Hawkins welcomed clients from Crawfords to our Bristol office for an engaging and informative “Forensic Fun Day”, focused on key developments in fire investigation and emerging risks associated with modern technologies. 

The event delivered a practical and insightful exploration of lithium-ion battery technology, an area of growing importance due to its widespread use in electric transport, portable electronics, and energy storage systems. 

The day began with an introduction from Regional Manager Ian Major, who presented a series of real-world case studies and video footage highlighting fires involving lithium-ion batteries. Examples included incidents linked to improperly disposed waste, e-bikes, and e-scooters, illustrating the diverse risks posed by these technologies. 

Fire and explosions expert Lucy Pinkard followed with a detailed forensic overview of lithium-ion batteries, explaining both their advantages and inherent hazards. While their high energy density drives widespread adoption, she outlined how faults such as separator failure can lead to short circuits and thermal runaway. Delegates were guided through battery construction, common cell types, and the progression of failure events, from self-heating and pressure build-up to venting, ignition, and fire spread. She also highlighted key causes of failure, including manufacturing defects, mechanical damage, poor design, and unsafe user practices, noting that incidents most frequently occur during charging. A case study involving an e-scooter fire demonstrated how incompatible charging equipment and aftermarket modifications can significantly increase risk. 

Fire and chemistry expert Paul Willis provided an accessible introduction to lithium-ion battery chemistry, covering common cell types including lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC). He explained how lithium ions are stored within materials rather than as pure metal, and discussed degradation processes such as dendrite formation. His session also addressed the hazardous by-products generated during battery failure, including flammable and toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and hydrogen fluoride, as well as harmful residues, emphasising the importance of appropriate safety measures during fire investigation. 

The focus then shifted to large-scale applications, with Electrical Engineer Jack Holderness presenting on Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). He outlined their increasing role in enabling renewable energy integration and supporting net zero targets by storing and redistributing electricity to meet demand. While highlighting their benefits, he also explored associated challenges, including system reliability, operational faults, and the evolving regulatory landscape. Case studies demonstrated how issues such as inadequate monitoring or suppression systems can lead to fire, explosion, or contamination, particularly as adoption accelerates across grid-scale, industrial and domestic settings. 

Overall, the event provided Crawfords attendees with a comprehensive overview of lithium-ion battery risks, from fundamental principles through to complex energy storage applications. It reinforced the importance of understanding rapidly evolving technologies and their implications for fire investigation and safety. 

Hawkins looks forward to hosting further collaborative events, bringing together industry expertise and clients to explore the challenges shaping the future of forensic investigation. 

Hawkins and A Lamb Associates (ALA) recently welcomed clients, colleagues and guests to their Summer Boat Party on the iconic Lake Windermere.

The event marked both ALA’s continued success and the one-year anniversary of them joining the Hawkins group. This milestone reflects the successful integration of complementary expertise, strengthening Hawkins’ combined quantum, delay and forensic service offering.

Guests gathered at the Belsfield Hotel in Bowness, where the evening began with a relaxed drinks reception overlooking the lake. From there, attendees enjoyed a stroll through the hotel’s gardens to the shoreline, where a privately chartered steamer awaited.

Boarding a classic 1930s vessel, guests enjoyed a leisurely cruise across Windermere. The evening featured live music, freshly prepared food and an open bar, providing a vibrant yet relaxed setting for networking as the boat sailed through the heart of the Lake District.

Hawkins Group is pleased to announce its expansion into Australia with the establishment of a new Melbourne presence through its specialist commercial consultancy, A Lamb Associates (ALA).

This development marks an important step in the Group’s international growth strategy, strengthening its ability to support clients across key global markets and enhancing its presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

ALA will deliver specialist commercial management, quantity surveying, and dispute resolution services to clients across Australia, providing local expertise backed by the strength and experience of the wider Hawkins Group.

Tom Lamb, Director at A Lamb Associates, commented:

“Expanding into Australia has been a long-term ambition for ALA. We have seen increasing demand for our expertise in the region, and establishing a presence in Melbourne is a natural progression for the business. This move allows us to support our clients more effectively on the ground while continuing to grow our international footprint.”

The Melbourne presence will be led by Zac Oliver, who returns to his hometown following two years in ALA’s London office. Zac will play a key role in establishing and growing ALA’s operations in the Australian market.

Zac Oliver added:

“It’s an exciting time to be launching ALA’s presence in Australia. The construction and infrastructure market here is strong, with a considerable project pipeline, particularly across civil, pipelines, and major projects, exactly where our expertise adds the most value. There is also growing uptake of NEC contracts, where our hands-on experience in contract administration will be of real benefit. I’m looking forward to building relationships and supporting clients across the region.”

The expansion into Australia further strengthens the Hawkins Group’s global network, reinforcing its position as a leading provider of expert services to the built environment worldwide.

From July to September 2026, join experts from across Hawkins as they host our Escapes of Water, Oil and Gas webinar series.

This series will cover a range of topics, including damage to pipes caused by sub-zero weather, press fitting failures, property damage due to damp in buildings, oil leaks, and soil escapes.

For webinar details and to register, please see below.

If you would like further information on each webinar before registering, simply click on the titles. Our Events page provides details of other Hawkins events you may find of interest.

Hawkins Built Environment experts recently delivered a presentation at the Crawfords MCL Surveyors Technical Forum, providing attendees with a detailed look at the forensic investigation of property damage claims linked to extreme weather and structural loading.

The session was led by Jamie Paterson, Jack Allison and Simon Bateman, who shared their combined expertise through a series of case studies examining storm-related damage, snow loading, and subsidence.

The presentation explored how forensic engineering principles are applied to determine the root cause of structural failures, with particular emphasis on distinguishing between sudden, insurable events and gradual deterioration. Using real-world examples, they demonstrated how factors such as snow loads, wind forces, water ingress, and pre-existing defects can interact to compromise buildings in complex insurance claims.

Jamie explored cases involving snow loading, highlighting the challenges in assessing claims where data may be limited and conditions vary significantly. He emphasised the importance of comparing observed conditions against design standards and assessing whether structural capacity may have been reduced over time due to maintenance issues or degradation.

Simon presented case studies on storm damage and rainwater ingress, illustrating how detailed investigations, often incorporating historical records, site inspections and aerial imagery, can reveal whether weather events alone were responsible or whether underlying weaknesses in the structure played a key role.

Jack concluded with a subsidence-focused case study, demonstrating how forensic analysis can establish the timing and progression of damage, which is critical when determining policy response. His presentation highlighted the importance of historical evidence and site conditions in distinguishing between ongoing ground movement and newly occurring damage.

A consistent theme throughout the session was that successful claims investigation relies on a thorough understanding of both external forces and the internal structural condition, alongside the ability to interpret multiple sources of evidence. The forum provided an opportunity for surveyors and insurance professionals to gain practical insight into how forensic investigations support decision-making in complex claims.

If you would like one of our experts to investigate a case or present to your organisation, please contact us.  

Hawkins is proud to celebrate a remarkable milestone as Helen Child marks 20 years of dedicated service.

Reflecting on her journey, Helen said:
“I started at Hawkins when the Reigate office consisted of just two investigators. Looking back two decades later, and seeing it grow to a team of 29 today, is incredibly rewarding.”

Over the past 20 years, Helen has been a central part of the office’s growth and day-to-day success. Her role has evolved alongside Hawkins, and she credits the variety and constant challenge of the work as a key reason for her long-standing commitment. Helen provides vital support to our road traffic collision investigators, including formatting and issuing reports, downloading document bundles from solicitors, preparing quotes, responding to enquiries, keeping track of deadlines, arranging vehicle examinations, and liaising with solicitors.

“This job has been a gift; no two days are the same, and the sheer talent of my colleagues never ceases to amaze me. Watching them solve complex puzzles from the smallest clues has been an education in itself. I’m so thankful to Hawkins for taking a chance on me to get Reigate off the ground.”

Of course, no 20-year career would be complete without a few memorable moments.
“I’ll never forget the irony of our garden firework display. We nearly gave ourselves a very ‘on brand’ investigation by almost burning down the office next door!”

Helen’s dedication, humour, and unwavering support have made her an invaluable part of Hawkins for two decades. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and thanks to Helen for her outstanding contribution, and look forward to many more years ahead.

Hawkins was well represented at this year’s Asia-Pacific Claims Convention in Phuket, with colleagues contributing technical expertise, strengthening industry relationships, and highlighting our capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region.

David Reid Rowland, a Mechanical Engineer based in the Hawkins Singapore office, delivered a presentation titled Understanding Escape of Water Incidents. His session provided a comprehensive overview of the causes, impacts, investigation methods, and strategies for the mitigation and prevention of such events.

Hawkins was pleased to attend the FUEDI conference in Rotterdam, where Forensic Engineer Jari Capassi delivered an engaging presentation. During the session, Jari highlighted Hawkins’ extensive capabilities in fire investigation, showcasing our multidisciplinary approach in determining the root causes of complex fire incidents, whilst addressing the environmental impact they can also bring.

Every fire releases significant quantities of carbon dioxide (CO₂), toxic gases, soot, and particulate matter into the atmosphere, directly contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, environmental contamination, and global warming.

Traditionally, fire investigations have focused on determining the origin and cause of an incident for legal, insurance, or operational purposes. Today, however, forensic engineering is evolving into something broader: a strategic tool capable of driving loss prevention and reducing the environmental impact of fires.

Every fire investigation provides important technical data. Through the reconstruction of the ignition sequence, the analysis of fire development and spread, and the identification of the mechanisms that allowed escalation, investigators can identify systemic weaknesses within facilities and organisations. These may include:

Adam Barrow from our RTC team has been featured in the latest edition of Expert Witness journal, contributing an article that examines the increasing role of vehicle‑borne digital data in road traffic collision investigations. Adam is an Associate in our London office.

In the article, Fraud or Force: Using Objective Crash Data in Personal Injury Claims, Adam explores the use of Event Data Recorders (EDRs) and how they are reshaping best practice for insurers, solicitors and expert witnesses. Drawing on real‑world case examples, he explains how EDR data can provide objective insight into vehicle speed, braking, restraint use and crash dynamics, often proving critical in establishing liability, challenging inconsistent accounts, and identifying fraudulent or exaggerated claims. Adam discusses how EDR evidence can support injury causation and biomechanical analysis when interpreted alongside physical vehicle damage and medical evidence.

The article highlights the importance of early action where digital vehicle data may be available. Adam outlines a practical framework for identifying whether EDR data is likely to exist, ensuring appropriately qualified experts are instructed, and preserving the relevant control modules before vehicles are disposed of or data is overwritten. The article also underlines that, while digital data should not be viewed in isolation, it can significantly strengthen investigations when combined with traditional forensic methods. As Adam notes, digital data can also be vital in determining occupant injury causation and the biomechanics of road collisions.

Adam is a road traffic collision reconstruction expert with over 13 years of experience. Holding degrees in Biomedical Sciences and Biomechanics from the University of Manchester, he has a deep understanding of crash dynamics and injury mechanisms. Adam previously led the Collision Research team at the UK’s Transport Research Laboratory, managing the award-winning National Highways Fatality Research Programme, and later contributed to major safety initiatives at WSP, including Smart Motorway upgrades. His expertise spans collision analysis, vehicle safety, injury biomechanics, and road system safety.

Read the full article on page 30-34 of Expert Witness Journal here.