SVM Associates

SVM Associates, is expert in building services projects, whether it be a vertical transportation installation, a mechanical or electrical service or a facilities maintenance package. SVMA also has the expertise to provide the Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), Display Energy Certificates (DECs) and Air Conditioning Surveys that are required under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).

Our experts include;

Colin Craney has forty-seven years lift, escalator and machinery industry experience in engineering, management, consulting and dispute resolution. Qualified lift engineer, UK Chartered Engineer and European Engineer and Fellow of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers.

Chartered Safety and Health Professional and CMIOSH. Registered Consultant under the HSE OSHCR Register to provide professional H&S advice.

Barrister (non-practising) and Accredited Mediator in relation to the determination, resolution and Mediation of commercial, construction, engineering and maintenance contract and lease related disputes. Colin has extensive experience and knowledge of current and historical lift industry designs, operating practises and management processes, together with knowledge of European and international lift and escalator safety codes and standards and statutory requirements.

Colin is experienced in preparing expert witness reports and in court work in the following areas; accident/incident investigation, dispute resolution, health and safety, design & management, equipment survey and condition reporting, project management, contractor management, equipment design assessment, regulatory compliance assessment (Lifts and Machinery Directives, PUWER and LOLER), Authorising Engineer under NHS HTM08-02 and Principal Designer under CDM 2015.

Expert witness appointments on behalf of Claimant/Prosecution and Defendant in civil and criminal cases and in Coroners Courts, together with Arbitration, Adjudication, Mediation and Expert Determination, and as a negotiator in relation to the resolution of contract, commercial, construction, insurance and landlord and tenant disputes.

Please see Colin's C.V. for further information.

John Newbold CEng MIET, John is a Director and co-owner of SVM Associates and so is responsible for commercial and operational performance of the practise. He is also functional head of SVMA’s lift and escalator engineering department. John is a Chartered Engineer and a member of the I.E.T.

Previously, John developed a maintenance routine for new lifts which was adopted by Otis UK. John’s particular talent for working with lift control systems led to development of a microprocessor based diagnostic tool used for fault finding on lift control panels.

Please see Johns' C.V. for further information.

Jim Hamilton, CEng MCIBSE MIMechE Bsc (Hons), Jim is an Associate within the Birmingham office and has been with SVMA for over 14 years.

Jim has wide ranging experience in the field of Facilities Management, Design and Site Supervisory duties for engineering services within buildings built up from over 35 years within the construction industry. Jim also acts as an Expert Witness in electrical and mechanical matters.

Jim started his career as a mechanical apprentice within the British Steel Corporation. From here Jim moved to the Property Services Agency, working within the District Works Office dealing with all aspects of M&E facilities management. He progressed to be an M&E Design Engineer with responsibility for the design, specification, supervision, project management and commissioning of new build and refurbishment projects within the Scottish Design Office, which included office and MoD establishments.

Please see Jims' C.V. for further information.

Chartered Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArB), Chartered Management Institute (CMI), Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register (OSHCR)