Role model wins national title for outstanding career achievements

A young construction professional in London has won a national accolade for his outstanding career achievements and unwavering commitment to inspire future talent after beating tough competition from 72 shortlisted surveyors, from all over the UK, at the annual RICS Matrics Young Surveyor of the Year Awards (YSOYA).

Giles Heather, Associate Director at Linesight has won the title of ‘UK Young Surveyor of the Year’ at the YSOYA, which recognise the most talented and influential young surveyors – aged 35 or under – in the UK.

After his earlier success in the Quantity Surveying & Construction category, RICS Judges named Giles the RICS Matrics Young Surveyor of the Year 2020. Judges were impressed with his long list of achievements, demonstrating his determination to continuously challenge himself and his vision for the profession to be truly inclusive, sustainable and digitised.

Throughout his career Giles has shown impressive engagement with RICS, as a current member of the RICS London Regional Board and an RICS Inspire Ambassador, he is dedicated to inspiring the next generation and moving the profession forward with the highest standards and latest innovations. Judges also praised his focus on the well-being and sustainability of his team, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, commenting that he is a great role model for the new era of surveying talent.

For the first time in the history of the awards the winners were announced at a virtual ceremony, which took place on Friday 27th November. The virtual ceremony featured a series of discussion groups led by established industry figures, leaders in RICS and former winners of the Young Surveyor of the Year Awards. The virtual discussions focused on helping young surveyors shape their careers, how to build upon their influence and shape the future of the profession globally, including sessions on increasing BAME representation and creating more inclusive cultures.

NOTES:

*The winners of the RICS Matrics Young Surveyor of the Year Awards, 2020 are:

• Apprentice of the Year – Freya Woodward of Arcadis in the North West
• Assets and Facility Management – Mark Brew of Interserve Support Services in the West Midlands
• Building Surveying – Samantha Organ of The National Trust and The University of the West of England in the South West
• Commercial Property – Gagan Jagpal of Cushman & Wakefield in the North East
• Land (Urban & Rural) – Jessica Jones of Network Rail in the South West
• Mentor of the Year – Michael Pain a sole practitioner in the South East
• Project Management – Pippa Heron of Morton Group Ltd in the North East
• Quantity Surveying & Construction – Giles Heather of Linesight in London
• Residential Property – James Brook of Novello Surveyors in London
• Valuation – Gurpreet Sandhu of SDL Surveying in London

Find out more about all the winners

RICS Matrics was first established 130 years ago as a networking and support group for all surveying students, trainees and those with ten years or less experience in the industry. Today, regional RICS Matrics groups operate across the UK.

Entries to the RICS Matrics Young Surveyor of the Year Awards are received from individuals themselves or from employers who have identified young talent within their organisations.

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