Halliwell Forensics Welcomes Geoffrey Hunt and Partners Team
Move will see specialist forensic investigation firms joining forces to create a network of five UK offices and expanded lab facilities
LONDON – SEPTEMBER 2023: Independent forensic investigation business Halliwell Forensics, is embarking upon its next stage of growth with the addition of the team and assets of specialist forensic investigation firm Geoffrey Hunt & Partners LLP (GHP). The move comes just over a year after the launch of Halliwell Forensics in the United Kingdom and Ireland in June 2022.
Founded in the 1960s, GHP has built a strong reputation as one of the UK’s leading forensic investigation firms, offering a full-service engineering and scientific platform for insurance and legal clients. The entire team has now joined forces with Halliwell Forensics, bringing a breadth of experience in causation determination and deep expertise in fire, mechanical, electrical and materials forensic engineering.
Partners Cliff Christie and Jan Graham have both joined Halliwell Forensics as Directors, alongside a team of Senior Associates. Reporting to Managing Director Lee Masson, both specialise in a broad range of investigatory and forensic services. Cliff’s background includes five years with the Home Office Forensic Science Service, and whilst at GHP he has been involved in many of the highest profile fire investigations in the UK. Jan began his career in 1985 at British Aerospace, thereafter, moving to Imperial College London, joining GHP in 1997.
Halliwell Forensics was formed in June 2022 and offers international forensic investigation services to loss adjusters, insurance companies, P&I clubs, solicitors, and corporate clients, with a focus on complex, commercial and specialty markets.
The combined business will offer expertise across a broader range of technical forensic investigations, via an expanded office network with locations in London, Bath, Runcorn, and Dumfries, alongside additional lab facilities.
As part of the Halliwell group of companies, the business will also collaborate with international counterparts in the USA, Australia, and New Zealand. Halliwell offers comprehensive loss consulting services across the globe, including engineering, forensic investigation and construction consulting to corporations, insurance companies, law firms and government agencies. In June, Halliwell launched its Australia & New Zealand offering following the acquisition and rebrand of Australian outfit GKA Investigations Group (GKA), and most recently Fire Research Group (FRG) in New Zealand.
Lee Masson, Managing Director, Halliwell Forensics: “We are building a team of highly experienced forensic investigators. Since launching Halliwell Forensics we’ve seen a huge demand for a national network of specialists, technically competent investigators with an in depth understanding of the insurance and legal sectors. We are delighted to be joining forces with GHP and welcome Cliff, Jan and the team who are all hugely respected in the market and bring additional expertise in electrical, mechanical and materials forensic investigation.”
Cliff Christie, Director, Halliwell Forensics: “Halliwell Forensics has made a significant mark since its launch last year. When presented with this opportunity to join forces with Lee and his team, we saw a huge opportunity for us to rapidly grow both our UK and international client base. Whilst many of the forensic investigation firms are small outfits or individual consultants, we are growing a nationwide network with the ambition to be the best provider of technical forensic investigations.”