Chris Pearson FRICS, Partner at Gavin Black & Partners in Newcastle Upon Tyne has been appointed Chairman of the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) North East Regional Board.
Less than 20% of RICS professionals in the UK are Fellows of RICS – a recognition of a surveyor’s significant career achievements and passion for developing the industry – and Chris is one such professional who has achieved the esteemed status for going above and beyond in his role and for the wider profession.
Chris replaces David Furness, Senior Director at BNP Paribas Real Estate in Newcastle as Chair of the RICS North East Regional Board. The Chair’s responsibilities include leading the committee – comprising over 10 chartered surveyors – in delivering a range of objectives and initiatives to set and improve standards across the region’s land, property and construction sectors, and encourage more young and diverse talent in to the industry.
Furthermore, as part of RICS’ 150th anniversary this year, the Board will be responsible for encouraging property firms in the North East to get behind a campaign – known as Pledge150 – which will see RICS partnering with LandAid to deliver at least 150 bed spaces by December 2018, for young people at risk of homelessness.
Chis joined Gavin Black & Partners – niche commercial property consultants – nearly 14 years ago and has over 30 years’ experience providing property advice to public and private sector organisations with particular emphasis on the acquisition, sale and letting of commercial property.
Commenting on his appointment, Vickki Hampson, RICS Regional Director commented: “Chris has a wealth of invaluable industry experience and has proved to be an integral member of the RICS Regional Board, so we are delighted he has accepted the role of Chairman.
“Chris is also a huge supporter of the fight to end homelessness and poverty, having taken part in, and raised, significant funds for the annual CEO Sleepout Challenge in Northumberland. Therefore, I’m sure he will prove a fantastic ambassador for our Pledge150 campaign and help us raise the all-important funds to deliver more bed spaces for young homeless people.”
On his appointment, Chris Pearson said: “Our region’s land, property and construction sectors continue to face many challenges. But as Chairman of the RICS North East Regional Board, I am looking forward to representing the interests of the North East’s property professionals, and together with the knowledge and expertise of our experienced Board members, deliver a range of initiatives that will have a positive impact on our industry and profession, as well as our local communities in the region. Also, the Pledge 150 campaign is an important initiative and I will be working hard to raise significant funds for this worthwhile cause.”
For more information on RICS’s Pledge150 campaign and how to get involved visit www.rics.org/pledge150