The West Midlands encompasses the five shires of Staffordshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire, and a large conurbation that includes Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton and the Black Country.

West Midlands Regional Board

 

UK Regional Boards are an integral part of the RICS governance structure, facilitating a multi-way flow of information between the central RICS, World Regional Board, and members.

Boards also work closely with the UK market team to advise and support engagement activities tailored to the specific priorities of the region.

West Midlands Regional Board Chair

Richard Crow FRICS

Richard Crow FRICS

Partner, Rapley LLP

Richard is a Partner at Rapleys, based within their Birmingham office and leads the Building Surveying team, specialising in multiple sectors across the West Midlands and UK. He is a Fellow of the RICS as well as being an RICS Registered Expert Witness and Chair for The Marches (an RICS LPG) since 2018. Richard began his career in industry as a plumber before moving into consultancy as a Land Surveyor and Setting Out Engineer prior to moving into commercial Building Surveying in 2005. ‘Joining the regional board at such a turbulent time for the RICS may appear challenging, however, I see it as an ideal time and platform to reengage with members and for members to have more of an input with the RICS on a regional basis.’

Meet the Board

Headshot of Suki Bell FRICS.

Suki Bell FRICS

Director, @AS-Plexus

Suki, the Director and owner of @AS-Plexus, provides short-term professional consultancy services to the construction industry. With 18 years of experience as a Chartered Quantity Surveyor, Employer’s Agent, and Project Manager, Suki has worked on various projects in both the public and private sectors. In 2024, she achieved FRICS status. Between 2024 and 2025, Suki was the Chair of Birmingham Local Professional Association, facilitating development and connections within the industry. During her year as Chair, the committee offered members CPD and networking events prioritising Member engagement and feedback. Outside of work, Suki is a mother of two, Ashton (10) and Sienna (7). Mental health is important to her, and she has completed BACP L2 & L3 Certificates in Counselling skills and studies, working towards a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. Suki aims to help people improve their lives, provide emotional support, and empower them to make positive life changes.

Anesh Chauhan FRICS

Anesh Chauhan FRICS

Associate Project Manager, Arcadis

Anesh is an Associate at Arcadis with experience spanning multi-million-pound projects in sectors including Local Government, Highways and Defence. By background, Anesh is a qualified chartered building surveyor and his areas of expertise include project management of various complexity. Anesh was appointed to the regional board in 2023 and is involved in supporting existing and new members and inspiring the next generation of surveyor. Anesh continues to coach APC candidates helping them to achieve their chartership as well as visiting schools and universities promoting interest in the profession. Anesh is also a member of Association for Project Management and Chartered Fellow (CMgr FCMI) with the Chartered Management Institute. ‘As a RICS regional board member, Anesh will champion, shape and amplify the RICS across the region.’

Headshot of Ben Dean FRICS.

Ben Dean FRICS MCMI

Director, Turner & Townsend & RICS West Midlands Board Member

Ben is a Director at Turner & Townsend in Real Estate Cost Management, Birmingham, UK. With a passion for regeneration projects and bringing new life to the world through this role, Ben leverages extensive expertise in the construction industry. Ben started the RICS Black Country Local Members Group in 2022. As a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and a Chartered Operational Manager with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), Ben brings a wealth of over 20 years of knowledge to the West Midlands board.

Sarah Gregory MRICS

Sarah Gregory MRICS

Director, Development, Savills

Sarah is a Chartered Planning and Development Surveyor, specialising in development consultancy for a range of sectors across the Midlands. She is a Director in the Savills Birmingham Development Team, where she is responsible for undertaking property market and land-use analysis for both master-planning advice and as part of economic assessment and market appraisals; undertaking assessments and development appraisals; and providing subsequent development advice. She carries out Financial Viability Assessment across the country and is a Registered Valuer. She has been a previous chair of Birmingham Matrics and is an APC Assessor.

Charles Kirkpatrick FRICS

Charles Kirkpatrick FRICS

Director and Co-Owner, Colmore Consulting Limited

Charles is a Director and Co-Owner of Colmore Consulting who specialise in providing procurement and commercial services to the infrastructure sector. Charles’ expertise lies in supporting his clients with the delivery of major infrastructure programmes with a focus on pre-contract strategy, supply chain engagement and procurement. Charles has worked on many of the UK’s largest infrastructure programmes including, Crossrail, Thames Tideway Tunnel, High Speed 2 as well working within the Defence, Mining and Water sectors supporting clients with the delivery of their capital portfolios. Charles joined the RICS West Midlands Board as he is passionate about supporting the next generation of surveyors in our region. ‘With unprecedented levels of investment in construction activity in the West Midlands with some of UK’s largest infrastructure programmes on our doorstep, I am looking forward to helping the RICS capitalise on this opportunity.

Krystal Knights MRICS

Krystal Knights MRICS

Associate Director, SEGRO PLC

Krystal is an Associate Director at SEGRO PLC leading major logistics developments across the Midlands. Krystal is a chartered project management surveyor with over 20 years industry experience across a variety of sectors including, logistics, industrial, manufacturing, nuclear and high rise residential. Krystal is also an APC Assessor and Inspire Ambassador for the RICS nurturing future talent and the next generation of Surveyors. Krystal is a keen influencer on matters relating to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and involved in various charity projects with particular focus on improving employment skills in our local communities.

Rob Paul FRICS

Rob Paul FRICS

Director, RP Rural And Energy Ltd

Rob has 25 years of experience in the management of substantial and diverse landed Estates with multi-million pound turnovers, in addition to broader rural property consultancy. He has a strong track record of delivering major change, structural improvement and developing businesses.

Headshot of Kezia Smart MRICS.

Kezia Smart MRICS

Senior Surveyor, BNP Paribas Real Estate

Kezia is a Senior Surveyor at BNP Paribas Real Estate, based within their Birmingham office specialising in Commercial Property Management. She works on portfolios across the Midlands region for clients such as Prologis and National Grid. She is currently Chair of the Midlands branch of Women in Property and is passionate about Equality and Diversity and is keen to encourage the younger generation into the industry within the region.

Lidia Rachon MRICS

Lidia Rachon MRICS

Associate Director, Sircle

Lidia is a Chartered Geomatics Surveyor and Associate Director with the Sircle Geomatics team, currently based in the Birmingham area and bringing over 13 years of experience in measured building surveys and technical leadership within the industry. She is passionate about delivering excellence in surveying practice and upholding professional standards, with expertise spanning measured and land surveys, property measurement, and Building Information Modelling. Lidia actively promotes innovation, professional development, and inclusive working environments. She has a strong interest in mentoring and supporting the next generation of surveyors and has recently become an APC assessor.

Brook Smith MRICS

Brook Smith MRICS

Partner, Rider Levett Bucknell

Brook Smith, based in their Birmingham office, leads strategic growth across the Midlands and the South of England. A Chartered Building Surveyor by background, Brook specialises in strategic asset management, estates optimisation, portfolio management, and advisory services. With over 20 years’ experience in the construction industry, Brook is a highly motivated and values-driven senior leader. He is recognised for his curiosity, energy, and open-minded approach, with a passion for progress and continuous improvement. Brook is deeply committed to building high-performing teams, fostering environments where individuals can play to their strengths and collaborate towards shared goals. Brook brings extensive board-level experience, having served on multiple boards, steering groups, and advisory cabinets. He is known for his ability to influence, guide, and deliver positive outcomes at both strategic and operational levels. As an RICS Regional Board Member, Brook is particularly keen to champion the Senior Professional route to membership. He is dedicated to supporting and mentoring aspiring professionals, helping them navigate their journey to RICS membership and promoting excellence within the profession.

Dr Rebecca McElliott

Dr Rebecca McElliott

Regeneration Programme Manager, Bromsgrove District Council

Rebecca has over ten years’ experience spanning local government, consultancy, and commercial real estate. Leading on complex regeneration programmes, she delivers multi-million-pound projects and has secured significant investment and funding. Previously, she has managed asset portfolios for Local Authorities and provided property management services for other organisations. With a PhD in Local Government focused on evidence in mega-projects, alongside MSc and MA qualifications in real estate and policy, she combines strong technical expertise with political acumen and stakeholder engagement. Rebecca joined the RICS West Midlands Board as she is passionate about supporting and engaging with surveyors in our region from the public sector. She also has a passion for working and mentoring young surveyors.

Market Engagement Manager

Headshot of Mackyla Palmer-Logue.

Mackyla Palmer-Logue

Member Engagement Manager, RICS

Mackyla joined RICS in 2024 and began her career in an early engagement role, focusing on building meaningful connections with members and stakeholders. She now serves as the Regional Member Engagement Manager for the West Midlands, where she works closely with the regional board, local member groups, and individual members to deliver a strategic programme of engagement and advocacy tailored to the region’s needs.

Local member networks

Informal member-driven, RICS-supported committees that provide local networking and CPD opportunities to our community of professionals.

Active groups:

  • Birmingham
  • Black Country
  • Shropshire
  • Worcestershire

If you would like to get involved with an existing group or are interested in launching a network near you, please contact us.

Our early careers community is designed to support students, apprentices, trainees and those who are newly qualified as they move into the industry.

RICS Matrics committees currently operate in:

  • Birmingham
Headshot of Ashley Walters MRICS.

Ashley Walters MRICS

Land & Partnerships Manager, East Midlands, Keepmoat

Ashley is a Chartered Planning and Development Surveyor experienced in delivering low energy, sustainable regeneration projects. Currently specialising in land acquisition, pre-construction development management, planning and partnerships. He is regional Chair of RICS Matrics UK, Midlands, support committees in Birmingham, Nottingham, Leicester and Derby as well as forming part of the organising team for Nottingham Hot Property.

Representatives from RICS-accredited institutions and leading firms in the region regularly convene as part of a collaborative effort to foster better engagement between universities and industry.

Their collective purpose is to enhance interaction with industry stakeholders, assist in recruitment efforts, help recent graduates secure their first roles, highlight research opportunities, and provide a platform for industry players to express their needs.

RICS-accredited universities in the West Midlands:

If you would like to find out more or get involved, please contact us.

Local events

Connect with members

The myRICS Community has been designed to create fantastic networking opportunities and to be the main hub for all built environment professionals. Find links to standards and guidance, consultations and insight papers, as well as discussion forums to connect with other professionals working in your field.

Contact our Member Support Team

Call: +44 (0)24 7686 8555

If you have any questions, please read our frequently asked questions