Expert Witness Journal Issue 66 April 2026 - Flipbook - Page 52
Mr. Glenn Horton
Ms Sarah Bagnall
Consultant Fire Engineers
Materials Engineer Specialising
Chartered Fire Engineers, Chartered Members
of IFE & CABE, Prof M SFPE MEWI
in Materials Failure Analysis
First-class degree in Forensic Engineering and a Master ’s in Steel Technology
Ms Sarah Bagnall is a Materials engineer specialising in materials failure analysis
A significant portion of my workload is comprised of numerous cases involving the
use of combustible materials in the build-up of external walls, alongside other
alleged fire safety deficiencies. My instructions generally involve compliance with
guidance, regulations and contracts, organising fire tests for systems and materials.
particularly for the petrochemical, process and power generation industries.
She is currently the Director of the Consultancy Services at R-TECH Materials,
based in Port Talbot, South Wales.
Sarah has broad experience with a wide range of engineering components,
I specialise in the application of Part B of Building Regulations, the Regulatory
Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005& the design and installation of fire fighting
systems in England and Wales. Taking instruction in relation to the cause, origin and
spread of fire and have worked on a number of significant matters in this field.
metallic and non-metallic materials, and industries. She has conducted over 700
failure investigations covering both metals and polymer and composite materials.
Sarah also has specialist expertise in the thermal degradation of austenitic steels.
I have extensive experience including the preparation of reports under CPR for
Civil and Criminal cases and an extensive CV of cases and formal instructions, as
well as attendance at court, adjudications and mediations
In addition to failure analysis, her role also includes product development
support, liability concerns and general material quality issues. Sarah has
experience in a wide range of metallic materials including carbon and stainless
I have worked throughout the UK (including the Channel Isles & Scotland), Asia,
Europe and Africa. Specialising in working with clients who have fire safety issues,
whether they be civil or criminal matters.
steels, copper-based alloys, nickel-based alloys, titanium, aluminium, and
tantalum. Sarah also has experience in polymer and composite materials and
recently acted as an expert witness for the failure investigation of GRP water
Recent cases include: Provision of expert support arising out of construction
defects, exposing our client to potential prosecution due to alleged non-compliant
external wall build-up; expert reports following post-fire prosecution; application
to have a formal notice withdrawn, contractual disputes between landlords and
tenants.
tank panels.
Sarah has experience and expertise in undertaking expert witness cases, holding
the Cardiff University Bond Solon Expert Witness Civil Certificate (2022) and
serves as the Chair of the Wales & South West England branch for the Institute of
I have been involved in fire safety since 1981, initially as fire officer, then
subsequently as a fire consultant and engineer.
Corrosion. She also sits on the board of the British Stainless Steel Association. She
has published papers in 2014 and 2017.
Contact: R-TECH Materials
Tel: 01656 748 006
Email: sarah.bagnall@r-techmaterials.com
Alternate Email: info@r-techmaterials.com
R-TECH Materials, Testing House, Kenfig Industrial Estate
Contact: HH Legal Support | Telephone: +44 (0)207 193 2990
Mobile: +44 (0)797 091 4416 | Email: glennhorton@HHlegalsupport.com
Website: www.hhlegalsupport.com
MARGAM, Neath Port, SA13 2PE
Area of work: Nationwide and International
Andrew Acquier, FRICS, FNAVA
CHARTERED ARTS SURVEYOR
PROMONTORY CONSULT UK LTD
CONTRACTS MANAGEMENT, QUANTITY SURVEYING,
DELAY ANALYSIS, AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION EXPERTS
Andrew Acquier FRICS, FNAVA has been working as an
independent valuer since 1982, specialising in fine art and
antiques. Instructions for probate, divorce settlement, tax/asset
and insurance valuations as well as expert witness work are
regularly received from solicitors and other professionals.
At Promontory, we have a team of experts with extensive experience in contracts
management,
quantity
surveying,
expert
witness,
delay
analysis,
and
dispute
resolution. We have worked with clients in a variety of industries, including energy,
offshore wind, marine, oil and gas, infrastructure, transportation, and building. Our
team has the knowledge and experience to provide you with the guidance and
Andrew has many years experience of compiling reports for
litigious cases, several of which have necessitated a subsequent
court appearance as an expert witness to argue quantum.
Divorce valuations are a speciality, usually as Single Joint Expert.
He is an Associate Member of Resolution. Work is carried out
throughout the UK and abroad.
support you need to succeed.
Promontory
offers
expert
witness
services
to
clients
involved
in
construction,
engineering, and infrastructure projects. Our team of experienced professionals has
a deep understanding of the legal and regulatory framework governing construction
disputes and works closely with our clients to ensure that their interests are protected
during all stages of the dispute resolution process.
As expert witnesses, we provide our clients with objective and independent
opinions on matters related to construction disputes, including but not limited to:
Delay and disruption claims
Quality of workmanship claims
Contract interpretation
Cost claims
23 York Street
Broadstairs
Kent
CT10 1PB
Defective design claims
Industry standards and practices
Contact: Promontory Consult UK Ltd
Tel: (London Office) +44 (0)7591 16 61 42 - Alt Tel: +44 (0)7938 85 15 26 )
Mobile: +44 (0)7771 992653
Tel: 0207 353 6440
Mobile: 07760 768 416
Email: andrew@andrewacquier.co.uk
Website: www.andrewacquier.co.uk
Email: t.patrick@promontoryconsult.com - Alt Email: info@promontoryconsult.com
Website: www.promontoryconsult.com
Address: Unit 711 JQ Modern, 120 Vyse St, Hockley, Birmingham, B18 6NF
Alternate Address: Unit 752 JQ Modern, London, SW1W 0AU
Area of work: Nationwide and Worldwide
EXPERT WITNESS JOURNAL
50
APRIL 2026