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RENEWABLE ENERGY – MICHAEL DUPPA-MILLER OM’13
What Is Your Profession And Current Position?
I’m a Chartered Surveyor (MRICS) and the Director of Honeycomb Developments Ltd, an independent renewable energy consultancy. I help businesses, landowners and estates cut energy costs and carbon through solar PV and battery storage projects; from feasibility to installation.
How Did Monkton Get You Ready For The World Of Work?
Monkton taught me to think independently and maintain perspective under pressure. The balance of academics, sport and leadership opportunities built the resilience and communication skills I rely on daily when managing complex projects.
The alumni network has also been invaluable; a reminder that professional relationships often start with shared values and mutual trust.
What Is Your Biggest Professional Achievement?
Staying true to what I wanted to do. My career has been a progression of milestones rather than one defining moment; becoming an MRICS Chartered Surveyor, founding Honeycomb Developments, and delivering multi-megawatt solar and battery projects for well-known industrial and minerals operators.
What Has Been Your Most Challenging Professional Moment?
The early days of starting my own business. Working out what I wanted to achieve, how to make it viable, and how to keep momentum when things get tough. Balancing risk, cash flow, and self-belief forced me to become ruthlessly organised and to treat setbacks as lessons rather than failures. I’m still learning.
What Inspires And Motivates You At Work?
Creating practical change. Every project that turns an underused rooftop into clean power or saves a client money shows that sustainability can make strong commercial sense. That mix of purpose and problem-solving keeps me motivated.
Running my own business is demanding but rewarding; the freedom to build something that aligns with my values is worth the challenge. And with a baby girl due in January 2026, that purpose feels sharper than ever.
What Is One Piece Of Advice You Would Like To Share With Pupils Or Oms About Getting Into Your Profession?
Get practical experience early and treat everyone well; what goes around, comes around.
Visit sites, talk to engineers, shadow people in planning or energy roles. The built environment and renewables sectors reward curiosity and credibility more than titles alone.
Build and nurture your network. People like working with those they know and trust. Relationships often become the foundation of opportunity.