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Burns & McDonnell contributes to Scotland's net zero future

Last updated: May 2025

Scotland was a natural next step to grow the UK business of Burns & McDonnell, a global engineering and construction firm, and a world leader in energy transition.

Excited about energy transmission 

When Burns & McDonnell decided to invest in the UK, the company was excited about the opportunities presented by the nation's energy market and transition to net zero.

Headquartered in Missouri, America, the employee-owned firm works from more than 75 offices around the world, designing and building critical infrastructure. The organisation delivers projects grounded in safety, and has a desire to make a real difference to client success. 

The business opened its first European office in Birmingham, UK in 2017. It added a business practice in London in 2020 and, attracted by Scotland’s burgeoning £9.1 billion* net zero sector, opened its first Scotland office in June 2022. To accommodate the Scottish team’s rapid growth, this office has since relocated to a new one in Strathclyde Business Park, near Glasgow.

*Source: Confederation of British Industry (CBI), February 2025.

Preferred bidder for onshore infrastructure

In 2023, Burns & McDonnell was selected as a preferred bidder by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Distribution (SSEN) Transmission to deliver onshore transmission infrastructure across Scotland. SSEN Transmission’s £10 billion framework will be pivotal to help Scotland reach its 2030 renewable energy and energy security targets.

Zoe Dempsey, Key Account and New Business Director UK at Burns & McDonnell, says: “Our US business made a strong commitment to the UK energy transition market. Investing in Scotland was market-driven as some of our key clients are located here, and we have big ambitions. We’re proud of the rapid growth of the team in Scotland in just three years, and excited to see this progress continue.”

Scotland has seen the UK’s highest growth from net zero businesses since 2022, according to research. A report by the Energy & Climate Energy Unit and CBI Economics states that Scotland’s green sector has grown by 20% from 2022 to 2025.

The Burns & McDonnell UK team spans a family of engineering and consulting practices, including engineers, construction professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists. The Scottish team now works across transmission and distribution, construction, and environmental services.

Currently, the company is involved in an engineer-procure-construct (EPC) contract for the Errochty Grid Supply Point (GSP) in the Highlands. The development of the Errochty substation will see the installation of new transformers to renew and modernise transmission and distribution capabilities. This will increase capacity at the Tummel Bridge Hydro Power Station in Perth and Kinross.

Zoe Dempsey, Key Account and New Business Director UK, Burns & McDonnell

Providing sustainable solutions

Alongside the firm's engineering and construction teams, the hydro project’s development is supported by the firm’s Environmental Services (ENS) Group. This group will advise on the environmental and social impacts of the project to mitigate environmental impact, and provide sustainable solutions and continued engagement with the local community.

In 2025, the business announced Kyle Roberts as the new Executive Managing Director for the UK.  He'll oversee all three of Burns & McDonnell’s UK offices - in London, Birmingham and Scotland to strengthen collaboration between them, and to support recruitment, investment and client delivery.

Jason Chandler, UK Transmission and Distribution Managing Director, says: "Scotland and the whole of the UK is having to rapidly integrate new forms of power generation. I’m delighted that we'll continue to engage our Scottish supply chain partners as we work to adapt the grid so it's ready for net zero."

SDI worked with Burns & McDonnell to give it a better understanding of Scotland’s business landscape and support infrastructure. This has included making introductions to Team Scotland partners such as Skills Development Scotland (SDS). 

Zoe Dempsey adds: “SDI has been really helpful in providing support with media and brand positioning – as well as networking, apprenticeships, and upskilling opportunities.” 

Future support may include help working with additional supply chains across Scotland’s energy transition sector.

Jason Chandler, UK Transmission and Distribution Managing Director, Burns & McDonnell

So what does this mean for international companies wanting to expand in Scotland? 

Ultimately, the country offers investors the best of both worlds: ambitious firms have enticing opportunities to invest in Scotland while, in turn, the nation has the chance to consolidate its position in renewable energy internationalisation.

You’ll find a supportive, collaborative and dynamic culture, where you can grow and diversify your business through diverse networks and opportunities.

This is why Scotland offers the right credentials as an attractive location to establish, expand and innovate your business.

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