Bristol firm specialises in complex work for renewable energy and storage sectors

A Bristol high-voltage power specialist has been acquired by Cheshire engineering group RSK as it looks to grow its integrated services in the renewable energy and energy storage sectors.

HV Energy Systems (HVES) delivers high-voltage grid connection infrastructure projects across the UK, focusing on technically complex high voltage (33kV – 132kV) and extra high voltage (up to 400kV) connections. Its clients include leading UK renewable energy developers and engineering, procurement and construction businesses.

Its 24-strong team specialises in building modularised and containerised substation solutions, so key project elements can be built and tested off-site to help speed up construction projects.

HVES managing director Craig Steven and technical director Louis Wright founded the business and will continue to lead it. In a joint statement, they said: “We are excited to be joining RSK Group. This partnership will strengthen the service and support we deliver to clients, backed by increased scale and access to a wider network. For clients and colleagues, it is business as usual: you will continue to work with the same team and receive the same level of service, underpinned by the trusted relationships we have built.”

RSK Group chief executive officer Alan Ryder said: “The highly skilled HVES team will add significant value to RSK’s energy transition services and we are very pleased to have them join the group and work alongside some outstanding multidisciplinary colleagues on a range of important energy projects.

“HVES’s capability is particularly valued by renewable energy developers, for whom grid connection is both technically complex and schedule-critical. Delays to energisation can materially affect projects, increasing the importance of delivery certainty and proven technical capability. This makes the HVES team a crucial element in the success of projects that contribute greatly to UK energy security.”

HV Energy Systems was advised by FRP Advisory (corporate finance) and Osborne Clarke (legal).

In 2024, RSK acquired Kendall Kingscott, which has offices in Bristol, Exeter, Cardiff, St Austell, Ringwood and Teddington, and employs more than 200 staff.

Justine Clowes succeeds Jeremy Orrell at practice with four regional offices

Law firm SAS Daniels has named a new managing partner as part of a “significant transition in its senior leadership team”.

Justine Clowes, deputy CEO and joint head of the Macclesfield office, has succeeded Jeremy Orrell as managing partner at the firm. Meanwhile Nigel Read, head of property and joint head of the Macclesfield office, becomes senior partner.

Mr Orrell, who left the practice on April 30, qualified as a solicitor in 1983 and joined SAS Daniels in 2009. He has led the business since 2017 and has overseen growth across the practice as well as capital investments across its offices in Stockport, Chester, Macclesfield and Congleton. As a corporate lawyer, he has worked on more than 1,000 deals.

Justine Clowes said: “I am delighted to step into the role of managing partner at such an exciting time for our firm. Having worked closely with Jeremy and our talented team for many years, I am committed to building upon our strong foundations of legal excellence and client-focused service. I look forward to leading SAS Daniels into its next chapter of growth and innovation across the North West, as we look to recruit into all our legal departments and grow each of our offices.”

Well-known lawyer Kaye Whitby, partner and head of the SAS Daniels Chester office, is also leaving the firm.

Ms Clowes said: “On behalf of the entire team, I want to express our deepest gratitude to Jeremy and Kaye for their incredible commitment and many years of service. Jeremy’s leadership has been instrumental in our growth. We wish both Kaye and Jeremy the very best for the future.”

Her predecessor Mr Orrell said: “It has been a privilege to lead SAS Daniels and witness our collective growth over the years. I am incredibly proud of the legacy we’ve built and the exceptional talent within our firm. I wish the new board and wider team every future success.”

Three long-standing senior team members at SAS Daniels have been promoted to equity partners: Helen Kelly, partner, head of private client, and joint head of the Stockport office; Steven Percy, partner and head of commercial property; and Paul Tyrer, partner and joint head of the Congleton office. Mr Tyrer will also become head of corporate, a position previously held by Mr Orrell.

SAS Daniels now has 22 partners and a 120-strong specialist team.

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The prospect of renewed conflict in the Middle East is intensifying as tensions escalate in the Strait of Hormuz, with military leaders warning that a return to sustained combat operations may be unavoidable following reported ceasefire violations by Iran.

TREASURY FREEZES $344M IN CRYPTO AS ‘OPERATION ECONOMIC FURY’ PUSHES IRAN TO INDUSTRIAL BREAKING POINT

Fox News senior strategic analyst, retired Gen. Jack Keane, joined FOX Business’ Cheryl Casone on “Mornings with Maria” to discuss the growing risks of escalation, as U.S. forces work to maintain open shipping lanes and protect commercial vessels in one of the world’s most critical energy passageways.

U.S. Navy in transit in the Strait of Hormuz. (Zachary Pearson/U.S. Navy)

Keane pointed to recent Iranian actions, including reported attacks on U.S. and allied assets, as a turning point that could push the situation back into active conflict. Those developments come as the U.S. continues a large-scale operation to secure the Strait of Hormuz.

“There are two things that will likely force us to go back into combat operations… Fire on U.S. warships, that has happened, and also fire on our allies and partners in the region… That has happened as well,” Keane said.

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The retired general emphasized that the current U.S. posture remains defensive, focused on ensuring safe passage for vessels while countering incoming threats ranging from drones to fast boats. At the same time, he underscored that Iran, not the U.S., initiated the latest round of hostilities.

“It is Iran who broke the ceasefire by firing at the ships… firing at U.S. warships… they violated the ceasefire, and we’re completely justified in responding to that,” Keane said.

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Looking ahead, Keane warned that broader military engagement could soon follow.

“It’s inevitable that we’re going to return to combat operations here,” he said.

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