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News and Information
New Webmaster
We now have a new Webmaster, David Simmonds, looking after the South East branch's website at www.arbitrate.org.uk
By profession, David is an electrical engineer with his own fire protection business, engaged in the installation of fire detection, alarm and suppression systems. Being closely allied to the construction industry, he finds that disputes are, sadly, more common than not. David is actively involved with his trade association, the BFPSA (British Fire Protection Systems Association) and would like to become involved in ADR within his industry.
David's company got into difficulty in the mid-nineties with a main contractor who did not like parting with his money. He entered into arbitration with the contractor and, four years later, had a dozen or more awards and a large cheque under his belt, thanks largely to the efforts of Roderick O'Driscoll, his advocate. By this time, David had become hooked on the concept of alternative dispute resolution and decided, with Roderick's support, to join the Institute. With the knowledge he had gained on the 'wrong side of the fence', so to speak, David passed the entry examination with ease and, when time permits, hopes to move on to complete the institute's examination courses.
As far as web authoring is concerned, it is strictly a hobby, instigated some years ago when David created a site for his own company. Since than he has created several other sites and, eager to help the Branch in any way possible, offered 'to help' Robin Orme with the quarterly web site updates. Having poked his head above the parapet, of course, it was natural for Robin to bestow upon David the title of branch Webmaster, saying that, apart from the updates, "there is not a great deal to do".
(Editor's note - I was caught like that too!)
David has spent some time redesigning the site. In addition he has moved it to a more up to date server, with more flexibility and many facilities that should make our site more interesting to members and visitors alike. Further development is ongoing, which we hope to announce in future issues of News and Views. But that is for the future. For now, David hopes that everybody will enjoy the new look and welcomes any ideas for further improvement. He can be contacted at: david.simmonds@arbitrate.org.uk