James Hibbert Commercial Consultant

Darren Stalker CEO:

“We are very pleased  to have James as an important member of our team so his extensive knowledge and guidance can be utilized to the benefit of our Clients and Projects generally and look forward to many years of collaboration on what will no doubt be some very interesting Projects.”

James is currently engaged on a major Pipeline Project as Deputy Contract Manager providing support on the largest Private Sector investment in Canadian history for the construction of approximately 670 kilometres of 48” welded steel pipeline through extremely mountainous terrain across Northern British Columbia, a beautiful part of the world and a great place to work and live, albeit as an avid Manchester United fan James is having to become accustomed to watching the 6am kick offs with a coffee rather than a cold beer!

The pipeline will be built to move 2.1 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d) of natural gas with the potential for delivery of up to 5 bcf/d, dependent on the number of compressor and meter facilities constructed. Notwithstanding that the pipeline is currently being constructed midst a Global Pandemic which has led to its own contractual complications, the team has faced and dealt with challenges which can be considered over and above those expected on a traditional pipeline project given the location where some of the mountains require cable crane construction and helicopter access making the terrain of the Lake District in the UK seem like gentle slopes.

Whilst challenging, the project itself is a fantastic multi-cultural experience having engaged with First Nation Indigenous and Local Communities selected as specialist Subcontract Partners to ensure that the whole communities where the pipeline is constructed are benefitting from the significant investment which is taking place and we are very proud to be involved and playing our part.

James attained a BSc in Quantity Surveying & Commercial Management whilst also undertaking duties on various gas and energy related schemes, gaining valuable practical experience, including from FSG CEO, Darren Stalker, where James benefitted from working closely with our CEO on a day to day basis dealing with the complex contractual positions that almost always arise when constructing a pipeline, many of which often do not seem apparent to those with lesser experience and ability.

That is the benefit of engaging FSG to provide Contract support, as we are adept at identifying positions that others miss, and James certainly understands and recognizes the value and importance of keeping excellent and detailed records that are essential for the identification, understanding and quantification of Change and Delays. 

“Adversity is the first path to truth.”  (Lord Byron).

When faced with often complex contractual problems, the solution must always be based on facts and the truth of the matter as you see it!

Never one to stand still, shortly after arriving in Canada James commenced a program to gain Chartership with the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (CIQS) which is the equivalent of the RICS in the UK to further enhance his technical and professional knowledge and offer even greater value to Clients.

James has experience in all contract forms, such as FIDIC, JCT and bespoke and especially the NEC suite of contracts including all transferable contracting, such as Target Cost (with Share calculation) and Reimbursable Cost.