Market Briefing – February/March 2009 issue

- Consultants face dip in EIA work. As recession deepens, there are concerns that the volume of environmental impact assessment work will drop much more significantly than it has thus far. Erin Gill speaks to EIA consultants and other prominent industry experts about what they hope – and fear – 2009 may bring.

- M&A deals in environmental sector. It was a bonanza year for mergers and acquisitions in the UK environmental sector – that is until the collapse of the financial markets in September/October 2008. While some of the larger deals reliant on input from the banks have been put on ice, corporate M&A activity has not by any means ground to a halt, with many smaller deals continuing as firms in a cash strong position look to capitalise.

- SLR banks on 'recession-proof' waste and energy sectors. A preview of SLR Consulting’s impressive financial results for 2008, reaction to the recycling market ‘crisis’ and future growth opportunities. Liz Trew speaks to SLR’s UK managing director, Neil Penhall.

- US environment sector overshadowed by recession. Report identifies a few rays of hope in the US market but uncertainty is the name of the game for 2009.

- Waste PFI finance challenges. The waste management sector is having to reassess its approach to project finance amid signs that progress under the Private Finance Initiative is stalling. Julian Rose reports.

- Staying ahead in China. Environmental consultancy in China is a challenging and competitive business, but as Erin Gill discovers, it is also one that consultants find highly stimulating and rewarding. As China is sucked into the global economic downturn, prospects remain strong for firms there for the long haul.

- REACH chemicals consulting opportunities. EU Regulation opens new markets for consultancies, both in and outside the EU. Geraint Roberts talks to five consultancies about the first six months since Europe’s ambitious new law on chemicals registration and authorisation came into effect.

- Positive market themes for 2009. With tumbling share prices, increasing debt and management discontent, some of the listed consultants have been left more vulnerable in the current market conditions than others. Despite recent earnings downgrades and the gloomy economic outlook, analysts are still finding elements to be positive about in the market for environmental consultancy and related services.