With July fast approaching, this article will be my last since my tenure as Chair, after two years, will come to an end in the Summer.

Space precludes too many words but I am pleased to report that we have made good progress with all our priorities and achieved many successes with the activities and events that have taken place.

We continue to raise the profile of the RICS with external organisations, for instance the West Midlands Business Council, West Midlands Regional Assembly and business/ professional groups, by contributing to key issues, policy work and networking.

Numerous activities and events have been held, all geared towards promoting our profession and developing the membership to tackle skills shortages. These have ranged from careers events at schools, mentoring surveying students, working closely with partner universities, assisting APC candidates through CPD, to support by the Regional Training Advisor.

Further engagement with the membership has been encouraged through existing local associations and the setting up of new groups, support of RICS matrics and
communication with faculty members by inviting local representatives to Board meetings.

The full complement of staff in the regional office now gives us the opportunity to really deliver on all our targets and make a real difference to individual members.

In addition we continue to benefit from a strong Regional Board whose members reflect a wide cross section of the local membership

As expected, I have mixed feelings as my time in the Chair comes to an end - on the one hand some relief due to the time input required but, more so, great pride and gratitude at having been given the chance to represent and lead our profession locally.

The RICS is highly regarded and respected in our region, and throughout the world, and I am now an even prouder member of this great Institution.

We have achieved great successes and I am indebted to many people, all too many to mention including the RICS Staff, Board members and other individuals. Thank you all for your encouragement and support. It has been a privilege to serve and a real honour.

Gurdip Chamba  BSc (Hons) MRICS
RICS West Midlands Regional Chair
T: +44 (0) 121 705 8566
gchamba@archerkane.co.uk