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals, and Mining (MIMMM). She received her BEng and PhD (Eng) from Queen Mary College, University of London in Materials Science & Engineering. After a post-doctoral research post at Queen Mary’s, she joined LGC Forensics, UK, as a Forensic Chemist, specialising in the examination of textile fibres and polyurethane foam retrieved from crime scenes. During this time, Sophie analysed trace evidence, prepared detailed technical reports for court and presented evidence in court as a Court Reporting Officer. Following her arrival in Hong Kong, Sophie worked as a Research Fellow at City University, Kowloon Tong, developing techniques for analysing trace material evidence in crime laboratories. In 2012, Sophie joined Hawkins’ Hong Kong Office, and has since provided expertise in materials failure analysis, corrosion incidents, and contamination incidents in both the marine and land-based sectors. As a materials engineer, Sophie has conducted investigations involving the failure/corrosion of glass, ceramic, plastic and metal, and is particularly experienced at investigating lift and wire rope failures and criminal work involving trace evidence. For contamination incidents, Sophie can assist in determining the impact and extent of exposure to fresh water, salt water, […]

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Sophie is a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals, and Mining (MIMMM). She received her BEng and PhD (Eng) from Queen Mary College, University of London in Materials Science & Engineering.

After a post-doctoral research post at Queen Mary’s, she joined LGC Forensics, UK, as a Forensic Chemist, specialising in the examination of textile fibres and polyurethane foam retrieved from crime scenes. During this time, Sophie analysed trace evidence, prepared detailed technical reports for court and presented evidence in court as a Court Reporting Officer.

Following her arrival in Hong Kong, Sophie worked as a Research Fellow at City University, Kowloon Tong, developing techniques for analysing trace material evidence in crime laboratories.

In 2012, Sophie joined Hawkins’ Hong Kong Office, and has since provided expertise in materials failure analysis, corrosion incidents, and contamination incidents in both the marine and land-based sectors. As a materials engineer, Sophie has conducted investigations involving the failure/corrosion of glass, ceramic, plastic and metal, and is particularly experienced at investigating lift and wire rope failures and criminal work involving trace evidence. For contamination incidents, Sophie can assist in determining the impact and extent of exposure to fresh water, salt water, foul water, and miscellaneous substances on working components. On the marine side, Sophie is highly competent at conducting investigations involving the failure of marine coating, the liquefaction of Group A cargoes and their associated laboratory testing, as well as incidents involving cargo and hull damage. In addition to her casework, Sophie regularly presents to law firms, P&I Clubs and loss adjusting companies on materials failure analysis, corrosion, and cargo/liquefaction matters. Sophie has provided testimony as an expert witness in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the UK.

Sophie relocated to Hawkins’ London Office in 2019 and is a Principal Associate. She is available 24/7 to discuss any urgent matters.

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]]> Nico Zurcher https://www.hawkins.biz/our-experts/nico-zurcher-bdm/ Tue, 13 Feb 2024 16:43:22 +0000 https://www.hawkins.biz/?post_type=leadership&p=28263 Prior to becoming an investigator, Nico worked in a international environmental consultancy where he was involved in a number of major government marine projects in Hong Kong, as well as oil and gas, and mining projects around Asia. In 2011 he joined HFS-Asia in Hong Kong, where he worked as a fire investigator and consulting scientist. In 2015, Nico moved to London where he joined Hawkins to bolster our growing International and Shipping Incidents team. He continued investigating a broad range of land-based and marine incidents, both in the UK and internationally. He was also a member of our contamination team, taking on cases in the UK and Europe. Hawkins acquired HFS-Asia in 2016 and in 2020 Nico returned to Hong Kong to head the office he helped to build several years earlier. Nico has investigated several fires in large industrial plants, as well as in commercial and residential premises. On the marine side, he has investigated major fires on container and general cargo vessels. He has worked on numerous cases of bulk cargo spoilage, involving grains, oil seeds and seedcake. Nico has also worked on cases involving the carriage and storage of mixed chemical cargoes, and the contamination of […]

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Prior to becoming an investigator, Nico worked in a international environmental consultancy where he was involved in a number of major government marine projects in Hong Kong, as well as oil and gas, and mining projects around Asia. In 2011 he joined HFS-Asia in Hong Kong, where he worked as a fire investigator and consulting scientist. In 2015, Nico moved to London where he joined Hawkins to bolster our growing International and Shipping Incidents team. He continued investigating a broad range of land-based and marine incidents, both in the UK and internationally. He was also a member of our contamination team, taking on cases in the UK and Europe. Hawkins acquired HFS-Asia in 2016 and in 2020 Nico returned to Hong Kong to head the office he helped to build several years earlier.

Nico has investigated several fires in large industrial plants, as well as in commercial and residential premises. On the marine side, he has investigated major fires on container and general cargo vessels. He has worked on numerous cases of bulk cargo spoilage, involving grains, oil seeds and seedcake. Nico has also worked on cases involving the carriage and storage of mixed chemical cargoes, and the contamination of liquid bulk cargoes. While continuing to work in these areas, he is also developing our offering in the Environmental sector. Nico has provided technical advice notes and given presentations on loss prevention to law firms, P&I clubs and loss adjusters. He has prepared expert witness reports for use in civil litigation and has appeared in court in Thailand and in arbitration in London.

Nico is Swiss and grew up in Hong Kong. He is the Regional Director of Hawkins’ Hong Kong Office.

LANGUAGES

Nico is proficient in English and German

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]]> John Holland https://www.hawkins.biz/our-experts/john-holland-bdm/ Sat, 01 Apr 2023 09:27:54 +0000 https://www.hawkins.biz/?post_type=leadership&p=20784 An Intel scholar, John graduated with a 1st Class Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering from University College Dublin, Ireland in 2000. As part of his degree he developed an automatic moisture sensor for use in the peat industry for which he was awarded the Hewlett Packard national award for innovation in engineering. After a brief period with Schlumberger Oilfield Services in Peru, John returned to Ireland to take up a position with Teradyne Connection Systems, before joining Timoney Technology as a mechanical design engineer, where he specialised in the design and development of Hydropneumatic Suspension Systems for specialty off road vehicles. In this role he also gained considerable experience with computer aided engineering techniques such as Finite Element Analysis and Vehicle Multi-body Dynamic Analysis. John was appointed engineering manager with Timoney Technology and took over full technical responsibility for all engineering projects and products. Projects of note include the DARPA Unmanned Ground Combat Vehicle, the USMC Gladiator Tactical Unmanned Vehicle and the Timoney ADT Independent Suspension Axle System manufactured under licence by Terex Equipment Ltd. John was also involved with the Ginaf Rally Power and DeRooy race teams for the 2007 Dakar Rally and has numerous automotive suspension patents filed […]

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An Intel scholar, John graduated with a 1st Class Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering from University College Dublin, Ireland in 2000. As part of his degree he developed an automatic moisture sensor for use in the peat industry for which he was awarded the Hewlett Packard national award for innovation in engineering.

After a brief period with Schlumberger Oilfield Services in Peru, John returned to Ireland to take up a position with Teradyne Connection Systems, before joining Timoney Technology as a mechanical design engineer, where he specialised in the design and development of Hydropneumatic Suspension Systems for specialty off road vehicles. In this role he also gained considerable experience with computer aided engineering techniques such as Finite Element Analysis and Vehicle Multi-body Dynamic Analysis.

John was appointed engineering manager with Timoney Technology and took over full technical responsibility for all engineering projects and products. Projects of note include the DARPA Unmanned Ground Combat Vehicle, the USMC Gladiator Tactical Unmanned Vehicle and the Timoney ADT Independent Suspension Axle System manufactured under licence by Terex Equipment Ltd.

John was also involved with the Ginaf Rally Power and DeRooy race teams for the 2007 Dakar Rally and has numerous automotive suspension patents filed in his name.

In 2007, John joined Hawkins, and in 2016 he became the Regional Manager of our Glasgow Office. John specialises in the investigation of fires, explosions, escapes of fluid, engineering failures, personal injuries – particularly those involving plant and machinery, building damage resulting from water ingress, and road traffic accidents. His level of experience in the design of heavy-duty off-road vehicles gives him a unique insight into incidents involving HGVs.

John has a detailed knowledge of the health and safety regulatory framework in the UK and of how relevant regulations apply to the design, development, provision and use of plant and machinery in industry. Since joining Hawkins, he has investigated over 700 incidents, ranging from small domestic losses to major and complex incidents involving serious injuries and fatalities. He has produced expert reports for Pursuers and Defenders and has given expert evidence in the Court of Session and in the Sheriff Courts. He has also been appointed, via the National Crime Agency, to assist Police Scotland in criminal investigations and has prepared reports for criminal defence lawyers. He is known for his attention to detail, his pragmatic approach, and his ability to explain complex engineering matters in a way that is clear and easy for non-technical readers to understand.

John presents regularly on topics such as the forensic investigation of fires and escapes of water, as well as on health and safety related topics, at events organised by the Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters, the Chartered Insurance Institute, insurance companies and law firms.

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]]> Russ Smith https://www.hawkins.biz/our-experts/russell-smith-quality-manager/ Tue, 01 Nov 2022 11:15:28 +0000 https://www.hawkins.biz/?post_type=leadership&p=13216 After graduating, Russ was employed by the Avon & Somerset Constabulary as a Scenes of Crime Officer engaged in the forensic examination of crime scenes, including fires. In 1998 he joined the Avon & Somerset Scientific Support Fire Investigation Team specialising in arson cases. In 2000 he was promoted to Team Leader Scenes of Crime Officer, with responsibility for the coordination of the Constabulary’s response to vehicle crime, while continuing to play an active role in fire investigation. He has lectured to Police Officers, Fire Brigade personnel and Scenes of Crime Officers on subjects including the identification and preservation of evidence, scientific analysis of exhibits and the influence of DNA on crime scene examination. In 2002 Russ joined Dr J H Burgoyne & Partners LLP as a Consulting Scientist specialising in the investigation of fires and explosions. He was responsible for investigating a diverse range of incidents including small fires in domestic properties, large fires in restaurants, commercial buildings and vehicle fires. In 2005 Russ joined Hawkins, where he continues to carry out fire investigations. He is also frequently asked to provide expert assistance in criminal cases. He was Regional Manager of the Bristol Office for many years, and currently […]

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]]> After graduating, Russ was employed by the Avon & Somerset Constabulary as a Scenes of Crime Officer engaged in the forensic examination of crime scenes, including fires.

In 1998 he joined the Avon & Somerset Scientific Support Fire Investigation Team specialising in arson cases. In 2000 he was promoted to Team Leader Scenes of Crime Officer, with responsibility for the coordination of the Constabulary’s response to vehicle crime, while continuing to play an active role in fire investigation. He has lectured to Police Officers, Fire Brigade personnel and Scenes of Crime Officers on subjects including the identification and preservation of evidence, scientific analysis of exhibits and the influence of DNA on crime scene examination.

In 2002 Russ joined Dr J H Burgoyne & Partners LLP as a Consulting Scientist specialising in the investigation of fires and explosions. He was responsible for investigating a diverse range of incidents including small fires in domestic properties, large fires in restaurants, commercial buildings and vehicle fires.

In 2005 Russ joined Hawkins, where he continues to carry out fire investigations. He is also frequently asked to provide expert assistance in criminal cases. He was Regional Manager of the Bristol Office for many years, and currently serves as Quality Manager.

Russ is experienced in the litigation process, having produced reports in connection with Court Proceedings and has given evidence in Court.

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]]> Robert Edwards https://www.hawkins.biz/our-experts/robert-edwards-director/ Thu, 20 Oct 2022 17:01:50 +0000 https://www.hawkins.biz/?post_type=leadership&p=12230 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 […]

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]]> 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 investigations in a variety of domestic and industrial situations. He is experienced in the legal process and has been involved in providing independent advice in the form of verbal and written evidence in both civil and criminal cases relating to fire investigation and contamination work.

Robert is currently a Principal Associate based in the Manchester office as well as Hawkins’ Operations Director.

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