Ashley Cooper, who is an active RICS member and runs his own company, AEC Properties Limited, speaks to RICS East about his successful career to-date, his personal life and offers some tips for those just starting out in the surveying profession.

Where are you from originally?
Leicester boy born and bred!

Where do you live and work now?
I still live in Rothley, the same village that I was brought up in.  After completing my degree at Loughborough University, I moved down to London for 10 years before coming back home.

Do you have a family?
My wife Vikki who I met at University, and my two daughters, Jessica two-years-old and Sophie six-months-old.

How old are you?
33

What is your current job?
I founded my own company just over a year ago.  AEC Properties Limited.  I advise Clients on all types of Property Development matters.  I also provide Development Monitoring Services for Bank and funders. 

Why did you become a surveyor?
My Father was a Building Contractor and I was exposed to the industry at a very early age.  I knew quite early on that I wanted a career in some area of the construction sector, it was just finding the right path.  After talking to lots of construction professionals, I decided that a job in Surveying was for me.

High and lows of the job?
Highs – meeting people. I enjoy meeting like minded people and sensible Clients. Assessing their property aspirations and seeing how I can help them achieve their goals.

Lows – as I work with Clients all over the UK, the endless travelling can get me down sometimes.  

Any advice for aspiring surveyors?
Work hard and play hard! Get some work experience early on to see what our profession is all about.  Join your local matrics group – you only get out what you put in!

Do you have a favourite restaurant?
When I lived in London, I really enjoyed eating at Langans Brassiere, Michael Caine's restaurant in Piccadilly.  Now I enjoy lazy lunches in the restaurant at the Rothley Court Hotel.