Two young surveyors from the North West won national accolades for their outstanding achievements in the property industry after beating tough competition from over 75 shortlisted surveyors from all over the UK at the annual RICS Matrics Young Surveyor of the Year Awards (YSOYA) 2018.
Rachel Kirk, Senior Associate at Fisher German LLP in Chester won the Land (Rural & Urban) category at the awards, whilst James Ryan, Director at AA Projects in Manchester won the Asset & Facilities Management award. The YSOYA recognise and celebrate the most inspirational young surveying professionals – aged 35 and under in the UK – who have achieved significant career success, helping to shape and improve our built environment. The awards also recognise the influential future leaders of the surveying profession.
Amongst Rachel’s achievements she was recognised for, was her integral role in project managing one of the largest dairy expansions in the UK on behalf of the Barnston Estate – to include 1,100 cows producing over 12 million litres of milk a year with a new rotary parlour – underpinned by a revised 25-year lease. Rachel’s role on this transformational project started with initial discussions with the farmer and trustees, through to organising public consultations, planning applications and then liaising constantly with contractors to ensure the project was a resounding success.
James was recognised for enabling AA Projects to become a respected and trusted advisor to some of the largest infrastructure funds and Facilities Management providers in Europe. James’ commitment to inspiring the next generation and his peers was also commended by RICS judges too; he is a frequent speaker at the University of Manchester and the University of Salford, where he highlights the range of surveying careers available to students, and the benefits of becoming a chartered surveyor.
The eight category awards up for grabs on the night covered a variety of surveying sectors and disciplines including Project Management, Quantity Surveying & Construction and Valuation. Rachel and James were the only two winners from the North West. The overall esteemed ‘UK Young Surveyor of the Year’ title went to Laura Collins, Associate at Rider Levett Bucknall in London.
Chair of the RICS UK Matrics Board and Head of the judging panel, Anna Keys of Calfordseaden LLP commented: “This year’s winners fill me with confidence that the future of the surveying profession is going to be in good hands, as we see these future leaders recognised for their outstanding achievements, innovation, and going above and beyond to help ensure our industry attracts and retains bright talent. Congratulations to Rachel and James, and well done to their employers for supporting them in their journey. It’s often this valuable support and nurture that makes all the difference in an individual’s career progression.”
The winners were announced at a black-tie ceremony at the Park Plaza, London Riverbank Hotel and were hosted by stand-up comedian Cally Beaton.
