U&I

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 engagementWe 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.combeth.motley@dalcourmaclaren.com Follow us at: LinkedIn: / dalcour-maclaren

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 managementenvironment and planninggeomaticsland surveyingland referencingstakeholder engagementWe 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.comoliver.heselton@dalcourmaclaren.comFollow us at:LinkedIn: /dalcour-maclaren-chartered-surveyorsInstagram: /dalcourmaclarenFacebook: /dalcourmaclarencareers

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 managementenvironment and planninggeomaticsland surveyingland referencingstakeholder engagementWe 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.comFollow us at: LinkedIn: / dalcour-maclaren-chartered-surveyors Instagram: / dalcourmaclaren Facebook: / dalcourmaclarencareers 

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 IrelandTalk 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 or email him directly: James Neil, CEO: james.neil@dalcourmaclaren.comFollow us at:LinkedIn: (1) Dalcour Maclaren: Overview | LinkedInInstagram: Dalcour Maclaren (@dalcourmaclaren) • Instagram photos and videosFacebook: Dalcour Maclaren | Bicester | Facebook  

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 or email him directly:  James Neil, CEO: james.neil@dalcourmaclaren.com Alasdair Breed: alasdair.breed@dalcourmaclaren.com or LinkedInPippa Wright: Pippa.Wright@Dalcourmaclaren.com or LinkedInFollow us at: LinkedIn: (1) Dalcour Maclaren: Overview | LinkedInInstagram: Dalcour Maclaren (@dalcourmaclaren) • Instagram photos and videosFacebook: Dalcour Maclaren | Bicester | Facebook  

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 managementYou can follow James Neil on LinkedIn or email him directly:James Neil, CEO james.neil@dalcourmaclaren.comFollow us at: LinkedIn: (1) Dalcour Maclaren: Overview | LinkedInInstagram: Dalcour Maclaren (@dalcourmaclaren) • Instagram photos and videosFacebook: Dalcour Maclaren | Bicester | Facebook

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.Want access to insights like this? Sign up and one of our experts will be in touch. Register to be contacted about our DM Insights----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 consentenvironmental and planninggeomaticsland surveyingland referencingpower networkspower generationdigital infrastructurewater managementinfrastructureproperty managementAt 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, CEOjames.neil@dalcourmaclaren.comSimon Hinchliffe, Director, Power Generationsimon.hinchliffe@dalcourmaclaren.comFollow us at:LinkedIn:Instagram:Facebook:

The legislation that came into force in earlier this year for certain projects, where developers need to ensure that the land is left in a measurably better state (minimum 10%), is known as BNG (Biodiversity Net Gain). And this improved biodiversity must be guaranteed for 30 years. Potentially a headache for developers, but according to our experts – it’s not insurmountable. In February 2025, similar legislation will be coming in for NSIPs.So how is biodiversity measured – and how is that gain achieved? It’s going to be an ongoing challenge for the utility and infrastructure sectors, but one that can absolutely be achieved.In this episode, our Environmental & Planning experts talk to James about the options we make available to our clients, the easy wins and how to take on the more challenging situations. Hear James throwing a wealth of those challenges at the team and they provide solutions to each one (and no, they weren’t primed beforehand!).Caroline Morris, Director, and James Bird, Technical Director explain the different options available including exceptions such as Permitted Development rights, effects of moving red line boundaries and the importance of bringing in the whole project team at the very beginning of planning - even at site selection stage.Of course, for many of our clients, they don’t own the land, so we have developed bespoke advice on how to support landowners and their responsibilities.This podcast is packed full of the sort of specialist knowledge, insights and pragmatic recommendations that Dalcour Maclaren is known for.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, Caroline Morris and James Bird on LinkedIn or email us directly.James Neil, CEO: james.neil@dalcourmaclaren.comCaroline Morris, Director:caroline.morris@dalcourmaclaren.comJames Bird, Technical Director:james.bird@dalcourmaclaren.com Follow us at: LinkedInInstagramFacebook

Ever wanted to know what makes DM tick?ONETEAM is not just one of our Values. It’s the glue, the power, the inspiration for everyone at DM to work together internally. It’s also why our clients believe we create effective partnerships with them.If you are interested in working at DM or are a client, listen on to find out what Dalcour Maclaren is all about and what the DM Way is (it’s definitely a good thing).In this episode, you’ll find out why ONETEAM matters so much to our CEO James Neil, how jigsaw puzzles bring teams together but maybe not chess (looking at you Jo Middleton, Head of Talent Acquisition and James Irving, Associate Director, T&I).Culture isn’t just an internal thing. Mike Lee, Director, Power Generation, talks about how our clients value our ONETEAM attitude and how it shows up in their day-to-day experience of how DM delivers for them.What you will discover is the easy camaraderie that exists between people at DM – and how that gives everyone confidence to act, knowing their colleagues will have their back.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, Jo Middleton, James Irving and Mike Lee on LinkedIn or email us directlyJames Neil, CEO:james.neil@dalcourmaclaren.comJo Middleton, Head of Talent Acquisition: jo.middleton@dalcourmaclaren.comMike Lee, Director, Power Generation:mike.lee@dalcourmaclaren.comJames Irving, Associate Director, Transport & Infrastructure and heads up DM Way:james.irving@dalcourmaclaren.comFollow us at:LinkedIn:Instagram:Facebook: