Independent Commercial Assurance for Major Infrastructure Projects
About Us
Independent Commercial Assurance for Complex Infrastructure Projects
At Fire Horse26, we believe successful projects are built on more than technical excellence—they rely on strong commercial governance, transparent decision-making and robust contractual management.
Founded by Lauren du Preez, Fire Horse26 was established to provide independent commercial assurance and strategic advice to organisations delivering complex construction and infrastructure projects. With more than 24 years of experience in quantity surveying, commercial management and NEC contracts, we understand the commercial challenges faced by clients, contractors and specialist subcontractors throughout the project lifecycle.
Our purpose is simple: to help organisations protect value, improve commercial performance and make informed decisions with confidence.
Why Fire Horse26 Was Formed
Throughout our experience on major infrastructure programmes, we identified a recurring challenge. Organisations often rely on internal commercial teams or delivery partners to manage and verify costs, yet there is limited independent assurance that commercial processes are operating consistently and in accordance with contractual requirements.
This can lead to:
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Reduced commercial transparency.
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Inaccurate or unsupported cost recovery.
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Weak commercial governance.
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Contractual ambiguity.
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Missed opportunities to improve commercial performance.
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Increased risk of disputes and unexpected final account outcomes.
FireHorse26 was created to bridge that gap by providing independent, objective commercial advice that strengthens governance, improves transparency and helps clients maximise value for money.
What We Do
We provide specialist commercial assurance and advisory services across every stage of a project, including:
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Commercial Review Audits
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Commercial Assurance Audits
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Commercial Overhead & Rate Audits
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Contract Provisions Reviews
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NEC Commercial Support
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Compensation Event and Defined Cost Reviews
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Commercial Advisory Membership
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Project-Specific Commercial Consultancy
Our role is not to replace your existing commercial team. Instead, we work alongside clients, contractors and supply chains, providing independent expertise that supports better commercial decision-making and strengthens confidence in project delivery.
The Industries We Support
Fire Horse26 works with organisations delivering complex projects across a range of sectors, including:
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Aviation and Airports
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Infrastructure
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Rail
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Highways
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Utilities
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Energy
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Commercial and Industrial Developments
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Public Sector Capital Programmes
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Building and Civil Engineering
Our experience in live operational environments means we understand the pressures of delivering projects safely, efficiently and with minimal disruption, while maintaining strong commercial control.
Who We Help
Our services are designed to support:
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Airport operators
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Infrastructure owners
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Tier 1 contractors
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Specialist subcontractors
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Developers
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Public sector organisations
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Programme and project management teams
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Commercial and procurement professionals
Whether you require an independent review of a live project, support with commercial governance, assistance in strengthening contract provisions or ongoing commercial mentoring, FireHorse26 provides practical, commercially focused solutions tailored to your organisation's needs.
The Fire Horse26 Difference
We believe commercial assurance should deliver more than compliance. It should create confidence.
Our independent approach helps clients:
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Improve commercial governance.
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Increase transparency across the supply chain.
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Strengthen commercial controls and contract administration.
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Maximise recovery of contractual entitlement.
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Reduce exposure to commercial risk.
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Improve the accuracy of forecasting and final accounts.
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Make informed decisions backed by experienced commercial advice.
Every recommendation we make is practical, objective and focused on achieving better commercial outcomes.
Our Commitment
At Fire Horse26, we are committed to helping organisations deliver projects with confidence.
By combining extensive commercial experience with an independent perspective, we help our clients strengthen governance, protect value and achieve successful project outcomes—before, during and after contract award.
Commercial Confidence. Independent Assurance. Better Outcomes.
Meet Lauren du Preez
Founder and Director of Fire Horse26 Ltd
Lauren du Preez is a commercially focused Quantity Surveyor and Associate Director with more than 25 years of experience across aviation, infrastructure, real estate, retail, healthcare and mixed-use developments, with project values ranging from £500,000 to £2 billion. Her career has been built around commercial risk management, cost assurance, contract administration, claims, dispute resolution and the recovery of complex or challenged projects.
Lauren has extensive experience working with NEC and JCT contracts and has led commercial teams on major live infrastructure projects, including the £45 million Gatwick Baggage Framework and the £83 million Gatwick Pier Extension.
Her work has included commercial audits, forecasting, change control, cost reporting, supply-chain reviews, contractual compliance and advising senior stakeholders on commercial exposure and recovery strategy.
Her experience also includes leading complex negotiations, insurance matters and adjudications.
She combines practical project experience with a strong understanding of construction law, holding an LLM in Construction Law, Adjudication and Arbitration, together with ISO 9001 internal auditor training.
Lauren founded FireHorse26 to provide clients, contractors and specialist subcontractors with access to experienced, independent commercial advice. Her aim is to help organisations identify risk earlier, strengthen commercial governance, improve cost transparency and make better-informed decisions throughout the project lifecycle.
Her approach is practical, objective and commercially focused. Rather than offering generic advice, Lauren works closely with each client to understand the project, contract and commercial pressures involved, providing clear recommendations that can be applied in practice.