Dunlop Heywood hires VOA expert for energy division

The Manchester-based chartered surveyor has recruited ex-VOA valuation lead Mick Rowbottom as director to head its growing energy and renewables division.

Rowbottom has 27 years’ experience in the energy sector and worked in mining in Africa and Europe at the start of his career, before returning to the UK to work in the opencast coal industry.

A move to join the mineral valuers at the Valuation Office Agency followed where he undertook rating valuations for a wide range of minerals, as well as landfill and brickworks. His remit also covered preparation of mining subsidence reports and mineral valuation work for tax cases.

In 2008, Rowbottom moved to the VOA utilities rating team which coincided with the growth in green energy and, having worked on both hydro-electric schemes and wind farms, he became Lead Valuer for Renewables. He was also heavily involved in fossil fuel and nuclear valuations.

Dunlop Heywood advises Eneco UK, Peel Energy, Ecotricity, Infinite Renewables and Eco2 among many others. Stuart Hicks, director of Dunlop Heywood, said: “Energy security remains a key challenge for the UK in what is a changing political and statutory environment. Having someone of Mick’s calibre join the team will provide invaluable expertise for our growing list of renewable clients.”

Rowbottom added: “Throughout my career I’ve been fortunate enough to build up a portfolio of knowledge and expertise via working for some excellent organisations in varied environments. I’m delighted to be bringing that experience to Dunlop Heywood and I’m looking forward to building the energy and renewables division into a UK industry leader.”