At a glance

Dalcour Maclaren has appointed Mike Kelly as Director of Growth to enhance its Environment & Planning services and provide comprehensive support to energy and infrastructure developers. This expansion aims to offer a unified service across the entire project lifecycle, from site selection to delivery, helping clients address environmental and planning challenges early on. The move is part of Dalcour Maclaren's strategy to strengthen its capabilities and improve client support.

Specialist utilities and infrastructure consultancy Dalcour Maclaren has appointed Mike Kelly as Director of Growth to grow its Environment & Planning business and strengthen its offering to energy and infrastructure developers. The expanded offer will create a one-stop shop for clients across the project lifecycle, bringing together Dalcour Maclaren’s expertise in Land & Property, Environment & Planning, Geomatics and Stakeholder Engagement. Developers will be able to access support from identifying and assessing potential sites, including environmental constraints, through environmental assessment, planning and consenting and into delivery.

James Neil, CEO at Dalcour Maclaren, said: “Mike brings extensive experience of developing energy projects and a strong understanding of the challenges our clients face. His appointment will help us build on the breadth of expertise within Dalcour Maclaren and create new opportunities to support clients at an earlier stage of project development.”

Mike brings more than 30 years’ experience in the energy sector, with particular expertise in renewable energy development and the planning and consenting of major infrastructure projects. A key part of Mike’s role will be developing opportunities to support clients with early-stage site identification and feasibility, helping them understand environmental considerations and potential constraints before significant investment is made.

Mike Kelly, Director of Growth at Dalcour Maclaren, said: “Projects are becoming increasingly complex, with developers needing to balance land availability, environmental considerations and planning requirements from the outset. I’m looking forward to helping clients navigate those challenges and making the most of Dalcour Maclaren’s multidisciplinary expertise.”

The expansion forms part of Dalcour Maclaren’s ongoing commitment to developing its capabilities and providing clients with a high-quality, integrated service that supports their projects from inception through to delivery.

Editorial insight

Dalcour Maclaren’s move to consolidate its infrastructure project support services comes at a time when the UK’s energy and infrastructure sectors are under pressure to deliver projects more efficiently amid rising regulatory and environmental demands. By bringing in a senior industry figure to lead growth in its Environment and Planning business, the firm is positioning itself to offer clients a more integrated approach, covering everything from site selection to delivery.

For developers navigating increasingly complex planning and environmental requirements, the ability to access multidisciplinary expertise under one roof may offer practical advantages, particularly in early-stage project development. The appointment also reflects broader sector efforts to streamline project lifecycles and reduce risk by addressing key constraints before significant capital is committed.

Story ideas and journalist angles

Industry trend

Impact of Dalcour Maclaren’s Expansion on Renewable Energy Projects

Dalcour Maclaren's expansion and the appointment of Mike Kelly as Director of Growth may influence the renewable energy sector, providing enhanced services from site selection to project delivery. This development could play a role in accelerating the growth of renewable energy projects, addressing environmental and planning challenges more effectively.

Target audience energy and infrastructure trade publications Story potential 7/10 Jobs/employment

New Role for Mike Kelly: What It Means for UK Infrastructure Projects

The appointment of Mike Kelly could lead to shifts in how infrastructure projects are managed in the UK. His experience in renewable energy and major projects may bring new strategies to the table, potentially influencing project outcomes and employment trends within the sector.

Target audience business and employment-focused outlets Story potential 6/10