Five of the North East’s most talented young 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 young 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 the North East are in the following categories:
- Asset & Facilities Management – Erin Forrest, Property Asset Manager at Hanro Group in Newcastle
- Building Surveying – Philip Hirst, Associate at Malcolm Hollis LLP in Newcastle
- Quantity Surveying – Ben Davison, Cost Manager at Turner & Townsend in Newcastle
– Stephanie Marshall, Associate Director at Turner & Townsend in Newcastle
- Rural – Christopher Thyer, Senior Rural Surveyor at GSC Grays in Durham
Other categories include: Commercial Agency, Mentor of the Year, Public Sector/Academia, Planning and Development, Project Management, Residential, and Valuation.
Erin Forrest, finalist in the Asset & Facilities Management category, and Property Asset Manager at Hanro Group in Newcastle is responsible for managing a multi-million pound portfolio of commercial property across the North East. She’s also a member of the RICS North East Regional Board, responsible for helping to improve standards in the local property sectors and encouraging future talent in to the industry.
She said: “I’m delighted to have been shortlisted for these awards. I’ve had the opportunity to manage a wide variety of fantastic buildings which has helped me gain significant experience in many aspects of commercial property and this has proved invaluable in my role on the RICS North East Regional Board. I’ve also worked with some wonderful people throughout my career who’ve helped me develop and progress, so I feel very fortunate to have been recognised for my achievements.”
Erin added: “Many people – my family and friends included – don’t know much about the work of surveyors across other sectors, but these awards are bringing awareness to the diverse range of surveying roles available for all and the vast range of opportunities a career in property can bring.”
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; these awards provide them with an opportunity to highlight their positive influence on our local land, property and construction sectors.”
Speaking on the shortlisted North East nominees, 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 North East. 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.
To book to attend the 2016 RICS Matrics Young Surveyor of the Year Awards visit: www.ricsawards.org/ysoya or t: (0)20 7695 1600.
A full list of the shortlisted individuals can be found here