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 for more information.
