The search is on to find the West Midlands’ most inspiring surveyors - working in the land, property and construction sectors - and helping to make the region a better place to live, work and visit - following the launch of the 2017 RICS Matrics Young Surveyor of the Year Awards.
Surveyors are essential in key areas such as housing, commercial property and our road and rail systems. The national Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Matrics Young Surveyor of the Year Awards launched three years ago, in a bid to raise awareness of the diverse range of young talented surveyors, trainees and apprentices working in such areas – aged 35 and under – and helping to shape and improve the communities we live in.
The nine categories to enter are: Apprentice of the Year, Asset and Facilities Management, Building Surveying, Land (Rural and Urban), Mentor of the Year, Property (Residential & Commercial), Project Management, Quantity Surveying and Valuation.
There is also an overall ‘Young Surveyor of the Year’ accolade which is awarded to the professional who has not only achieved great success in their respective role and sector, but also demonstrates an unwavering commitment to improving the industry and the wider profession.
Last year Sophie Bullock of Aston Knowles Chartered Surveyors in Royal Sutton Coldfield won the ‘Residential Young Surveyor of the Year’ title. Since setting up Aston Knowles Chartered Surveyors and Estate Agents in 2014, Sophie has sold over £64million worth of Sutton Coldfield’s finest properties. Furthermore through her passion for property and continual development, she has went on to build a second firm, Marwood Surveyors offering valuation services across the Midlands.
Lynn Robinson, RICS Regional Director said: “The West Midlands has some of the very best properties – from our airport, sporting arenas, schools and award winning infrastructure - which our talented young professionals in the built environment sectors either help to deliver and, or, maintain.
“To put it simply, surveyors measure, value and protect all our physical assets across the region, which ultimately keeps our towns and cities vibrant and attractive to locals and visitors. These awards celebrate such inspirational talent, which I know the West Midlands has in abundance, so we’re looking forward to recognising and rewarding these role models.”
Amy Leader MRICS, Chair of the RICS UK Matrics Board – a networking and support group for young surveyors - is heading up this year’s judging panel. She commented: “These awards celebrate the very best young role models in our industry who are enjoying hugely successful careers, working on some of the most exciting built projects and initiatives in their respective communities. So they provide an ideal opportunity for companies – however large or small - to showcase the achievements of their young talent and help inspire future talent into the industry.”
