South East property specialists Bruton Knowles has strengthened its Guildford team with the appointment of Graduate Surveyor Derek Smyth and Associate Steve Pozerskis.
Former investment banker Derek has worked for some of the biggest banks in the world including Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch and UBS – predominantly in Securities Lending.
He joins the busy Guildford team as the South East commercial property sector continues to expand.
Derek said: “Commercial property is a far more tangible product to deal with than stocks and shares. After 20 years’ working in the City I felt it was time for a change – I always wanted to do something I was more personally interested in than the abstract world of high finance.”
Despite working 12 hour days in the City Derek found time to study for his surveying degree AND look after his new born twins.
“After being deskbound in the City 12 hours a day I am relishing the opportunity to get out and about. I love the fact that in this job no two days are the same.”
Derek said distance learning for a whole new career was highly demanding.
“You have to be passionate as it does tend to take over your life. But this gives me a much better work-life balance and gives more quality time with the family.”
Team Manager Steven Drennan said: “Derek will be assisting with work for all of our key clients to build up a portfolio of skills in readiness for his RICS exams and we are looking forward to him having a long career with Bruton Knowles.”
Steve Pozerskis has also joined the Guildford office and will be working with the development and valuation department – both of which are under increasing demand in the key South East region.
Steve has joined from the District Valuer Service in Reading and will bring an added resource to development and valuation team. Prior to joining the Valuation Office, Steve started his property career in the Hampshire branch of Clive Emson Auctioneers as an Auction Valuer. This role provided an insight into a variety of property types and investments for a broad range of clients across Hampshire and Dorset.
Steve said: “With a background in the Valuation Service I am looking forward to helping Bruton Knowles work closely with local authorities as they deliver new homes and new jobs across the region.
“Local authorities are under terrific pressure to get developments on site and we aim to provide the interface between landowners, developers and councils to deliver the homes people are crying out for.”
Team Manager Steven Drennan said: “These appointments are very timely given the Guildford team’s fast expanding workload. Both commercial and residential sectors are booming and we have had to make a number of new appointments to keep pace – especially with valuations of property for development, investment and secured lending purposes.”
Bruton Knowles are currently recruiting graduate surveyors in Gloucester, Birmingham and other offices around the country.
