COMMERCIAL law firm Muckle has appointed a firm of energy experts to strengthen its service to clients within the energy sector. Fells Associates has been appointed to Muckle’s specialist energy group and will help to guide its energy market strategy, particularly in respect of renewable technologies.

The move will build on Muckle’s substantial experience and expertise in the energy sector, and enhance the commercial law firm’s service to clients within the field. Professor Ian Fells, of Fells Associates, founded the New and Renewable Energy Centre (now the National Renewable Energy Centre) at Blyth in 2002.

Before that he was professor of energy conversion at Newcastle University, teaching and researching for over 30 years and publishing over 300 papers on a wide range of topics – from heat engines to fuel cells, energy economics, environmental protection and energy policy.

He said: “We are delighted to be working with the experienced Energy Group at Muckle to help advise and develop their business. A secure and well regulated energy supply is simply essential for future economic growth, and advising businesses on how to take advantage of the renewable energy market in the North East will help the region prosper, whilst sustaining the environment.”

Andrew Davison, partner at Muckle, said: “Ian and Alistair Fells are internationally respected experts in energy policy and we are delighted to welcome them both to our Energy team. Their contributions will help us to enhance our service offering and deliver invaluable benefits to our clients.”