Commercial & Contracts Consultancy · Major Construction
Commercial outcomes, engineered.
HB&S Industries is a boutique commercial and contracts consultancy for major construction — infrastructure and buildings. We bring genuine engineering depth to contract negotiation and administration, and above all to the development, substantiation and resolution of commercial claims.
Why HB&S
A commercial expert who understands the engineering underneath
Most commercial specialists understand what a claim is. Far fewer understand what makes one strong — the design changes, site conditions, sequencing pressures and delivery realities that sit beneath entitlement and quantum. HB&S Industries was founded on that difference.
Principal Josh Ashdown is a Bachelor-qualified civil engineer who has delivered major infrastructure in the field, managed projects end to end, and run their full commercial and contract functions — for head contractors and subcontractors alike, upstream and downstream. The result is advice that doesn't just cite the contract: it understands the work, and what will stand up in front of the other side.
Both sides of the table
Experience on the principal contractor side and the subcontractor side, in the field and in the commercial office. We know what clients expect — and what it takes to meet those expectations while protecting your position.
Claims built to hold up
We build claims that are strong, robust and defensible — with entitlement, causation and quantum substantiated to withstand scrutiny from the other side.
Carried through to resolution
Preparing the claim is half the job. We drive the negotiation strategy from your side of the table — and when you want us in the room, we're there.
Services
Commercial support across the life of the contract
From the terms you sign to the claims you settle, HB&S Industries supports principals, head contractors and subcontractors at every point in the contractual chain.
Contract negotiation & establishment
Negotiating terms and risk allocation, and setting the contract up properly before it's signed.
Contract administration
Establishing the standard contractual documentation your entitlements depend on — notices, payment claims, variations and more.
Commercial claims substantiation
Developing and substantiating claims with the technical rigour that makes them strong, robust and defensible.
Claims & disputes negotiation and resolution
Shaping the negotiation strategy behind every claim, and driving it through to a resolved commercial outcome.
Strategic commercial advisory
Ongoing guidance on managing commercial relationships across the contractual chain.
Track record
Experience where the stakes are highest
Josh's background spans some of Australia's most significant infrastructure — from multi-billion-dollar programs like WestConnex NewM5, Sydney Gateway and the Sydney Metro Central Station Upgrade, through to dam safety upgrades, live motorway works and data centre construction.
That experience was earned working with and alongside Tier 1 contractors, major subcontractors and private clients — across road and motorway, tunnelling, rail and metro, station upgrades, dams and water, data centres and buildings.
Have a claim to build — or defend?
Whether you're a specialist subcontractor or a Tier 1 principal contractor, HB&S Industries can help you reach the commercial outcome your work deserves. The first conversation is free and confidential.
Get in touch