Nine of West Midlands’ most talented property professionals are in the running for nationwide recognition after making it on to the shortlist for the 2016 RICS Matrics Young Surveyor of the Year Awards. The annual awards launched three years ago in a bid to raise awareness of, and reward inspirational role models in the land, property and construction sectors. Hundreds of young surveyors from across the UK – aged 35 and under - were nominated, with a shortlist of 78 aspiring to be crowned ‘Young Surveyor of the Year’ in their respective sector or specialism.
There are 11 awards and finalists from West Midlands are in the following categories:
- Asset & FM: Mark Brew of Interserve
- Commercial Agency: Gemma Butler of Lambert Smith Hampton
- Planning & Development: Richard Corbett of Roger Parry & Partners
- Project Management: Alan Humphreys of Arcadis
- Quantity Surveying: Thomas Halcarz of Gleeds
- Residential: Sophie Bullock of Aston Knowles Ltd
- Rural: Richard Corbett of Roger Parry & Partners
- Rural: Chris Hodson of Savills
- Valuation: Sarah-May Dudley of Bruton Knowles
Other categories include: Building Surveying, Mentor of the Year, and Public Sector/Academia.
The overall ‘Young Surveyor of the Year’ title is awarded to the professional judged to have made a significant contribution to the industry. Last year, the title went to Leeds based quantity surveyor, Leanne Owen (nee Kitson) of Faithful+Gould for going above and beyond to understand a client’s needs when tasked with delivering over 2,000 homes for those with dementia.
Leanne commented: “Winning the Surveyor of the Year title has enhanced my profile and I’ve been invited to a number of high profile industry events including the Queens Patrons Lunch. Younger members of the industry should be proud of their achievements and enter these awards as an opportunity to highlight their positive influence on the land, property and construction sectors.”
Speaking on the announced shortlist, Victoria Hampson, RICS Regional Director, North & Midlands added: “These exceptional young finalists have made a remarkable contribution to their local property markets and are testament to the bright and ambitious talent that continues to come out of the West Midlands. I wish them the very best of luck in raising national awareness of their achievements which have helped ensure the region remains a fantastic place to live, work and visit.”
The winners will be announced at a black tie ceremony on 18 November in London and will be hosted by lifelong campaigner for equality and inclusion, Chris Holmes MBE, Britain’s most successful Paralympic swimmer.
