April Spotlight: Landing in Miami

Welcome to the April edition of Blakely Brown Insights!

This month marks an exciting milestone for us - our Co-Founder Ross Lienau has officially relocated full-time to Miami, strengthening our U.S. presence and setting the stage for further growth.

We’re also covering one of the most talked-about developments in the industry right now: the freeze on renewable energy grants in the U.S. and what this means for engineers, firms, and recruiters navigating the green energy space.

With spring well underway, it’s the perfect time to refresh your approach and refocus on your career goals. Whether you’re looking for your next role or hiring top talent, we’ve included timely tips to help you stay one step ahead this season.

Scroll down for company news, market insights, and practical guidance for Q2.

Warm regards, The Blakely Brown Team

Touchdown in Miami

This month, we’re celebrating a major moment in Blakely Brown’s U.S. expansion: Co-Founder Ross Lienau officially received his visa earlier this month and has now relocated to Miami.

With Ross on the ground, our Brickell office is now fully operational, with our first new hires joining the team next week. His move marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey as we continue to establish our presence stateside.

Although the UK team will certainly miss having Ross around day-to-day, we’re all looking forward to visiting our new Miami HQ soon and continuing this exciting chapter of growth.

“Seeing the vision we set out two years ago come to life is a very proud personal and professional moment. I’m incredibly grateful to all our partners who’ve supported us in making this possible. With many more U.S. offices on the horizon, Miami is the perfect base to take Blakely Brown to the next level.”

Renewable Energy Grants Remain Frozen

The release of $20 billion in green infrastructure grant funding from the Biden-era Inflation Reduction Act has been halted due to ongoing legal battles between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Citibank, and the nonprofit groups selected as grantees. Originally awarded under the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, the money was intended to support renewable energy and climate resilience projects through initiatives like the National Clean Investment Fund and the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator.

The funding was frozen in February after federal agencies instructed Citibank to withhold access. While a district court judge ordered the funds released, citing potential irreparable harm to projects and lack of evidence of wrongdoing, an appeals court quickly granted the EPA a preliminary injunction, keeping the freeze in place.

What does this mean for engineers in the U.S.?

• Delays in Project Funding: Engineers working on green infrastructure or renewable energy projects may experience delays or uncertainty in project timelines due to stalled federal funding.

• Increased Scrutiny: Expect greater oversight and compliance measures on federally funded work, especially related to environmental and sustainability initiatives. Opportunities Still Exist: Once resolved, the release of funds could spur significant new project opportunities in clean energy, adaptive reuse, and resilient infrastructure across the U.S.

How will this impact the Executive Search industry?

• Hiring Slowdowns Likely: Firms depending on EPA green funding may freeze or delay hiring for roles tied to now-paused projects.

• Talent Realignment: Engineers originally hired for these initiatives may seek roles elsewhere, presenting an opportunity for recruiters to connect them with private sector or alternative public projects.

• Stay Informed: Recruiters should monitor legal and legislative developments impacting federal funding streams to anticipate workforce needs and support clients adapting to policy changes.

Spring Into Your Next Role: Interview Tips for the Season

As Q2 gets underway, the engineering and construction sectors across the U.S. are entering a high-activity period, making this a prime time for candidates to take the next step in their careers. Whether you're actively interviewing or just beginning your search, here are five timely tips to keep in mind this spring:

1. Capitalize on Q2 Hiring Momentum Many firms are now moving forward with projects and hiring plans following new budget cycles. Make sure your resume, portfolio, and LinkedIn profile are fully updated so you're ready to apply quickly when the right opportunity comes along.

2. Be Flexible With Scheduling With project pipelines ramping up and calendars filling fast, hiring teams appreciate candidates who are flexible with interview timings. Offering a few different time slots (especially early or late in the day) can help keep the process moving.

3. Prepare for In-Person or Hybrid Interviews As weather improves, more companies are returning to in-person or hybrid interviews. Dress appropriately and research each company’s setup so you’re ready whether the interview is virtual or face-to-face.

4. Reference Recent Project Work Spring is a major launch period for engineering projects, so use this time to highlight your contributions to winter planning or readiness for upcoming work. It’s a great way to show how you can hit the ground running.

5. Emphasize Adaptability and Growth Spring is all about new growth, and hiring managers want to see that same potential in candidates. Share examples of recent upskilling, problem-solving, or flexibility in your role to show that you're ready to take on more.

Ready to make your next move? We’d love to hear from you. Contact our team to find out how we can help you land your next opportunity.