HKA, a leading global consultancy in risk mitigation, dispute resolution, expert witness and litigation support services, announces the appointment of two new Directors — Stephen Neilson, Technical Director (Forensic Technical Services), and Jon Chan, Director (Construction Claims Expert – Delay).

Steve began his career as a Quantity Surveyor in 1993, gaining extensive experience working across the UK, including London, on fast-track turnkey and refurbishment projects. He later oversaw large-scale construction projects and interior contracting in a Principal Contracting role in Scotland. His work spans the entire project lifecycle, from inception to completion, with a strong emphasis on regulatory compliance and minimising legislative risk for clients, including dispute resolution, negotiation, and strategy.

In 2002, he founded the Make It Worksmart Group, where he served as Co-owner and Managing Director for two decades. Under his leadership, the group secured and delivered projects worth over £100 million throughout the UK and Europe, including many award-winning initiatives across diverse market sectors. Steve is actively involved with the FIS, the Finishes & Interior Sector body, serving as Senior Judge and Committee Member for the FIS Scottish Awards. He also sits on the FIS Scottish Awards Committee and conducts Contracting Member Site Vetting and Auditing for the FIS.

With over three decades of hands-on experience in large- and medium-scale interior refurbishments and fit-outs across the UK and Europe, Steve has developed a notable reputation in the UK construction market and extends his expertise to the structural integrity of buildings, with particular focus on fire safety compliance and RAAC issues.

We’re excited to welcome Steve to HKA and thrilled to have him as part of the team. His wealth of experience in project delivery, fire safety, and structural integrity will be invaluable to our clients and projects, and we’re looking forward to seeing the positive impact his expertise will have on our business.”

Bill Haggart, Partner and Building Division Lead

Jon Chan is a Chartered Engineer with over a decade of experience in the design, procurement, and management of engineering and construction projects across Europe, the UK, the Middle East, Mexico, and West Africa. Beginning his career as a Structural Engineer in the energy sector, Jon advanced to construction management on major EPCI projects worldwide. His extensive on-site experience includes the construction of offshore structures and pipelines in Porto Amboim, Angola, where he oversaw planning, fabrication, coating, inspection, testing, and offshore transportation of oil and gas structures.

Jon’s technical expertise is further enriched by consulting work, with a firm foundation in structural analysis and design of offshore sub-sea structures and pipelines. Jon is skilled in the analysis of delay, identification of the critical path, and independently managing complex engagements from start to finish, including supporting legal teams and counsel during arbitration hearings.

“With Jon’s extensive background in engineering, project management, and arbitration support across diverse sectors, we’re excited about the value he will bring to our clients and team alike. His ability to tackle complex projects and deliver clear, insightful communication will be a tremendous asset as we continue to drive excellence in all that we do.”

Michelle Metz, Partner and Delay Lead

Jon brings expertise and project experience in delay analysis and project management for adjudication and arbitration proceedings with experience spanning sectors, including power, healthcare, commercial, residential, industrial, and retail. His approach fosters transparency, builds client confidence, and allows for informed decision-making at every stage of a project.

Media Contact:

Name	Suzanne Rayson
Title	Marketing & Communications Director, Europe
Number	+44 7540 693 335
Email	SuzanneRayson@hka.com