Laura Walker, senior surveyor at property firm Bradley Hall Charted Surveyors and Estate Agents, has been named as Young Surveyor of the year in the Asset and Facilities Management category at the RICS Matrics Awards.
Laura was announced as a leader in her category at the official gala dinner at the Hilton London Hyde Park with hundreds of guests in attendance.
The ceremony recognised the inspirational and diverse young surveying professionals in the UK, with all finalists and winners showcasing the highest standards of professionalism and innovation within the built environment.
Laura has been described by the RICS as: “An extremely driven young Surveyor who has developed their career over several years and taken every opportunity that the profession has afforded them to learn, grow and deliver.
“Laura has outstanding client management skills, alongside her expertise and dedication to the profession.”
Following her award-win, Laura said: “I am honoured to have been named by the RICS as Young Surveyor of the Year in the Asset and Facilities Management category. The other nominees were all outstanding and I was delighted to have been nominated alongside such a high calibre of professionals from across the country.
“The event was fantastic and incredibly encouraging for all of the nominees and attendees to see the RICS acknowledging young professionals. The hard work and commitment put in by all nominees was evident and I am sure that being congratulated in this way will only spur us on further in our respective careers.”
Laura joined Bradley Hall as an Administration Assistant in 2011 and her natural flair for property, tenacity and willingness to learn was quickly recognised by the senior management team. She enrolled on the Real Estate degree through UCEM and completed her BSc. (Hons) qualification via distance learning while working full time as an Estate Management Surveyor and Senior Property Manager. In the final stages of her degree Laura enrolled in the APC process and successfully attained her Chartered status six months later. Her dedication to her personal and professional development has been recognised as “truly inspiring” and has proven to be a fantastic example for future industry talent.
Neil Hart, Bradley Hall group managing director said; “We are incredibly proud of Laura’s award win. Laura is a fundamental member of the team and, during the uncertainty of the Covid pandemic, she certainly stepped up and ran the day-to-day property management operation of the business, which required a lot of commitment and demonstrated a loyal and dedicated approach to the business and team.
Catherine Affleck, group operations director for the firm said about the nominee: “Laura plays an integral role in the business generally. Her attitude towards work and the success of both the business and her peers is refreshing and uplifting. In an industry focused on personal targets and performance driven commission it can be rare to work with colleagues who are true team players who celebrate and promote the success of others. Laura certainly embodies all that is great about our firm and she is a constant source of knowledge and support, particularly for our less experienced team members.
“Laura’s outstanding client management skills, alongside her expertise and dedication to both professional self-development, the success and improvement of her firm’s wider team and her support of others in the profession via her involvement in North East RICS Matrics Committee showcases her position as a trailblazer within the industry. She will continue to grow her knowledge and skillset exponentially whilst supporting clients in achieving the best outcome for their investments.
“Both before and during the pandemic Laura supported clients with expert advice and support, protecting their assets and, with that, any direct, indirect and induced job roles, financial security and economic prosperity within our region.”
Laura is Vice Chair of the North East Matrics Committee and the 1947 Club Next Generation which enables young surveyors in the region to support each other and meet likeminded professionals within the industry. Her clients include Blueline Group, Northumberland Estates Ltd, Vaulkhard Group Ltd and a range of pension funds and high net worth individual investment clients.
Tom Shanks, Finance Director of Blueline Group, commented “As a family business since 1958, entrusting those who sit external to our business to manage family affairs is not always an easy task. However, the nominee’s diligent and pro-active approach to property management, along with her firm but fair leadership and excellent technical knowledge, which she communicates with total clarity, has given us complete confidence and satisfaction in having her manage our extensive commercial and residential portfolio.”
