About Hird Consulting
Hird Consulting was established in 2006. From its inception, Hird Consulting has built an enviable reputation acting for funders and investors where our approach has always been to remain focussed on the key risks to our client, whilst recognising the sensitivities of the borrower. Our primary aim is always for a project that is delivered in accordance with time and cost objectives. Our services are applied across all sectors, with projects ranging from £1 Million to over £1 Billion value..
Our Directors: Claire Hird is a Chartered Surveyor whose personal experience spans over 30 years, delivering Property Due Diligence and related services for many of the major Banks in the market. Claire has significant experience in the property development market and played a leading role in developing the due diligence business within one of the key global consultants in this market. Gareth Hird is a Chartered Surveyor with over 30 years of professional experience. He founded and oversaw the growth of the UK’s leading development monitoring and due diligence consultancy and has advised some of the world’s most respected financial institutions and funds.
Our Directors: Claire Hird is a Chartered Surveyor whose personal experience spans over 30 years, delivering Property Due Diligence and related services for many of the major Banks in the market. Claire has significant experience in the property development market and played a leading role in developing the due diligence business within one of the key global consultants in this market. Gareth Hird is a Chartered Surveyor with over 30 years of professional experience. He founded and oversaw the growth of the UK’s leading development monitoring and due diligence consultancy and has advised some of the world’s most respected financial institutions and funds.
Our experience
Extensive experience is held in:
- Small, medium and large sized residential and BTR projects.
- Single, ultra-high-end residential projects.
- Commercial office projects and mixed-use developments.
- Retail & Leisure– high street, shopping centre and out of town.
- Industrial and Manufacturing.
- Hotels.
- Senior Living and Student Accommodation.
Our services:
Project & Development Monitoring
Our monitoring service is centred on the due care and diligence requirements of funders and investors. We aim to provide the protection necessary when making property funding or investment decisions, dealing with all financial, legal and technical aspects.We review all facets of a proposed project, including the robustness of the developer’s proposals and appraisal prior to the commitment of funding.
We monitor the development throughout the pre-contract and construction stages, which invariable includes:
:
- Monitoring the closing out of statutory and technical risks.
- Monitoring progress against programme.
- Reviewing costs incurred and costs to complete, including cost overruns.
- Monitoring compliance with loan covenants.
- Scope of specification and quality.
- Approval of drawdowns.
Development Due Diligence
We provide detailed, technical due diligence analysis to purchasers of or investors in companies, single assets or portfolios of assets, where the acquisition involves a real estate development or construction project that is proposed or underway.
Our astute, confidential and expeditious service encompasses the process of evaluating the technical feasibility, specification scope & quality, financial, statutory and regulatory status of any real estate development project, offering clear and incisive advice on risk, mitigation and opportunity.
We support our clients to make a more informed decision on the transaction, to understand how potential pitfalls may be avoided and where opportunities to add value may exist.
Risk Analysis and Mitigation
Our experience and expertise give us an unparalleled ability to identify and address problems before they occur. Our advice enables clients to eliminate or mitigate the risk associated with real estate development projects. We provide clear and impartial advice and practical solutions.
Development Feasibility Analysis
We possess a wealth of experience in determining the viability of real estate development projects that are planned or underway. We provide an impartial review and assessment on the feasibility or current financial status on any construction project.
We are regularly commissioned to evaluate a proposed or ongoing development project, to determine whether it is technically feasible within the current estimated cost and to recommend alternative solutions to recover programme or financial viability.
Expert Witness
Our expert witness and litigation support services provide the technical knowledge, experience and expertise to advise those involved in pursuing or defending a claim. We provide independent, impartial and reliable evidence, advising clients, insurers and legal teams on all matters relating to the project and development monitoring service. We offer expert opinion to potential litigants, or those defending a case, on the merits of their technical case.
We are experienced in undertaking Expert Witness Reports and are familiar with the Civil Procedure Rules Part 35 Protocol.
Training
We are often called upon to deliver comprehensive training to individuals and teams on subjects relating to risk analysis and mitigation in the UK real estate development process. We have experience in coaching to enhance the knowledge and skills of fellow professionals, funders and investors in the UK and internationally.