THE search to find the UK’s most inspiring young surveyors – who have made a significant contribution to the built environment – is on, following the opening of entries for the annual RICS Matrics Young Surveyor of the Year Awards (YSOYA).
The YSOYA celebrate the diverse range of young talented surveyors, trainees and apprentices aged 35 and under, that are helping to improve and advance local communities. They also recognise the influential future leaders of the surveying profession.
Nine award categories cover a variety of surveying disciplines, including asset and facilities management, project management and quantity surveying. There’s also an Apprentice of the Year accolade to celebrate the growing numbers of future talent coming into the industry through the apprenticeship route.
The overall esteemed RICS Matrics UK Young Surveyor of the Year title is awarded to the professional who has not only achieved great success in their respective role and sector, but who also demonstrates an unwavering commitment to improving the industry and the wider profession.
Last year the RICS Matrics UK Young Surveyor of the Year title went to Jonathan Manns MRICS, Convenor of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for London’s Planning and Built Environment, who was Director and Head of Regeneration and London Planning at Colliers International at the time of winning the title, having become one of the company’s youngest Director’s in 2014 at the age of 30. Jonathan has since taken up the role of Board Director and Head of Planning at Rockwell Property.
His extensive work and commitment to improving London’s built environment, addressing the city’s housing crisis and influencing change was what stood out to the judges as a clear winner, triumphing over close to 150 professionals to win the accolade.
Jonathan – who is also Trustee of the London Society, a forum for built environment debate – said: “I was very pleased to receive this award and to be recognised for my influence and impact on London’s built environment, and that of my team. There aren’t many awards that celebrate the hard work, talent and expertise of individual property professionals, which is what makes these so significant.
“We should be very proud that so many young surveyors are positively and proactively shaping the places in which we live, work and play. By managing and delivering some remarkable built projects, they’re laying both the figurative and literal foundations of our communities. With so much drive, vision and tenacity in our industry I’m eager to see a good mix of surveyors, from all backgrounds and across the country, make the shortlist once again.”
Entries to the RICS Matrics YSOYA are welcomed from individuals themselves – including surveying apprentices, trainees, and associate RICS members – or from colleagues or employers. Nominate or enter the awards at www.rics.org/ysoya The closing date to enter is 6 July and the winners will be announced at a black-tie ceremony held in London in November.