28th November 2023
APEM Group supports Chancellor’s Autumn Statement focus on building sustainable energy capacity and reducing infrastructure planning time
In the UK Government Autumn Statement, the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s focus on creating the conditions for continued investment in renewable energy sector while reducing the planning burden associated with critical infrastructure developments, is welcomed by all at APEM Group.
Focus on Sustainable Energy & Improved Grid Connections
The Chancellor continued to place the UK at the forefront of the global push to deliver clean energy – a necessary component to deliver a shared natural environment that can be enjoyed and protected for generations to come.
In outlining various investment initiatives, the UK Government is committed to keeping the UK leading the world in the offshore renewables sector by reducing the timescales associated with gaining consent to build and increasing certainty, enabling financial investment decisions that can deliver the UK’s bold Net Zero ambitions.
Unlocking the next stage of investment in the UK’s offshore wind industry is critical for the success of the industry. Our key takeaways from the Autumn Statement include:
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Full Expensing
By making the full expensing permanent, this should release critical investment into the renewable and infrastructure supply chains, increasing the speed at which key national infrastructure projects can be delivered.
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UK Connection Actions Plan & Transmission Acceleration Plan
Moving from a ‘first come, first served’ model to release grid connection opportunities, the average connection delay will drop from 5 years to 6 months and the significant majority of projects to get their connection date. This ambitious target will enable the UK to release over 100GW from the current queue.Both plans together aim to bring forward £90 billion of investment over the next 10 years strengthening the UK’s position in the global renewables sector.
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Removal of the Electricity Generator Levy (EGL) ‘windfall tax’ for new projects
New renewable energy projects to expand and repower, as well as increasing the operational life of existing generating stations, will now be exempt from the EGL. This is a positive step and will encourage investment in clean UK energy generation in the face of growing international competition.
Focus on UK Planning Regime Reform and Nutrient Mitigation Fund
The Chancellor’s focus on unblocking the planning process by making the UK’s planning regime more efficient and effective will enable critical infrastructure to be build quicker while ensuring the impact of development on the environment is minimised.
Our key takeaways from the Autumn Statement include:
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Changes to the NSIP planning regime
Four key themes were announced to enable the UK to deliver NSIP more efficiently and at scale; speed, certainty, simplicity and delivery. With the average delay currently being 9 months, short term actions to improve decision making, increase investment, reduce bureaucracy and improve project delivery are welcomed.
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Improving developer access to environmental data
By improving the availability and use of environmental data to reduce planning processing times will give developers easier access to data, allowing them to improve decision making and the mitigate their impact on the environment.
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Nutrient Mitigation
Existing nutrient neutrality rules continue to place a burden on housebuilders, preventing the building of 145,000 homes in 74 local authorities. By introducing the Local Nutrient Mitigation Fund, to provide £110 million of funding to support Local Planning Authorities to deliver high quality schemes to offset nutrient pollution, this will unlock planning permissions that are otherwise stalled, having a positive effect on the environment.
Conclusion
At APEM Group, we already focus on ways to maximise efficiencies in the planning process for our clients and look forward to the future benefits these planned changes will bring.
The release of critical investment through Full Expensing, coupled with the potential for earlier grid connection dates, will further help to speed up the delivery of important renewable energy projects.
In summary, APEM Group believe that the continued investment in the UK renewables and infrastructure sectors and an effective planning regime are key to delivering a future where clean energy, clean water and clean infrastructure are crucial to delivering the UK’s net zero goals and protecting and enhancing our shared natural environment for the benefit of all.
To find out how APEM Group can help your organisation please contact: Tom Morley or Lee Williams
Photo credit: Unsplash+
15th November 2023
The APEM Group Net Zero Report
Our Net Zero Report brings to life a carbon reduction plan for the APEM Group, as we work to achieve and outperform government Net Zero targets for the UK and Ireland.
We are committed to managing our activities to reduce our carbon emissions, to promote environmental sustainability and to conserve and enhance natural resources.
It is of utmost importance that we remain committed to our values, delivering environmental change not only through the projects we work on, but also through our own activities.
We have therefore committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by the end of 2045: five years earlier than current UK Government targets.
Download the full report below:
11th October 2023
Read the APEM Group ESG Impact Report
Environmental considerations have always been at APEM’s core, from our inception in 1987 to becoming a global environmental consultancy group today. As well as addressing the climate emergency, we are front and centre when it comes to dealing with the biodiversity crisis.
We are committed to reporting annually on our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) progress, reflecting our dedication to growing our business sustainably and to hold ourselves accountable for our environmental impact.
In this report, we outline our achievements in 2022 and ambitions for 2023, against national and international sustainability agendas and targets.
Download the full report below:
11th October 2023
APEM Group expands terrestrial ecology capabilities with sixth acquisition
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Acquisition of Aspect Ecology is the third acquisition in last 4 months and helps accelerate an ambitious growth strategy for the Group
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Significantly expands one of the leading Terrestrial ecology teams in the market, building on existing capabilities
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Deepens access to commercial development infrastructure sector, with particular focus on Biodiversity Net Gain services
APEM Group today announced their sixth acquisition since 2021 as Aspect Ecology, a leading ecological planning consultancy based in Banbury, Oxfordshire joined the Group.
Aspect are renowned for their services to support planning applications and development in terrestrial environments. They partner with clients in the infrastructure sector, supporting their requirements across large, complex commercial development projects. The acquisition supports APEM Group’s growth strategy to add complementary capabilities to our clients and continues the Group’s investment in this area.
"I am delighted to welcome Aspect Ecology to the APEM Group. Aspect Ecology bring a deep expertise in terrestrial ecology to the Group, building on our existing market-leading capabilities and significantly increasing our strength and depth. This acquisition provides substantial opportunities to continue our expansion into the infrastructure and built environment market alongside further growth in the renewables and water sectors.
As the need for clean infrastructure increases, Aspect’s knowledge of, and work with clients in, assessing the biodiversity of developers’ plans and how to deliver Biodiversity Net Gain solutions, will be of real value to APEM’s own clients."
–Leah McGimpsey, APEM Group CEO
Joining the APEM Group gives Aspect Ecology access to a diverse range of clients across the Renewables, Water and Infrastructure sectors, where the need for environmental services continues to grow at pace.
"I am pleased to welcome Alistair and the team at Aspect Ecology to the APEM Group. Providing solutions through innovative design and imaginative thinking, Aspect Ecology have a reputation for and a dedication to, delivering quality across all the stages of a client’s project lifecycle.
Balancing commercial outcomes with the impact on the natural environment is a key challenge for our clients, especially with the need to demonstrate biodiversity sustainability in the planning process. Aspect’s expertise in this area for residential and commercial developers and land owners, combined with our existing terrestrial teams working across the water and renewables sectors, provides our clients with an unrivalled advantage in delivering their projects.
I’m also excited about the opportunities for shared learning across our combined terrestrial team and bringing best practice to our clients."
–Darroch Baker, Managing Director, Freshwater and Terrestrial
"We are delighted to be joining APEM Group which provides great opportunities for the Aspect Ecology team and allows us to take forward our current operations with the added support of the Group infrastructure. APEM’s culture of high quality work mirrors that of Aspect Ecology’s so that our approaches are fully aligned.
Joining forces with APEM will enable us to access new markets and offer additional services to our clients as well as more rapidly develop our technological capabilities aided by APEM’s market leading position in this area"
–Alistair Baxter, co-founder and Senior Director, Aspect Ecology
Since 2021, the APEM Group have completed six acquisitions, supported by private equity firm WestBridge, cementing their strategy of growth and international expansion.
"APEM Group continues to go from strength to strength both domestically and internationally. This new acquisition of Aspect Ecology builds on existing capabilities in terrestrial ecology, broadens the service offering and further enhances APEM’s reputation in the environmental consulting marketplace.
The APEM Group Leadership Team continue to add culturally aligned businesses to the group via their strategic acquisition strategy, while delivering value adding services to their clients."
–Pete Barkley, Partner at Westbridge
For further information, please contact:
07881 772960
About the APEM Group:
With employees in the UK, Ireland, Australia, Germany and the USA, the APEM Group provide independent environmental consultancy and expert advice to a wide range of industries including water, renewables, power and utilities, marine and ports, transport, construction and development.
The company provides digital aerial wildlife surveys, specialist marine, freshwater, terrestrial ecology and geospatial services to organisations across the world.
In July 2021, APEM acquired Sligo-based Woodrow, an environmental and sustainability consultancy, followed in February 2022 by the acquisition of AQUAFACT, a specialist in marine surveys, based in Galway, Ireland. In May 2022, APEM acquired GoBe Consultants, a planning and environmental services consultancy based in Devon and Glasgow, followed by the acquisition in June 2023 of Macro Works, a Dublin based provider of landscape and visual consultancy services, and NASH Maritime, a leading shipping, navigation and maritime risk consultancy based in Southampton, in July 2023.
About Aspect Ecology:
Aspect Ecology are renowned for their services to support planning applications and development in terrestrial environments. They partner with clients in the infrastructure sector, supporting their requirements across large, complex commercial development projects.
Aspect Ecology offer a complete service for projects from pre-purchase due diligence to surveys and assessment to inform planning or EIA including Biodiversity Net Gain, Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRAs) and presenting expert evidence at appeals. Post planning they address conditions and implement ecological mitigation schemes including through protected species licensing and monitoring.Articles
27th July 2023
New maritime acquisition fuels exciting growth opportunities for leading offshore wind and technical consultancy APEM Group
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Expands and strengthens APEM’s existing position in maritime sector with acquisition of leading shipping, navigation and maritime risk consultancy, NASH Maritime
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Brings unique technology products and maritime safety management software solutions and positions Group for future global growth16
APEM Group today announced the acquisition of NASH Maritime, the specialist shipping, navigation and maritime risk consultancy, bolstering their offering to the global offshore wind and maritime infrastructure sectors. Delivering on the Group’s growth strategy, this is the fifth acquisition in the last two and a half years and provides numerous areas of synergy with existing marine specialist teams within APEM Group. It strengthens the offering to clients in the offshore wind and maritime infrastructure sectors, key markets for future growth for the APEM Group.
This enables NASH Maritime to enhance its technical shipping and navigation capabilities, drawing on the significant resource of the wider APEM Group. NASH Maritime will continue to develop its suite of innovative technology and software solutions that can be deployed across the global renewables and maritime sectors.
APEM Group CEO Leah McGimpsey commented:
“I am delighted to welcome NASH Maritime to the APEM Group. NASH Maritime will be a significant addition to the Group, bringing maritime expertise, cutting-edge technology solutions and a global footprint, while broadening the markets and clients we serve. This latest acquisition delivers on our stated strategy of organic growth, international expansion and strategic acquisitions.
By bringing NASH Maritime and the APEM Group together, we are continuing to deliver on our mission to provide ecological and technological solutions to decision makers around the globe, partnering with them to achieve environmental and social outcomes that matter.”
With synergies for clients across the renewables and maritime sectors, the combination of the APEM Group and NASH Maritime will provide new avenues to deliver APEM’s ambitious growth strategy.
Alistair Davison, Managing Director, Marine and Consents added:
“The offshore wind and maritime infrastructure sectors are a key driver of future growth for APEM Group. As these sectors develop at a rapid pace, the acquisition of NASH Maritime deepens our capabilities across the globe and positions us to capitalise on that growth.
NASH’s shipping, navigation and maritime risk services are key to the offshore wind market and will drive synergies with our existing data collection and analysis services to the offshore wind and marine development sector.
I have been impressed with both the calibre and experience of the people behind NASH Maritime and I am looking forward to the innovative technology solutions and services we can offer to our combined clients, helping them minimise the risks to their business and driving profitability.
With a commitment to scientific advancement complemented by advanced data collection and modelling capabilities, NASH Maritime’s passion for leading the industry forward matches our own culture at APEM and I see a bright future for us together”
Jamie Holmes, Director and Co-founder, NASH Maritime said:
“We‘ve known and worked alongside APEM Group on some significant projects over the years in offshore renewables and have always been impressed with their reputation in delivering deep scientific rigour in consultancy and technology solutions.
NASH Maritime was founded in recognition of the complexity of managing shipping, navigation and maritime risk with maritime infrastructure and, in particular, the challenges around co-existence with the renewables industry. APEM’s backing enables us to take the business to the next level, expand our services globally and further invest in the development of our innovative technology software and product solutions.
With shared values and origins as a strategic and specialist technical consultancy I’m confident our team will thrive within the APEM family and am incredibly excited about this next phase in the NASH journey!”
The continued investment in strategic acquisitions is validation of the growth strategy since the management buy-out by WestBridge, the private equity firm. Positioning APEM Group for further growth, Pete Barkley, Partner at WestBridge said:
“We are delighted to continue our support for APEM’s strategic acquisition programme, and excited by the future growth potential that the addition of a high-quality operator such as NASH Maritime brings to the group.
Alongside our continued organic growth, acquisitions remain core to our strategy. We will continue to seek to add quality focussed, culturally aligned businesses that bring complementary services to customers of the APEM Group, having completed two such acquisitions already this year.”
Support from WestBridge has brought strategic value and enabled APEM to develop a scalable internal infrastructure and pursue acquisitions.
WestBridge partner, Peter Barkley, said:
“Since our investment in 2019, we have supported APEM’s investment in high quality talent and leadership to create a robust platform to deliver organic and acquisitive growth.
“The success of this is demonstrated by the six-fold increase in revenue delivered during this period and recognition of APEM as a world leading niche environmental consultancy.
“Given the significantly increased scale of the Group since our investment, the changes announced create a best-in-class leadership team with the ambition and capability to deliver the next phase of APEM’s strategic growth plan.”
For further information, please contact:
07881 772960
5th July 2023
Changes at the top as environmental consultancy APEM eyes further growth
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New CEO and strengthening of leadership team
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Revenues soar six-fold from £10m to £60m
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Continuing international growth and expansion
APEM Group, the global environmental consultancy, has announced changes to its senior leadership team as it sets its sights on further growth.
Dr Adrian Williams, who has led the business for the last six years, will pass the baton of CEO to Leah McGimpsey and become an executive director. Following the recent appointment of three managing directors; Alex Campbell, Darroch Baker and most recently Alistair Davidson joining from Royal Haskoning, the leadership team is further strengthened by Dr Stuart Clough as chief client officer.
The APEM Group has seen a six-fold growth in revenue since a management buyout backed by private equity firm WestBridge in 2019.
APEM has grown from a small UK consultancy with revenue of £10m to a Group with revenue of £60m, employing over 600 staff at offices in UK, Europe, USA, and Australia.
Strong organic growth has been supplemented with the strategic acquisition of four specialist businesses – Woodrow, AQUAFACT, GoBe and Macro Works. As demand for end-to-end environmental consultancy continues to grow, developing innovative solutions enables APEM to help solve our client’s biggest environmental challenges, partnering with them to deliver a thriving shared natural environment.
Williams said:
“It has been a privilege to be CEO of the APEM Group. We have achieved remarkable growth thanks to the dedication of our people, who all share an unflinching commitment to innovation, progressive science, and technology in their service delivery to clients.
“Over the last two years, I have brought together a leadership team with the depth and breadth of experience to take the company to the next level. With Leah’s strategic skills and vision, I have every confidence in the future success of APEM.”
Since joining APEM as chief strategy officer in 2022, McGimpsey has developed and launched the Group’s five-year growth strategy and delivered an M&A pipeline of global opportunities.
With a background in the scientific, consulting, and private equity sectors on both sides of the Atlantic, she will continue implementing the Group’s business strategy with a focus on organic growth, international expansion, and strategic acquisitions.
In other changes, Dr Stuart Clough has become the company’s first chief client officer. The new role will see him take responsibility for client engagement, brand development and international expansion.
Of her new role, McGimpsey said:
“The APEM Group’s reputation for scientific and technical excellence is second to none and is central to our unique right to win. We’re passionately devoted to driving real impact for the environment and communities in which we operate, in partnership with our clients and people.
I am thrilled to be leading the next phase of growth, surrounded by a hugely capable leadership team, underpinned by the impeccable reputation established by Adrian, Stuart, and the team. The APEM Group operates in markets that have a growing need for our environmental services, and we are poised to deliver.”
Clough said:
“Throughout my APEM career, I’ve enjoyed partnering with a great variety of organisations from around the world.
“We have been established in the US for several years and have recently agreed long term contracts with clients in Australia’s renewables industry.
“What drives me is identifying and understanding the challenges of today and tomorrow, then collaborating with the brightest minds to find progressive solutions. Our market leading innovations, such as H2Over and LIDAR, for example, were born out of delivering ROI for clients, and I’m delighted that demand for them continues to grow.
“Engaging with our clients to find optimal technical solutions builds cohesive and mutually advantageous relationships.”
Support from WestBridge has brought strategic value and enabled APEM to develop a scalable internal infrastructure and pursue acquisitions.
WestBridge partner, Peter Barkley, said:
“Since our investment in 2019, we have supported APEM’s investment in high quality talent and leadership to create a robust platform to deliver organic and acquisitive growth.
“The success of this is demonstrated by the six-fold increase in revenue delivered during this period and recognition of APEM as a world leading niche environmental consultancy.
“Given the significantly increased scale of the Group since our investment, the changes announced create a best-in-class leadership team with the ambition and capability to deliver the next phase of APEM’s strategic growth plan.”
For further information, please contact:
Ruth Shearn
07881 772960
6th June 2023
Macro Works are delighted to join Environmental consultancy APEM Group
This is the fourth acquisition APEM has made in the past two years and reinforces its position as a leading player in the global environmental consultancy sector.
Since receiving private equity investment from WestBridge in 2019, APEM has seen its revenue grow from £10m to a forecast c.£60m in the current financial year, employing 540 people across five divisions.
Richard Barker, director and landscape architect at Macro Works, said:
“We have been aware of APEM for many years and have always held it in high esteem for the type and quality of work it produces. We are delighted to be joining a team of like-minded individuals who share our values and whose culture is aligned with our own. It’s very much business as usual for our loyal customers who will now be able to access a wider pool of expertise and services. Similarly, our own employees will benefit from the enhanced training and development opportunities that come with being part of a larger group.”
APEM Group chief executive officer, Dr Adrian Williams, said:
“We have first-hand experience of the excellent work produced by the team at Macro Works and are absolutely delighted to welcome them as part of the team. Their areas of expertise perfectly complement our growing range of highly specialised services and I look forward to seeing the fantastic achievements we can deliver together.”
APEM Group chief strategy officer, Leah McGimpsey, added:
“Demand for end-to-end environmental consultancy continues to grow and we are leading the way by constantly evolving our offering, enabling us to be a greater partner to our clients, people and the communities across which we operate.”
Earlier this week, APEM Group announced it had secured a +£50m debt package and additional accordion from Tikehau Investment Management UK, with an additional £7.5m working capital facility from Virgin Money to accelerate its ambitious growth strategy.
Rebecca Sinclair, investment manager at WestBridge, said:
“APEM is a fantastic business that continues to go from strength to strength. It has earned its position as a leading player in the global market, providing vital work, and we look forward to supporting the management team as it pursues further growth opportunities.”
Advisers to APEM on acquisition of Macro Works
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DSW Corporate Finance – Corporate Finance Advisory Services
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DSW Transaction Services – Financial Due Diligence
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Capital Law – Legal Counsel
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Ogier Leman – Irish Law Advices and Legal Due Diligence
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BDO Ireland – Tax Due Diligence
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CIL – Commercial Due Diligence
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Pinsent Masons - Legal Counsel
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RSM UK Corporate Finance - Financial Due Diligence
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Parisi Tax - Tax Covenants
For further information, please contact:
Ruth Shearn
07881 772960
About APEM Group
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APEM Group has offices in the UK, Ireland, Australia, Germany and the USA.
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APEM provides independent environmental consultancy and expert advice to a wide range of industries including water, renewables, power and utilities, marine and ports, transport, construction and development
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The company provides digital aerial wildlife surveys, specialist marine, freshwater, terrestrial ecology and geospatial services to organisations across the world.
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July 2021, APEM acquired Woodrow, an environmental and sustainability consultancy based in County Sligo, Ireland
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February 2022, APEM acquired AQUAFACT, a specialist in marine surveys, based in Galway, Ireland
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May 2022, APEM acquired GoBe Consultants, a planning and environmental services consultancy based in Devon and Glasgow