Tony Sykes is a distinguished technology expert, specialising in information technology (IT), software, telecommunications, microelectronics, and electrical engineering. With over 40 years of experience in the design, development and testing of hardware and software products and systems, he provides a full range of expert advice, consultancy and expert witness services and is regularly instructed by international law firms, loss adjusters and insurers. A highly accredited court expert, Tony has provided evidence in international tribunals, arbitrations, adjudications, and High Court cases usually in the Technology and Construction Court (TCC). Tony holds a BSc Honours degree in Electrical Engineering. He is a Chartered Electrical Engineer and a Chartered IT Professional. He is a Member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology. Tony is a leading figure in professional circles – a practising Fellow of the Academy of Experts; a member of the Academy of Expert’s Council and a Member of the British Computer Society. Tony is also a member of the Society for Computers and Law, and a founding, committee member of the Society for Computers and Law IT Disputes Group.
Representative engagements:
- Acting as an advisory expert to assist Sandwell Council to exit a £300M outsourcing agreement with BT.
- Expert technology advisory services for a US$60m dispute relating to the implementation of an SAP enterprise resource planning software system at a major UK media and broadcasting corporation.
- Appointed by a larger automobile distributor in the Middle East to help negotiate a major Oracle licensing dispute following an LMS audit.
- Appointed as IT expert in a major arbitration relating to a US$1bn IT dispute centred on the failure of a US$3.75bn patient care records system.
- Instructed in a large arbitration in Australia involving software integration in a newbuild hospital.
- Instructed for a large news/ media organisation in the Middle East in a dispute over a multi $M tech. refresh project. Evidence given in the arbitration in the IDRC in London.
- Instructed for a large oil refinery in the Far East. Evidence given in the arbitration in the SIAC (Singapore).
- Instructed to provide expert opinion on software licensing and to assist insurers prior to settlement following an alleged breach of warranties resulting from the acquisition of a telecommunications business by another multi-national telecommunications company.
- Instructed to provide IT and project delivery expert witness services in the case of David MacBrayne Ltd v Atos IT Services (UK) Ltd, held before the Outer House of the Scottish Court of Session.
- Appointed to provide expert determination for an automotive distributor based in the Middle East and its South African SAP implementation partner. Completion of a US$100m SAP platform solution required continuous progress monitoring and reporting on delays due to resourcing and scope changes.
- Technology advisory services in support of a European consortium engaged in a dispute relating to the commissioning of an open road tolling project in Southern Africa.
- Appointed by an international loss adjuster to provide opinions on clauses in policies covering cyber loss and data loss. Led several assignments looking at the sources of ransomware attacks and providing opinion on the suitability of the mitigation processes and system security improvements.
References
- Who’s Who Legal – Data 2020: Tony Sykes is deemed a “master of his subject” and “very knowledgeable” with “years of experience”. Sources notes his “ability to express himself with great clarity”.
- Who’s Who Legal – Data 2022: Tony Sykes is a Thought Leader in Data.
- Who’s Who Legal – Data 2022: Tony Sykes is a Global Leader – Consulting Experts: Digital and Data.
- Simon Konsta – Partner, Clyde & Co: "I instructed Tony Sykes as an expert witness in regards to a SAP matter. I found Tony to be extremely proficient and knowledgeable in the case matter and found his report to be very informative and to the point in regards to the key findings”.
- HHJ Grant – Frontier Systems Ltd Trading as Voiceflex -v- Frip Finishing Ltd [2014] EWHC 1907 (TCC): “I prefer Mr Sykes’ opinion on this issue” [how hackers gained access to a VOIP PBX].
- HHJ Toulmin – Kingsway Hall Hotel -v- Red Sky IT [2010] EWHC 965: “In general I find Mr Sykes' evidence is to be preferred to Mr XXXXX in areas where they disagreed.”
- HHJ Thornton – Autoroute Circuits (Roger Benfield) -v- Life Racing Limited [2007] EWHC 1505: “An overall assessment of all this material led me unhesitatingly to conclude that, on any relevant dispute of technical detail or professional opinion, Mr Sykes’ evidence was to be preferred to Dr XXXXXXX."
- HHJ Bowsher – Sam Business Systems -v- Hedley & Co. [2002] EWHC 2733: "I preferred the evidence of Mr. Sykes as more measured and temperate."
- Tim Ashdown – Partner, DMH Stallard: “Tony is a consummate professional. I have worked closely with him in the resolution of complex IT disputes and his expert input has been invaluable, not only to me but the paying client.”
- Lorenzo Scarabellotto – Loss Adjuster, FM Global: “As a loss adjuster working for a property insurance, I hired Tony Sykes on a number of high-profile industrial losses as an IT and electronic technologies consultant, to assess damage, reparability, repair vs replace valuation, source possible suppliers, etc. His responsiveness, technical knowledge, flexibility to adapt to various scenarios, understanding of our needs and results on the field, make him a very valuable consultant.”
- Gerald O’Mahoney – Partner, O’Mahoney St John Solicitors: “I instructed Tony Sykes in a large High Court litigation involving electronics and software. His expertise and clear presentation of evidence during cross-examination were essential in a difficult and complex trial lasting many weeks. I would recommend Tony in any IT or electronics case involving fitness for purpose or intellectual property dispute.”
Member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology. Tony is a leading figure in professional circles – a practising Fellow of the Academy of Experts; a member of the Academy of Expert’s Council and a Member of the British Computer Society. Tony is also a member of the Society for Computers and Law, and a founding, committee member of the Society for Computers and Law IT Disputes Group.
