Press Release
Grant Thornton grows Economic Consulting team with senior hires
22 Feb 2024
Leading business and financial adviser Grant Thornton UK LLP announces the appointment of two new senior economists to its rapidly expanding Economics Consulting team.
The Economics Consulting team was established two years ago and the addition of Dr Maureen Paul and Joel Strange will support further growth in areas related to energy, infrastructure and Trade Economics.
Dr Maureen Paul is a former Senior Civil Servant with significant analytical and policy experience in economic regulation, gained working with UK regulators (Ofgem, Office for Fair Trading and the Competition Commission – the latter two formed the current Competition and Markets Authority). She most recently worked as the Deputy Director of Retail Policy and the Analysis Profession Lead, and as the Chief Economist and Head of the Economics Community at Ofgem.
In addition to her in-depth knowledge of energy markets and regulation, Maureen has extensive experience of leading market reviews and designing frameworks to guide complex policy decisions. At Grant Thornton, Maureen will lead the team’s focus on energy economics, working on regulation and policy including those relating to renewables and net zero. Her clients will include large corporate and government organisations.
Joel Strange is an economist specialising in infrastructure and international trade. He regularly supports corporates, regulators, governments and their legal advisors. He advises in the areas of strategy, policy, regulation, competition, pricing and economic impact, including in an Expert Witness capacity. His work has included: acting as an Expert Witness in a major dispute about the financial implications of disruption on the railway; establishing the regulatory regime for London’s £20bn Elizabeth Line; and advising on the economic and social impact of some of the UK’s largest infrastructure schemes (e.g. Heathrow expansion, the Lower Thames Crossing and 20GW Floating Offshore Wind scheme in the Celtic Sea). He has advised clients in the UK, continental Europe, Australasia and the Middle East. A proud Welsh native, Joel is a notable expert and respected economist in the Welsh market.
In his role at Grant Thornton Joel will work with corporate and government clients, focussing on the provision of economic advice in the infrastructure sector, alongside leading the growth of the firm’s services relating to trade economics and economic evaluation and impact.
Dr Maureen Paul, Economics Consulting Director at Grant Thornton UK LLP, said:
“The opportunity to be part of Grant Thorton’s growing economic consultancy practice and leading the energy economics unit is the sort of challenge that I have relished and thrived on throughout my career. I love that the firm’s culture actively supports work life balance in meaningful ways and values diversity.”
Joel Strange, Economics Consulting Director at Grant Thornton UK LLP, said:
“I believe the Economic Consulting team at Grant Thornton offers something unique to both its team members and clients, mixing dexterity and pragmatism with the reach and diverse skillsets of the wider firm both in the UK and across international markets. I was drawn to the firm by its focus on people and promoting an inclusive environment where everyone has opportunities to thrive.”
Schellion Horn, Partner and Head of Economics Consulting at Grant Thornton UK LLP, said:
“We are excited to welcome Maureen and Joel to the team as we continue to extend our services into new areas. Our vision for Economic Consulting has always been to provide a full-service offering, working closely with colleagues firmwide to offer regulatory, competition and dispute services across all the main economic segments. They are both experts in their respective fields and bring with them a wealth of knowledge that will help to further the growth of our business.”
