Meet the RICS Matrics Young Surveyors of the Year 2018

• Young Surveyor of the Year 2018

  At a prestigious awards ceremony on 30 November 2018, the winner of each category was announced, along with the overall title of RICS Matrics Young Surveyor of the Year, which was awarded to Laura Collins of Rider Levett Bucknall.

  Young Surveyor of the Year

  Laura Collins

  Associate – Rider Levett Bucknall

  Laura is an exemplary professional, who is ambitious, astute and a role model. Laura's achievements include becoming a chartered surveyor at the young age of 23 – one of the youngest at the time; being the youngest person to be promoted to the role of Associate Director; and being appointed to the company's Futures Board, which will shape the future of the industry.

  Winning awards is not new for Laura: her outstanding contribution has seen her win Best Woman Quantity Surveyor (European Women in Construction and Engineering Awards 2016) and named Alumni of the Year (University of College Estate Management 2017). One judge summed up Laura as "a truly inspirational and aspirational young surveyor. A fantastic example of what can be achieved in a short space of time with motivation, desire and determination."

  View our gallery from the awards ceremony

  News & opinion 02 April 2019

  Young Surveyor of the Year: Laura Collins MRICS

  Meet Rider Levett Bucknall associate quantity surveyor Laura Collins MRICS, the RICS Matrics Young Surveyor of the Year.

• Apprentice of the Year

  Winner: Uwais Paderwala, Project Surveyor – Gardiner & Theobald

  After gaining a first-class degree and passing his APC, Uwais became the youngest qualified chartered surveyor on record within the RICS. His level of responsibility has increased significantly throughout his apprenticeship with his level of professionalism being a key indicator of his desire to learn and increase his knowledge of the industry; something that has been recognised both by his team and his clients: with one commenting, “working with you has been a joy. Your detailed knowledge and commitment have been invaluable. Your level of communication and team work have added to the success of the job.” Uwais fully embraced the apprenticeship programme and has gone on to champion it to a multitude of audiences, including speaking at MIPIM, making him an exceptional candidate.

  Sponsored by Gardiner & Theobald

  Nominees:

  • Aaran Pearson (Faithful+Gould)
  • Adelle Rhule-Martin (GVA)
  • Charlotte Hatt (AECOM)
  • Harvin Chohan (CBRE)
  • Henry Mundell (Savills UK Ltd)
  • Jessica Neale (CBRE)
  • Katie Nelson (Cushman & Wakefield)
  • Laura Rafferty-Trow (Spectrum Solicitors Ltd)
  • Rachel Brown (Turner & Townsend)
  • Shivam Radia (Edward Cooper Young Chartered Surveyors)
  • Todd Arnison (E3 Consulting)
  • Winner: Uwais Paderwala (Gardiner & Theobald) 

  

• Asset and Facilities Management

  Winner: James Ryan, Director – AA Projects

  After moving into consultancy two years ago, James set up a new business unit for an SME firm delivering PPP/PFI advisory and asset management. Since February last year, he has enabled the firm to become a respected and trusted advisor to some of the largest infrastructure funds and FM providers in Europe. In recognition of the contribution he has made to the business, James became the youngest director within the firm, by more than 10 years. From a non-cognate background, having entered into surveying following a politics degree, James has dedicated significant energy to promoting the profession among peers. He acts as an assessor to the associate route, regularly presents at universities and engages with his local RICS Matrics group; a demonstration of the passion he has for the profession and inspiring the next generation. The judges acknowledged James’ tremendous career progress in a short timescale and great commitment to RICS Matrics.

  Nominees:

  • Benjamin Hume (Evolve Block & Estate Management Ltd)
  • Winner: James Ryan (AA Projects)
  • Sarah Cranke (Faithful+Gould)
  • William Bostock (Fisher German)
• Building Surveying

  Winner: Jonathan Wright, Associate Building Surveyor – Bidwells LLP

  Starting his career in the midst of the recession, Jonathan used the vital experience gained through studying for the RICS APC process, as a springboard to successive promotions. He has consistently exceeded financial goals and project objectives and is being recognised in the local market for delivering high-profile instructions for world-recognised institutional clients and investment portfolios, including infrastructure projects for the MoD. Sony Entertainment Europe supported Jonathan with the following: “Jonathan undertook very difficult and complex negotiations and management of dilapidations works for us with complete professionalism, his expertise and knowledgeability made us feel completely comfortable.” He actively supports his peers and puts their development at the heart of what he does through his involvement with RICS Matrics as an APC mentor, as well as regularly attending higher education events to promote the career of surveying. The judges summed up Jonathan’s entry by saying, “great achievements, a clear client focus and already giving back to the profession.”

  Sponsored by Imfuna

  Nominees:

  • Adam Finch (Eddisons)
  • Ana Araujo (BuroHappold Engineering)
  • Ben Anderson (Cushman & Wakefield)
  • Winner: Jonathan Wright (Bidwells LLP)
  • Mark Baxendale (Ayer Associates Ltd)
  • Nick Williams (Colliers International)
  • Nicola Booth (Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council)
  • Sam King (Faithful+Gould)
  • Samantha Organ (The National Trust/The University of the West of England)
  • Vicky Green (Trident Building Consultancy)
  • William Sharpey (Trident Building Consultancy)
• Land (Rural and Urban)

  Winner: Rachel Kirk, Senior Associate – Fisher German

  In the past three years Rachel has been supporting the Barnston Estate across their residential, commercial and agricultural interests, ably balancing the day-to-day running and operating on a strategic level. This has included project managing one of the largest dairy expansions in the UK: commencing with initial discussions with the farmer and trustees, through to organising public consultations, planning applications and liaising with contractors. Rachel has also created a new lettings department working with experienced colleagues in other offices. The roll-out was seamless, demonstrating her capacity to grow, learn and support others. Rachel finds time outside of her extremely busy work schedule to be an APC supervisor, mentor and be active within the Cheshire Agricultural Valuers Association, Chester Association of Auctioneers, Estate Agents and Surveyors, and Agricultural Law Society. The judges felt Rachel was a strong candidate with some concrete examples provided, which showcase the skillset, knowledge base, capability and contributions made to clients and business. She is also particularly strong on the ambassadorial side.

  Nominees:

  • Abby McKay-Hipwell (Fisher German)
  • Amy Biddell (Mather Jamie Ltd)
  • Anita Riggall (Brown & Co)
  • James Perna (Savills (UK) Ltd)
  • Winner: Rachel Kirk (Fisher German)

  

• Mentor of the Year

  Winner: Ashley Cooper, Senior Partner – Edward Cooper Young Chartered surveyors (ECY)

  From the outset of his career Ashley has been an active mentor, but never more so than since the founding of his own business, ECY. Each of the current employees (41 in total) has had numerous mentoring interactions with Ashley; this has also stretched to regular work placements from schools and colleges. He has designed and delivered ECY Talent to ensure rising stars develop business acumen and an understanding of the business process alongside their professional qualifications. Those mentored by Ashley agree that they cannot think of a more positive and inspirational role model.

  Sponsored by Macdonald and Company

  Nominees:

  • Arron Howell (AECOM)
  • Winner: Ashley Cooper (Edward Cooper Young Chartered Surveyors)
  • Brendan Robinson MRICS (Transport for London)
  • Gillian Green (GVA)
  • Glen Sims (Mott MacDonald)
  • Iain Finn (Valuation Office Agency)
  • Kelly Smith (BNP Paribas Real Estate)
  • Miles Barnes (Bath and North East Somerset Council)
  • Patrick Downie (Mott MacDonald Ltd)
  • Peter Fry (Carter Jonas)
• Project Management

  Winner: Ben Senior, Project Director – Arcadis

  Since starting his career in 2006, Ben has worked with clients in the residential sector on various legacy projects, including Chelsea Barracks for Qatari Diar, Barton Park for Grosvenor/Oxford City Council, Audley Square House for John Caudwell and, more recently, the regeneration of Perry Barr in Birmingham where the Commonwealth Games will be hosted in 2022. Ben demonstrates strong leadership in the projects he works on, generating significant value and building strong relationships with clients; resulting in him becoming one of the youngest full equity partners at the age of 34. Ben is spearheading a drive to partner with UK universities to access new skills, capabilities and insights, which will change the industry, while providing the students involved with real world problems to consider and solve; thereby enhancing their learning. The judges felt it was wonderful to see the passion for making a difference within communities.

  Sponsored by Faithful+Gould, member of the SNC-Lavalin Group

  Nominees:

  • Winner: Ben Senior (Arcadis)
  • Darren Edwards (Fisher German)
  • David Watts (British Land)
  • Helena Woolland (Ayer Associates Ltd)
  • Judy Ngan (Rider Levett Bucknall)
  • Kevin McNaull (Turner & Townsend)
  • Highly commended: Matthew Garratt (BP)
  • Rachel Auger (University of Reading)
• Quantity Surveying and Construction

  Winner: Laura Collins, Associate – Rider Levett Bucknall

  Laura leads by example. She entered the profession aged 18 as an apprentice and continues to be an advocate, championing the benefits and opportunities of this route. As a trainee surveyor, Laura delivered the £56m MEP element of the Salesforce Tower – a London landmark providing 440,869 ft of Grade A office space. Her project success has continued, with most recently being commissioned to deliver a 100,000 sq ft high-end office space and an asset management company in London. Laura is so well respected that clients specifically ask for her on projects worldwide. As well as being self-motivated to progress her career, Laura encourages others and is a role model for others, being a long-standing mentor to three surveyors. She is committed to making opportunities available to everyone and over the last six months has been working with the Princes Trust to help introduce disadvantaged people into the sector. Through the trust, she is working with young people to share her insight into what a career in surveying can offer.

  Sponsored by Wates

  Nominees:

  • Christopher McAtasney (Turner & Townsend)
  • Galal Aboelella (Gleeds)
  • Henry Mountain (Wates Construction)
  • James Seymour (Mott MacDonald)
  • Jennifer Marshall (Faithful+Gould)
  • John Hargreaves (Turner & Townsend)
  • Winner: Laura Collins (Rider Levett Bucknall)
  • Nicholas Olley (Turner & Townsend)
  • Highly commended: Richard Shore MRICS (Turner & Townsend)
  • Scott Wadsworth (Wates Construction
  • Shaun Heelbeck (VolkerStevin (VolkerTrenchless Solutions))
  • Stefanos Cholevas (Cast Consultancy)
  • Tom Francis (Varsity Consulting Ltd)
  • Tom Primrose (AECOM)
  • Tracy Ahyow (Turner & Townsend)

  

• Valuation

  Winner: Vijay Singh, Graduate Valuation Surveyor – Lambert Smith Hampton

  A highly skilled and passionate graduate surveyor who is keen to take on greater responsibilities than expected of someone at this stage in their career. Vijay carried out comprehensive development appraisals for a major regeneration scheme, using specialist software, which resulted in extremely positive feedback from colleagues and the client. He has carried out 70 valuations in just over 11 months, nearly all of which for HS2. This has led to further work from this client for another year. Outside of the workplace he has taken on the role of RICS Matrics chairman, Yorkshire; breeding new life and ideas in to this group and retaining high satisfaction levels. He is also involved in designing a Masters programme with Sheffield Hallam University, aimed at inspiring the next generation. His input mainly relates to the format and content of the course, which is due to commence in 2019. The judges felt that Vijay is a true ambassador, not only for Yorkshire, but for the surveying profession.

  Sponsored by Landmark Valuation Services (LVS)

  Nominees:

  • Adam Henchcliffe (Countrywide Surveyors)
  • Cameron Benge (Carter Jonas)
  • Emma Watson (Cushman & Wakefield)
  • Jennifer Whitton (Howkins and Harrison)
  • Kate Charrington (Countrywide)
  • Lucy Edwards (Valuation Office Agency)
  • Lucy McDowell (Lambert Smith Hampton)
  • Rebekah Donaldson (Allsop LLP)
  • Winner: Vijay Singh (Lambert Smith Hampton)