Stephen co-founded Systech International in 1991 with Mark Woodward-Smith and he is the Group's Chief Executive Officer with responsibility for all our strategic and policy matters, a role he carries out from his base in Dubai.

Stephen has over 30 years experience in the construction industry, 15 of which have been overseas.

Stephen spent the 70s and 80s developing his expertise on major construction projects in the UK as a chartered quantity surveyor, project manager and major developer before specialising in the preparation of contractual claims and dispute resolution.

Having established Systech in the UK Stephen specialised in preparing contractual claims, advising contractors on their commercial strategy in the construction, shipping, IT and transportation sectors, whilst leading a number of arbitrations for specialist contractors.

Throughout the mid 1990's Systech developed internationally to support the 'Tiger Economies' in the Asia Pacific region, opening permanent offices in Hong Kong, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

Stephen was actively involved in the commercial management and dispute resolution for Chep Lap Kok Airport, Hong Kong, MTRC Hong Kong Contracts, Kwai Chung Viaduct, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia International Airports during this period.

2000 onwards saw Stephen lead the group to expand into the Middle East and North America markets, opening regional offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Atlanta and Los Angeles as well as opening additional Asia Pacific offices in Brisbane, Tokyo and Taiwan whilst widening its reach into the Oil and Gas sectors. The rapid and sustained growth of Systech's international business led to Systech and Stephen taking the decision in 2005 that to meet the increasing global demands of the business Stephen would be based in the Middle East Head Office in Dubai, travelling regularly to all regional Head Offices.

2006 saw the appointment of key senior management from leading specialist competitors from the arena in which Systech operates, to lead and support the group's rapid international growth.

Systech operates around the whole world and in every sector, whether it is in the construction process, shipping, transportation, defence or oil and gas sectors.

Systech is now the leading provider of specialist, commercial management, claims and dispute resolution consultancy services for international contractors worldwide.

Stephen has presented papers on technical subjects to clients and industry audiences in the APAC and MEA regions and currently heads up the group based in Dubai and, with the support of the groups' regional directors, oversees the development of key client framework agreements around the world.