Dalcour Maclaren (DM), a leading utilities and infrastructure consultancy, has partnered with MML Capital (MML) an international mid-market private equity investor, to accelerate the next phase of the business’ growth across the UK and Ireland.

This strategic investment follows a period of strong organic growth for DM, which has created more than 250 new roles in the past 12 months alone. The investment will support continued focus on attracting and developing great people, including through the consultancy’s apprenticeship and graduate schemes, which bring fresh talent into a nationally critical industry at a time when the proportion of young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs) is at a record high.

Furthermore, it will also support broadening the services DM provides to clients, expanding its geographic reach and investing further in technology and data. DM has already built strong capabilities in data and innovation and will continue exploring practical ways to use technology, AI and automation to help its people work more effectively and deliver better outcomes for clients.

MML will also provide capital and support for selective acquisitions where they bring talented people, strengthen existing services or add capabilities that clients increasingly need.

The partnership comes as demand for DM’s specialist services continues to grow, fuelled by major investment in water, energy, transport and digital infrastructure across the UK. At the same time the sector is facing increasing pressure due to the quantum, size and complexity of projects, alongside a shortage of resources in the sector.

James Neil, CEO, Dalcour Maclaren, commented:

“Over the past 23 years, we’ve built DM into the business it is today, achieving around 20% growth year after year. From the beginning, our plan has been to find the right investment partner at the right time to help us achieve our ambitions faster and better support the increasing needs of our clients.

MML stood out as a natural choice. They understand our market, our values and the unique approach that sets us apart. We’re excited to welcome MML into the DM ONETEAM. Their experience and expertise will help us accelerate our growth while staying true to what has made us successful.

We’ve built an exceptionally strong and loyal client base, and this investment is about becoming an even stronger business for them. It will allow us to broaden our expertise, continue to innovate and invest in our services, and ensure we keep delivering a number one service to our clients that is always pushing to the next level. We know this partnership will put us in a fantastic position for the next exciting stage of our journey."

Mike Reynolds, Partner, MML said:

“MML is focused on true partnership investments, backing exceptional teams in market-leaders to enable them to build global powerhouses. Dalcour Maclaren is a case in point - a great business with an excellent reputation in markets that service a significant need in the UK and beyond. What really stood out to us was the mission critical nature of the services provided, by high-quality people who really care and the strength of DM’s client relationships – many of which go back more than a decade.

James and the team have already invested significantly in the business and have a clear plan for where they want to take it next. Our job is to support them in delivering that plan – helping DM continue to attract great people, broaden what it can do for its clients, invest in technology and make acquisitions where they add something genuinely valuable.

We are so proud to be partnering with James and the wider team, and we’re excited about what we can build together.”

Mike Reynolds and David Collins from MML have joined the DM Board. A new chairperson will be appointed in due course.

DM was advised by Osborne Clarke, CIL, RSM and Arrowpoint.

MML was advised by Winston Taylor, Alantra, KPMG and Queens Tower.

Headquartered in Bicester, Oxfordshire, DM works exclusively across the utilities and infrastructure sectors. Its teams work alongside clients throughout the development of major infrastructure projects, helping them navigate land access, planning and environmental consents, geospatial requirements and stakeholder engagement. The B Corp certified consultancy employs 750 people across 19 offices and has supported the delivery of a host of nationally critical utilities and infrastructure projects including Gatwick Northern Runway, Sizewell C Nuclear Power Station, HS2, Hornsea Offshore Wind Farm Projects and the Great Grid Upgrade.

About Dalcour Maclaren

Professional services consultancy Dalcour Maclaren is a leading specialist in the utilities and infrastructure sector, helping drive a cleaner, greener future across the UK and Ireland. Our teams in land, planning, environment, stakeholder engagement and geospatial services unlock the consents needed for major energy, water, transport and digital projects. By focusing exclusively on this sector, we bring scale, technical depth and a unique understanding of the challenges our clients face. We put people at the heart of our business, fostering long-term, rewarding careers and prioritising wellbeing. With headquarters in Bicester, Dalcour Maclaren has 21 offices across the UK and Ireland, including Birmingham, Cardiff, Exeter, London, Manchester, Stirling and Belfast. Dalcour Maclaren is B Corp certified.

Website: https://dalcourmaclaren.com/