When it comes to effort and concluding deals, junior staff at leading East Midlands commercial property specialist Andrew and Ashwell are setting a pace for senior colleagues.
Kelvin Wilson, 25, has recently qualified and is now a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS), at his first attempt.
Leicester-born Kelvin, a former student at Cedars Academy Birstall (formerly Longslade School) and Loughborough College, has been with Andrew + Ashwell since October 2014, having gained a degree in estate management at Northumbria University and time spent travelling in Australia. He qualified as a chartered surveyor this May after a gruelling two and a half years of preparation for final assessment. The achievement now concludes his professional qualifications.
Over the last 12 months Kelvin has concluded multiple agency transactions, in addition to his day-to-day management and lease renewals/rent professional work.
“Andrew + Ashwell has given me a great start to my career, showing genuine trust in my ability with real hands-on experience. My aspirations remain high and I want to continue to develop my level of work in all fields of general practice to become a well-rounded surveyor,” explains Kelvin.
Former secondary school geography teacher Chris Barton opted for a change of career when he joined Andrew + Ashwell as a graduate surveyor in April 2017.
A former student at Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College and Leicester University, Chris is well known for helping everyone out at the firm – a legacy, he believes, of teaching.
Having focused on retail and industrial lettings, sales and management, Chris is now taking more responsibility in the management of office premises.
A highlight for him has been leading the recently completed sale of a property on Parker Drive where he managed the final bids process and completed the property deal within seven weeks, at a good price, earning special thanks from the client.
Aiming to progress through the ranks with on-going work experience, Chris says his time at Andrew + Ashwell has been fantastic so far: “I love being out each day and meeting new people. This is a great team and I felt welcome from day one.”
Kassim Khan, 22, joined Andrew + Ashwell just a few weeks ago, on placement for 12 months during his BSc (hons) degree course in Real Estate Management at Nottingham Trent University. He is currently assisting Chris and Kelvin, as well as senior team members.
A former student at Leicester Grammar School and The Beauchamp College, Kassim has always held an interest in property and gained his placement by calling up and politely inquiring about vacancies.
“I was given an email for one of the directors to which follow up meetings were arranged and from there I was grateful to be offered the opportunity of experience here.
“I am really enjoying it here and love that the job is so varied, with opportunities to do site visits and viewings. Every aspect of the work is interesting, allowing me to broaden my knowledge and understanding of surveying.”
Malcolm Grayson, Partner in Andrew + Ashwell, is delighted with the progress of the junior team members.
“They are really doing us proud and their considerable achievements reflect the hard work and focus they have put in to Andrew + Ashwell from the outset. We are glad to have them on board.”
