The move, SLR’s fifth acquisition in 18 months, is part of its continuing strategy to extend its range of technical capabilities. The newly combined ecology team becomes one of the largest, most technically experienced in the UK and substantially increases SLR’s capacity to deliver high quality ecology services to existing and new clients across the country.

Andrew McCarthy Associates was set up in 1996 and employs 20 specialists from its offices in Exeter, St Albans and Sheffield. As providers of independent ecological advice to both private and public sector developers, AMA’s consultants have extensive experience in habitat and protected species surveys and in EIA – particularly for the wind energy sector.

SLR Consulting Managing Director Neil Penhall said: “Andrew McCarthy Associates’ expertise, especially in bird and bat studies, compliments our existing ecology team’s technical skills. This move enhances SLR’s growth opportunities, as together we will be able to offer a substantially expanded capacity along with a wider range of services, particularly in the renewables field.”

Andrew McCarthy, founder and MD of AMA said: “Culturally we see SLR as an excellent fit for us and we look forward to the substantial opportunities that being part of a multi-disciplinary company with an increasingly international focus will bring, both to our clients and to our staff.”

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