U&I

About U&I

Your go-to podcast for the utility and infrastructure sectors. Brought to you by Dalcour Maclaren, U&I is packed full of industry insight and expert perspectives. Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities in: • land and property development • environmental and planning • geomatics • land surveying • land referencing • power networks • power generation • telecoms • water management • transport and infrastructure We discuss complex issues in an honest and practical way, from policy updates to planning and project delivery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Publisher

Dalcour Maclaren

Category

news · society & culture · technology

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

7 Aug 2024

Latest episode

24 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   24 Sept 2026

   Introducing our partnership with MML Capital

   Dalcour Maclaren has just welcomed a significant new investor, and in this episode of DM U&I, we are talking about exactly what that means. Mike Reynolds, Partner at MML Capital Partners, joins to discuss why MML chose DM out of every business in the market, what a genuine investment partnership looks like versus lazy capital, and how the two businesses plan to grow DM into a national - and potentially international - powerhouse without losing a single thing that makes it what it is today. The conversation covers the ONETEAM culture that caught Mike's attention from the very first meeting, the extraordinary infrastructure and utilities market opportunity ahead, why innovation is no longer optional for professional services businesses, and how M&A will be used strategically rather than aggressively to get DM on the right buses at the right time. It also covers careers for life, the DM beacon, what happens to culture when a business doubles in size, and the two people who have had the DM logo tattooed on their bodies - which tells you everything you need to know about what kind of business this is. This is not a corporate announcement. It is an honest conversation about ambition, people, and what comes next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

2. 

   17 Sept 2026

   Applying the DM Difference to Environment & Planning Services

   In this episode of the DM U&I Podcast, our host, James Neil, CEO, sits down with Mike Kelly (E&P Growth Director) and Oli Treasure (Director, E&P Lead) to talk about Dalcour Maclaren's ambitious plans to scale its Environment & Planning (E&P) team into a top-tier force in the utilities and infrastructure sector. From permitted development strategies for water companies to supporting major DCOs across energy, water, and grid infrastructure, Mike and Oli break down where the real opportunity lies, including an eye-opening look at the untapped potential of floating solar on UK reservoirs (think: 400 GW of theoretical capacity). The conversation also digs into what makes DM's ONETEAM approach different from traditional consultancies; why hiring the right people matters as much as winning the work; and what's next as the team heads to the Solar & Storage Live show this September at the NEC. Whether you're a developer, client, or just curious about the infrastructure driving the UK's next 30 years, this is a candid look at where DM is headed, and why. In this episode: Meet Mike and Oli - backgrounds and why they joined DM DM's current E&P work: PD rights for water companies, DCO support, full planning applications, Environment Impact Assessments, screening for EIAs Team skills: planning, ecology, archaeology, stakeholder engagement, EIA £250bn capex opportunity across energy, networks, and water (next 5 years) Data centres as the next big growth area Why integrated services (land, geomatics, stakeholder engagement, environmental services, planning) reduce client risk DM's philosophy: right outcome over more fees, avoiding unnecessary EIAs, delivering pragmatic EIAs Heading to Solar & Storage Live in September — DM's first time exhibiting Floating solar deep dive: history, water company pioneers, environmental trade-offs UK floating solar potential: up to 400 GW theoretical, 20 GW realistic Attracting senior talent — including new hire Andy Towle (Archaeology & Heritage Director) ONETEAM ethos in action: securing a non-EIA determination on a pipeline project DM's ambition to become a top-tier EMP consultancy Key stat: UK water bodies could theoretically support 400 GW of floating solar — 5x the UK's 2035 solar target (75 GW). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

3. 

   2 Sept 2026

   Why B Corp matters at Dalcour Maclaren

   In this episode of the U&I podcast, CEO James Neil is joined by our Chief Financial Officer, Francesca Herratt to discuss Dalcour Maclaren's journey to becoming a certified B Corp and what the achievement means for our business, our people, our clients and the communities we work in. Francesca led the certification process and shares insight into the rigorous assessment behind B Corp status, from governance and environmental performance to employee wellbeing, community impact and social value. Together, they explore why the certification was a natural fit for Dalcour Maclaren's culture and values, and how the process reinforced the positive work already taking place across the business. We cover everything from ESG strategy and sustainable travel to apprenticeships, community engagement and the evolving expectations of clients in the infrastructure and utilities sectors. The discussion looks beyond certification itself, focusing on how businesses can create lasting positive impact while continuing to grow and succeed. At Dalcour Maclaren, we believe business should be a force for good. Achieving B Corp certification reflects our commitment to balancing commercial success with responsibility to our people, communities and the environment. U&I is your go-to podcast for the utility and infrastructure sectors. Brought to you by Dalcour Maclaren, it's packed full of industry insight and expert perspectives. Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities in: land delivery and property management environment and planning geomatics land surveying land referencing stakeholder engagement We discuss complex issues in an honest and practical way, from policy updates to planning and project delivery. Follow us on LinkedIn: Dalcour Maclaren | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/dalcour-maclaren/) #BCorp #ESG #Sustainability #Utilities #Infrastructure #DalcourMaclaren #SocialValue #NetZero #BusinessForGood #Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

4. 

   8 Jun 2026

   Beyond the Numbers: Gender Pay Gap, Culture & Progress at DM

   The Dalcour Maclaren podcast is back. If you work in land, utilities and infrastructure – or you’re considering a career in the sector – this should be your podcast of choice. Fresh off the back of publishing our latest (and greatest) Gender Pay Gap Report, we’re joined by CFO Francesca Herratt and Head of Talent Jo Credgington (was Jo Middleton when we filmed this) to unpack what the numbers really mean. And why this is so important to us to get right. From demystifying median vs mean pay gaps to sharing where DM stands today, they explain why having no bonus gap and a reducing mean gap (now 11%) is a significant marker of progress. And puts us way ahead of our competitors. Watch on and you’ll find this conversation goes far deeper than statistics. We discuss how Dalcour Maclaren has built a genuinely balanced and inclusive workforce – not through quotas or campaigns, but through organic, people-first growth. From investing in graduates and apprentices, to embedding values-led recruitment and long-term career development, the team shares how culture has shaped outcomes. Francesca and Jo also reflect on their own experiences as senior women at DM, what makes the culture stand out, and why creating an environment where gender isn’t a barrier – or even a defining factor – is the ultimate goal. We also explore: Why diversity across teams leads to better outcomes for clients The role of employer brand in attracting female talent into the sector How early engagement with schools and universities is shaping future pipelines What still needs to be done to close the remaining gap Ultimately, this episode is about progress, transparency and doing things differently. It’s a candid look at how a modern professional services consultancy is building a more balanced future – and why that matters for clients, people and the industry as a whole. This is your go-to podcast for the utility and infrastructure sectors. Brought to you by Dalcour Maclaren, U&I is packed full of industry insight and expert perspectives. We discuss complex issues in an honest and practical way, from policy updates to planning and project delivery. Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities in: land strategy, assembly and consent environmental and planning geomatics land surveying land referencing property management At Dalcour Maclaren, we unlock consents for the utilities and infrastructure sector. Connect with James on LinkedIn:   / james-neil-dalcour-maclaren Connect with Francesca on LinkedIn:  Francesca Herratt | LinkedIn Connect with Jo on LinkedIn Joanna Credgington | LinkedIn #Podcast #BusinessPodcast #IndustryInsights #LeadershipTalk #CompanyCulture #Careers #GraduateCareers #EarlyCareers #CareersInInfrastructure Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

5. 

   11 Feb 2026

   Introducing our new MD: Pete Whipp on growth, culture & opportunity at DM

   Welcome to the DM U&I podcast, where we explore the people, ideas and opportunities shaping Dalcour Maclaren. In this episode, James Neil, DM CEO, sit down with Pete Whipp, our new Managing Director, to discuss his journey into the business, his career in large-scale environmental and infrastructure consulting, and his vision for the years ahead You’ll hear about: Pete’s career and why he chose DM Hear how Pete progressed from EIA consultant to Ops Director of a 1,400-strong team at RSK, working on major UK projects including highways, energy networks, HS2 and Crossrail and why the opportunity, culture and ambition at DM convinced him to make the leap. Opportunities for DM: multidisciplinary growth Pete shares his early impressions of DM and the potential in expanding our multidisciplinary offer from Environment & Planning to Geomatics, stakeholder engagement, archaeology, ecology and more. He explains why clearer market positioning and sector-wide visibility are key to unlocking that growth. People, leadership and building a high-performing organisation With DM continuing its year-on-year significant expansion, Pete reflects on the importance of right-people-right-roles, leadership capability, and creating an inclusive, inspiring culture that attracts and develops the next generation of experts. We also explore the realities of today’s recruitment market and how DM can remain an employer of choice. External pressures, policy change and market disruption The discussion dives into how UK policy shifts, infrastructure reform and environmental regulation are reshaping the consultancy world. Pete highlights what the new Planning & Infrastructure Bill may mean for clients and the opportunities emerging from grid transformation, water sector challenges and renewable energy expansion. Innovation, technology and the future of consultancy From data-heavy workflows to AI-driven decision-making, Pete talks to James about the critical role of innovation and why embracing new technology is essential for DM to stay ahead, deliver faster, and bring even greater value to clients across utilities and infrastructure. Looking ahead: hydrogen, transport, and the next wave of projects We unpack what’s coming next, including hydrogen networks, carbon capture and storage, transport corridors, major airport expansions and the long-term transformation of the UK grid. But also, how DM can position itself early, at the very start of these national programmes. Join us as we get to know Pete, hear his fresh perspective on DM’s future, and explore the exciting opportunities ahead across utilities and infrastructure. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in leadership, consultancy growth, and the evolving landscape of the UK’s most vital sectors. Dalcour Maclaren is the land and environmental consultancy of choice for the utility and infrastructure sectors in the UK and Ireland. We deliver land access and acquisition, environment and heritage surveys and services, stakeholder engagement, geomatics and spatial data analysis. Talk to us about: • land assembly • property development • environmental & planning • geomatics • land surveying & referencing • power networks • power generation • telecoms • water management • transport • flood & coastal resilience Connect with James on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-neil-dalcour-maclaren/ Connect with Pete on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/petewhipp/ #Utilities #Infrastructure #LandConsultancy #EnvironmentalPlanning #DMGrowth Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

6. 

   18 Dec 2025

   Expert witness: the role you didn't know you wanted to do

   Welcome to the DM U&I podcast, where we delve into the intricacies of expert witness work at Dalcour Maclaren. In this episode, DM CEO James Neil has an insightful discussion with DM consultant Colin Smith and DM Director Jonathan Smith, seasoned professionals with extensive experience in expert witness cases .We talk about: Role of Expert Witnesses: Find out what an expert witness does and the critical role of expert witnesses in dispute resolution, particularly in determining compensation and the validity of compulsory powers. Dispute Examples: Jonathan and Colin share examples of disputes they've handled, including major infrastructure projects and the Olympic Park case, highlighting the importance of expert testimony in resolving complex issues. Preparation and Challenges: The conversation emphasises the importance of thorough preparation for expert witnesses, detailing the challenges and the satisfaction of successfully defending a position in court. Tribunal and Inquiry Processes: We provide a detailed overview of the tribunal and inquiry processes, including the formalities and the roles of various participants. The future of expert witnesses: mentoring and training: Colin and Jonathan discuss the need for mentoring and training to encourage new professionals to enter the field of expert witness work. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of expert witness work, its challenges, and the rewarding experiences it offers. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the legal and technical aspects of dispute resolution in the utility and infrastructure sectors and wants to join us in campaigning for encouraging our senior teams to become expert witnesses.Daclour Maclaren is the land and environmental consultancy of choice for the utility and infrastructure sectors in the UK and Ireland Talk to us about: • land assembly • property development • environmental & planning • geomatics • land surveying & referencing • power networks • power generation • telecoms • water management • transport • flood & coastal resilience Connect with James on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

7. 

   5 Dec 2025

   Stakeholder Engagement by DM: why it’s more than a tick-box exercise

   In this episode of the Dalcour Maclaren U&I Podcast, CEO James Neil sits down with Director and Stakeholder Engagement Lead Beth Motley, who has launched this new set of services in 2025. Theirs is an honest conversation about why stakeholder engagement matters more than ever in today’s infrastructure projects. Beth brings more than 20 years of experience across construction, transport, energy, and utilities, and shares her journey from children’s publishing to leading engagement on some of the UK’s most complex schemes - from National Grid’s Northwest Coast Connections to major solar developments and Heathrow expansion. Together, James and Beth unpack what stakeholder engagement really means, why it’s far from a ‘tick-box exercise’, and how listening to communities, MPs, councils, and even the media can shape better outcomes for projects and the people they affect. They explore the misconceptions, the challenges, and the opportunities for collaboration between land, planning and engagement teams - and why getting it right from the start is critical. If you’re curious about how infrastructure projects navigate public perception, legislative requirements and reputational risk, this episode is packed with insight. Plus, you’ll hear why Beth’s determination (including rowing the Atlantic!) makes her the perfect fit for DM’s vision to deliver smarter, integrated solutions for our clients. U&I is your go-to podcast for the utility and infrastructure sectors. Brought to you by Dalcour Maclaren, it’s packed full of industry insight and expert perspectives. Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities in: · land delivery and property management · environment and planning · geomatics · land surveying · land referencing · stakeholder engagement We discuss complex issues in an honest and practical way, from policy updates to planning and project delivery. For more information on DM, you can email James or Beth directly: James.neil@dalcourmaclaren.com beth.motley@dalcourmaclaren.com Follow us at: LinkedIn: / dalcour-maclaren Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

8. 

   6 Aug 2025

   Powering up: reform, pressure and progress in the electricity sector

   In this episode of the U&I podcast, James Neil is joined by Oliver Heselton, a seasoned expert in utilities and infrastructure, for a candid conversation about the electricity sector’s biggest challenges - and the reforms that could shape its future. With over 30 years of experience, including nearly 15 at National Grid, Oliver recently joined us at DM and brings deep insight into the pressures facing transmission and distribution networks. From the surge in renewable generation and data centre demand to the complexities of land rights and planning reform, Oliver and James explore what it will take to meet the UK’s ambitious 2030 and 2050 net zero targets. This episode covers everything from the impact of offshore wind and solar connections, to the latest on CPO and DCO reform, the Electricity Act, and the push for faster, fairer infrastructure delivery. And yes, we talk about Yorkshire thrift and media training too. At Dalcour Maclaren, we’re proud to support the electricity sector in navigating legislative change, stakeholder engagement and land strategy to deliver the infrastructure that powers the UK. U&I is your go-to podcast for the utility and infrastructure sectors. Brought to you by Dalcour Maclaren, it’s packed full of industry insight and expert perspectives. Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities in: land delivery and property management environment and planning geomatics land surveying land referencing stakeholder engagement We discuss complex issues in an honest and practical way, from policy updates to planning and project delivery. For more information on DM, you can email James or Oliver directly: james.neil@dalcourmaclaren.com (mailto:james.neil@dalcourmaclaren.com) oliver.heselton@dalcourmaclaren.com (mailto:oliver.heselton@dalcourmaclaren.com) Follow us at: LinkedIn: /dalcour-maclaren-chartered-surveyors Instagram: /dalcourmaclaren Facebook: /dalcourmaclarencareers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

9. 

   24 Jul 2025

   The challenges that lie ahead for The Water Industry, including pollution and how to fix it?  (with Gareth Smith, Severn Trent Water)

   In this episode of the U&I podcast, James Neil is joined by Gareth Smith, Town Planning Manager at Severn Trent Water, for a deep dive into the challenges - and opportunities - facing the water industry now we are in enter AMP8. With more than 15 years of experience, Gareth brings a wealth of insight into how Severn Trent is tackling some of the UK’s most pressing infrastructure issues. From sewer overflows and river quality to planning reform and workforce transformation, this conversation explores the scale of the task ahead - and the passion driving it. We cover everything from £15 billion investment plans and smart networks powered by AI, to the importance of apprenticeships and the need for planning system reform. And we even talk about car gearboxes. At Dalcour Maclaren, we’re proud to support Severn Trent and the wider water sector in delivering critical infrastructure that benefits communities and the environment. U&I is your go-to podcast for the utility and infrastructure sectors. Brought to you by Dalcour Maclaren, it’s packed full of industry insight and expert perspectives. Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities in: land delivery and property management environment and planning geomatics land surveying land referencing stakeholder engagement We discuss complex issues in an honest and practical way, from policy updates to planning and project delivery. For more information on DM, you can email James directly: james.neil@dalcourmaclaren.com (mailto:james.neil@dalcourmaclaren.com) Follow us at: LinkedIn: / dalcour-maclaren-chartered-surveyors (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTdSTVotdk9XNDBlNC1jMDNKTUJ2Y1BCbFpYd3xBQ3Jtc0tsT2RubmhNamxXN1hFcGdUVDBkWV9MWDRPSkl0cHNwZkhfbEtHZnlFOGhOOWdkNEl4U2VMdmUtU2dWWl9EZEZyd3pNQXE0aURFV3pUZEFWNVpubXJFOHM4eGR2cG1NNmg5YjlhZHViazNmX2hSVm1Law&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fdalcour-maclaren-chartered-surveyors%2F&v=0JPDC37vvKk) Instagram: / dalcourmaclaren (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2k3RWN6UjJpb1d1bWs0dndJRHBwTV9GWm1QUXxBQ3Jtc0tsYlh3TkxzbTZRVl9wU2Fuc3RVTVByTGhqd19DZnY5RGJyR2owXzFZVllPSllIYUppcHpJY0ZMU2pwSERJaEVtM05XSE45aUhRSmktemtuX0dYZ0FuWmJTRDFpQ18tcGRxLXNjbU5fczlkSDFqcThKbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fdalcourmaclaren%2F&v=0JPDC37vvKk) Facebook: / dalcourmaclarencareers (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbkdzZm5NbVJMUXZacUE4ekpEeEdaSVJxV2lnd3xBQ3Jtc0tscEI0NkJWWWw1dlBYcm12NEx5MzBVazl5Y1NDUlpIQkZQYXRoMmZLa3I0Z0xvWnVqbE02Z3pzZFlOY2w0RlNORkREQ29ZUURTZ3ZsaDh5enBid054ME5XbWpuTG8yNFVDZ29tc3Zfc3pUMGRiZF9OYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FDalcourMaclarenCareers&v=0JPDC37vvKk) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

10. 

    15 Jul 2025

    Building trust to thrive: how we ensure our people are our priority

    Welcome to the DM U&I podcast, where we focus on the people who make our business thrive. We’re a people-focused business and fostering a supportive environment for all employees is a priority at DM. This episode delves into the critical topic of mental health, and how we encourage our people to bring their whole selves to work (and to want to come to work in the morning!) In this episode you’ll hear: Personal Stories: Guests Jade and Josh share their personal journeys and experiences with mental health at DM, emphasising the importance of breaking down barriers between personal and professional lives. Mental Health First Aid: Josh discusses his role as a mental health first aider and the evolution of mental health support within the company. Creating a Supportive Environment: The conversation highlights the importance of trust, inclusivity and honesty to achieve our ONETEAM goals. Long-Term Commitment: We’re on a journey and we’ve made a commitment to long-term employee wellbeing. Find out more about our progress and what we offer at DM. We believe fostering an open and supportive environment can lead to happier employees. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in creating a workplace where mental health is a priority and for those who want to work for a company that welcomes everyone. Dalcour Maclaren is the land and environmental consultancy of choice for the utility and infrastructure sectors in the UK and Ireland Talk to us about: • land assembly • property development • environmental & planning • geomatics • land surveying & referencing • power networks • power generation • telecoms • water management • transport • flood & coastal resilience You can follow James Neil on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-neil-dalcour-maclaren/) or email him directly: James Neil, CEO: james.neil@dalcourmaclaren.com Follow us at: LinkedIn: (1) Dalcour Maclaren: Overview | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/dalcour-maclaren/) Instagram: Dalcour Maclaren (@dalcourmaclaren) • Instagram photos and videos (https://www.instagram.com/dalcourmaclaren/?igsh=bjFjOThmOG8zcHVu#) Facebook: Dalcour Maclaren | Bicester | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/DalcourMaclaren/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

11. 

    23 Apr 2025

    Claimant Conflict and Mental Health

    In today's episode, we tackle a significant and often challenging aspect of the utility and infrastructure sectors: Claimant Conflict and Mental Health. As the world becomes busier and projects grow in scale, managing conflicts and ensuring the mental well-being of all stakeholders is more critical than ever. Joining CEO James Neil for this important discussion are Associate Director Pippa Wright and Project Manager Alasdair Breed. Pippa has extensive experience across various sectors, including water, power generation and infrastructure. Alasdair, relatively new to DM, brings a fresh perspective from his background in motor insurance and as a mental health first aider as part of his role at DM. Together, we talk about how DM approaches claimant conflict, emphasising the importance of transparent communication with landowners and the strategies used to support staff during these processes. From the complexities of large-scale projects, the consultation processes, and the legal frameworks involved, we'll discuss the human side of these projects, sharing real-life examples of conflicts and the measures taken to ensure the safety and mental health of DM's team members. Topics include dynamic risk assessments to bespoke training programmes, this podcast will provide insights into how DM prepares its staff to handle potentially difficult situations effectively. Whether you're a utility client, an infrastructure developer, or interested in the intersection of mental health and project management, this episode offers valuable perspectives on navigating the challenges of claimant conflict while prioritising mental wellbeing of everyone involved. At Dalcour Maclaren, we unlock consents for the utilities and infrastructure sector. U&I is your go-to podcast for the utility and infrastructure sectors, and is packed full of industry insight and expert perspectives. Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities in: land and property development, environment and planning, geomatics, land surveying, land referencing - power networks - power generation - telecoms - water management - transport and infrastructure. We discuss complex issues in an honest and practical way, from policy updates to planning and project delivery. You can follow James Neil on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-neil-dalcour-maclaren/) or email him directly: James Neil, CEO: james.neil@dalcourmaclaren.com Alasdair Breed: alasdair.breed@dalcourmaclaren.com or LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alasdair-breed-4a5bb930/) Pippa Wright: Pippa.Wright@Dalcourmaclaren.com or LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/pippa-wright-n%C3%A9e-maidment-mrics-faav-235997a8/) Follow us at: LinkedIn: (1) Dalcour Maclaren: Overview | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/dalcour-maclaren/) Instagram: Dalcour Maclaren (@dalcourmaclaren) • Instagram photos and videos (https://www.instagram.com/dalcourmaclaren/?igsh=bjFjOThmOG8zcHVu#) Facebook: Dalcour Maclaren | Bicester | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/DalcourMaclaren/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

12. 

    11 Feb 2025

    Net Zero = renewables, nuclear and energy hubs

    What is the energy mix that will get the UK to Net Zero? In this episode, James Neil, CEO of Dalcour Maclaren, is joined by Hugh Gilmour from Telis Energy (a Europe-wide green energy development platform) to discuss the potential of small energy hubs, SMRs and solar. Hugh, Land Consent Manager and former DM employee, shares his extensive experience in the industry, including his work on major infrastructure projects and his current focus on large-scale solar developments. Energy hubs are a critical concept for the UK's energy future, aiming to bring multiple technologies together through a single grid connection. Hugh explains how this approach can improve efficiency and grid balancing, integrating technologies such as battery storage, solar, onshore wind, hydrogen, and potentially small modular reactors. The conversation also covers the challenges of land use, consenting regimes, and the complexities of grid connections. Hugh provides insights into the current state of the grid queue and the reforms needed to streamline the process, ensuring that real projects can move forward. Additionally, the episode delves into the future of nuclear power, discussing the potential of small modular reactors and the importance of maintaining a skilled workforce to build and operate these technologies. At Dalcour Maclaren, we unlock consents for the utilities and infrastructure sector. U&I is your go-to podcast for the utility and infrastructure sectors, and is packed full of industry insight and expert perspectives. Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities in: land and property development, environment and planning, geomatics, land surveying, land referencing - power networks - power generation - telecoms - water management - transport and infrastructure. We discuss complex issues in an honest and practical way, from policy updates to planning and project delivery. Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities in: · land consent · environmental and planning · geomatics · land surveying · land referencing · power networks · power generation · digital infrastructure · water management · infrastructure · property management You can follow James Neil on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-neil-dalcour-maclaren/) or email him directly: James Neil, CEO james.neil@dalcourmaclaren.com Follow us at: LinkedIn: (1) Dalcour Maclaren: Overview | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/dalcour-maclaren/) Instagram: Dalcour Maclaren (@dalcourmaclaren) • Instagram photos and videos (https://www.instagram.com/dalcourmaclaren/?igsh=bjFjOThmOG8zcHVu#) Facebook: Dalcour Maclaren | Bicester | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/DalcourMaclaren/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

13. 

    7 Feb 2025

    UNCOVERED: Always for, never against

    It’s 2025 and the Dalcour Maclaren podcast is back. If you work in land consent, environment and planning, geomatics or land referencing (or if you want work in our industry), this should be your podcast of choice. At the heart of DM is a saying that is part of our original story. We thought it is was time we explained exactly what it means and how our clients in the utilities and infrastructure sector benefit from it. Always for, never against. It means that we only represent our clients in gaining land consent. Our competitors will field land agents to represent landowners but for James Neil CEO, he had one too many brushes on the doorstep of farms and rural businesses with his colleagues. And it didn’t feel right. So, when he founded Dalcour Maclaren, he decided to promise his clients that his team would only ever act for and never against them. It’s part of what has helped us grow, gain the trust and respect of our clients and truly act as partners. In this episode, James chats to Power Generation Director, Simon Hinchliffe (dubbed King of DCOs at DM), about his view of Always for, never against and how it has resulted in a new piece of research – Insights. Shared exclusively with our clients, it lists land agent fees, by geographic region, seniority, sector and more. It’s ideal for clients to ensure they know what reasonable (and unreasonable) fees look like. It also gives advice on how they should engage with landowners over payments of those fees. ---- This is your go-to podcast for the utility and infrastructure sectors. Brought to you by Dalcour Maclaren, U&I is packed full of industry insight and expert perspectives. We discuss complex issues in an honest and practical way, from policy updates to planning and project delivery. Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities in: land consent environmental and planning geomatics land surveying land referencing power networks power generation digital infrastructure water management infrastructure property management At Dalcour Maclaren, we unlock consents for the utilities and infrastructure sector. You can follow James Neil and Simon Hinchliffe on LinkedIn or email them directly: James Neil, CEO (https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-neil-dalcour-maclaren/) james.neil@dalcourmaclaren.com (mailto:james.neil@dalcourmaclaren.com) Simon Hinchliffe, Director, Power Generation (https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-hinchliffe-82b4b25b/) simon.hinchliffe@dalcourmaclaren.com (mailto:simon.hinchliffe@dalcourmaclaren.com) Follow us at: LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/company/dalcour-maclaren/posts/?feedView=all) Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/dalcourmaclaren?igsh=bjFjOThmOG8zcHVu) Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/share/14j3tEENEQ/?mibextid=LQQJ4d) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

14. 

    13 Dec 2024

    Biodiversity Net Gain: it’s here and it’s achievable with the right planning and expertise.

    Dalcour Maclaren's Environmental & Planning experts Caroline Morris and James Bird explain how to achieve Biodiversity Net Gain through effective planning and expertise.

15. 

    22 Nov 2024

    ONETEAM: The power behind DM's success

    Dalcour Maclaren's CEO James Neil, Head of Talent Acquisition Jo Middleton, and Associate Director James Irving discuss the power of ONETEAM, revealing how the company's unique culture and values drive effective partnerships with clients and foster a sense of trust and camaraderie among team members.

16. 

    1 Nov 2024

    How the right challenges and opportunities beat dull and disillusion every time

    ‘Go on, Lucy, make utilities & infrastructure sound not dull’. And she succeeds, with ease. From arriving at DM a disillusioned surveyor 9 years ago, L&P Director Lucy Tolley has found it a place where she can thrive, be challenged and welcome in the next generation of brilliant surveyors, planners, land referencers and environmental specialists. Increasingly, water companies and other U&I organisations are relying on companies such as DM to ensure consents get through, constraints are minimised and landowners are supported throughout the process. Listen to Lucy and James discuss the rapidly approaching issues across the sector with the new demand for land, the benefits of using a professional services company that only specialises in U&I, as well as the difference it makes when the team are all trained in landowner negotiation. At Dalcour Maclaren, we unlock consents for the utilities and infrastructure sector. U&I is your go-to podcast for the utility and infrastructure sectors. Brought to you by Dalcour Maclaren, it is packed full of industry insight and expert perspectives. The U&I podcast. Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities in: - land and property development - environment and planning - geomatics - land surveying - land referencing - power networks - power generation - telecoms - water management - transport and infrastructure. We discuss complex issues in an honest and practical way, from policy updates to planning and project delivery. You can follow James Neil (https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-neil-dalcour-maclaren/) and Lucy Tolley (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-tolley-mrics-8b785b92/) on LinkedIn or email us directly james.neil@dalcourmaclaren.com (mailto:james.neil@dalcourmaclaren.com) lucy.tolley@dalcourmaclaren.com (mailto:lucy.tolley@dalcourmaclaren.com) Follow us at: LinkedIn: / dalcour-maclaren-chartered-surveyors (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjRDX2NUSFl2em9lQzVkdVNGLUhaREMxWHlYUXxBQ3Jtc0ttYXUyLVBzZHFpVWl3OFVWeW4wTEJYY2swNWMzZUMzejF3NjRTRnZDU1dlTTBXM2kwaXJDemJuRXd0TEdQZ3RuME8yYXhHb2k0eGpnR3hyU2ZyU0I0QktSeUg5c1hQbFg0VWJHUWZZdVp3Rzh4N0d2aw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fdalcour-maclaren-chartered-surveyors%2F&v=58qBn8LqHEw) Instagram: / dalcourmaclaren (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazFGSU52VmNfVDlYUVVCWEhMMW9NSDB6bXJUUXxBQ3Jtc0trdnNfRU91b0VlOU41dzlRYmZvd3Z4X2tsckhYU0R3WGJOTjNHNFZOWXRKRVl6UVJDZUpBbVBPcV9NQTBBZHJ2Z2U4RUNwenRaYkY0T2I4LXNTeFVmVlMwaERoUWczbUVIUlRJVFNIVjVYX2VYbF81MA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fdalcourmaclaren%2F&v=58qBn8LqHEw) Facebook: / dalcourmaclarencareers (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqblpWZ1IxZWxPVk14SFo0NHltNWQ0T0JEdGFPd3xBQ3Jtc0tsUzM2aVdfbnpTSGZXeEYwUUlJbnhhVkFoM0JzdFlVOGVuS09VWW5mbjJNYS01MHZsQmNlLUZNRVA0UGVma2twQUFGR0oyTG13am9oQVZtMzN5bG5POW5ZbWlycEI2Wk5iXzktWUU4TkhISmtQZmhhVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FDalcourMaclarenCareers&v=58qBn8LqHEw) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

17. 

    26 Sept 2024

    Lasers, satellites, drones and more what does Geomatics actually offer?

    Dalcour Maclaren’s latest podcast invites Sam Catling and Simon Navin into our studio to be grilled by CEO James Neil. Sam heads up our Geomatics business and Simon is a key director in the 80-strong team. In this episode we look at what Geomatics offers and the difference it can make to any U&I project. From a Book of Reference with more than 14,000 pages for Gatwick Airport to the laser scanning of historic buildings in order for gas mains to be added, we focus on how data-driven services deliver on speed, accuracy and resilience for our clients. But, as always at DM, the data is complemented by human expertise in negotiation, project management and creating effective partnerships. At Dalcour Maclaren, our Geomatics services include: Land Surveying: Topographic, Utility, LiDAR and UAV surveys Land Referencing: DCO, CPO, Book of Reference, and Data Acquisition and Cleansing GIS, CAD and Data: Spatial Data Analysis, Plan Production, Visualisation, and Connect Platform And yes, of course, we talk about AI! U&I is your go-to podcast for the utility and infrastructure sectors. Brought to you by Dalcour Maclaren, it is packed full of industry insight and expert perspectives. The U&I podcast Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities in: - land and property development - environment and planning - geomatics - land surveying - land referencing - power networks - power generation - telecoms - water management - transport and infrastructure. We discuss complex issues in an honest and practical way, from policy updates to planning and project delivery. You can follow James Neil, Sam Catling and Simon Navin on LinkedIn or email them directly: james.neil@dalcourmaclaren.com sam.catling@dalcourmaclaren.com simon.navin@dalcourmaclaren.com Follow us at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dalcour-maclaren-chartered-surveyors/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dalcourmaclaren/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DalcourMaclarenCareers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

18. 

    28 Aug 2024

    Is the planning system broken and can it ever be fixed?

    At a time when getting projects started is a key focus of this Government’s strategy, the bottleneck in planning is causing headaches for organisations in the utilities and infrastructure sectors. ‘At the moment there is a lack of resource, be it planners, ecologists, heritage experts, etc’ says Allison Pritchard, Director of Environment and Planning at Dalcour Maclaren. But she also explains in our second DM podcast that there are solutions and there are ways to ensure your proposals get through planning on time, keeping your project on budget. Host and CEO James Neil asks why everyone is pointing their finger at planning and, if getting the right resourcing in place is a long-term solution, what do we do in the meantime? Allison gives her expert advice, which has been hugely beneficial to our clients over the past six years, on how DM finds short-term solutions, such as: How to prevent the need for planning permission Why our team’s legislation knowledge makes a difference The rules behind writing a planning submission so it won’t get rejected If you are facing challenges in getting planning permission on your utilities or infrastructure project, you must listen to this podcast, and even better – get in touch with Allison at: allison.pritchard@dalcourmaclaren.com (mailto:allison.pritchard@dalcourmaclaren.com) U&I is your go-to podcast for the utility and infrastructure sectors. Brought to you by Dalcour Maclaren, it is packed full of industry insight and expert perspectives. The U&I podcast Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities in: land and property development environment and planning geomatics land surveying land referencing power networks power generation telecoms water management transport and infrastructure We discuss complex issues in an honest and practical way, from policy updates to planning and project delivery. You can follow James Neil (https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-neil-dalcour-maclaren/) and Allison Pritchard (https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-pritchard-11ab6826/) on LinkedIn or email them directly: James.neil@dalcourmaclaren.com (mailto:James.neil@dalcourmaclaren.com) allison.pritchard@dalcourmaclaren.com (mailto:alison.pritchard@dalcourmaclaren.com) Follow us at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dalcour-maclaren-chartered-surveyors/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/dalcour-maclaren-chartered-surveyors/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dalcourmaclaren/ (https://www.instagram.com/dalcourmaclaren/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DalcourMaclarenCareers (https://www.facebook.com/DalcourMaclarenCareers) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

19. 

    7 Aug 2024

    Can the government’s vision for energy and water be delivered?

    Your go-to podcast for the utility and infrastructure sectors. Brought to you by Dalcour Maclaren, U&I is packed full of industry insight and expert perspectives. Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities in: • land and property development • environmental and planning • geomatics • land surveying and referencing • power networks • power generation • telecoms • water management • transport and infrastructure We discuss complex issues in an honest and practical way, from policy updates to planning and project delivery. Our first episode introduces host James Neil, CEO of Dalcour Maclaren, who explores the broader implications of the King's Speech 2024 with our non-executive director and former energy retail CEO, Monica Collings, and our MD, Andrew Barker. Can the water and energy infrastructure projects mentioned in the Speech be delivered and what might need to change to ensure this? Is private sector investment going to be forthcoming? And just how much investment will be necessary? James challenges Monica and Andrew with the important question: as a nation, have we really grasped the enormity of net zero 2030? With factors such as the cost of living affecting adoption of lower carbon initiatives and the difficulty of decommissioning of gas networks, this episode is a must-listen! Daclour Maclaren is the land and environmental consultancy of choice for the utility and infrastructure sectors in the UK and Ireland Follow us at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dalcour-maclaren-chartered-surveyors/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dalcourmaclaren/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DalcourMaclarenCareers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

4.4 / 5

7 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 33 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

48

Social presence

94

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

Contact U&I

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.