Surveyor hopes to gain national award for Yorkshire

A surveyor from Yorkshire has been shortlisted for a prestigious property award.

Luke Barker, 31, director at WT Partnership in Sheffield could achieve national industry accolades including the ‘UK Young Surveyor of the Year’ title, and the prize of a new car , after making it to the shortlist of the 2017 RICS Matrics Young Surveyor of the Year Awards.

Mr Barker has been shortlisted for the Quantity Surveying and Construction category award for his expertise in managing and delivering complex built projects, primarily in the healthcare and office sectors.

Prior to joining WT Partnership, Luke worked for Rider Levett Bucknall, and spent considerable time working for the firm in Sheffield but also for its New Zealand and Saudi Arabia businesses, gaining valuable experience of different market trends and building up his expertise in providing cost advice for buildings of all sizes and budgets.

He said: “I’ve been fortunate to work on some significant projects and initiatives, not only in Yorkshire and Humber, but all over the world, and this has helped me to develop a unique skill set that clients, and the wider industry, really value.

“I’m delighted to have been nominated for these awards. I hope I can help put Sheffield, and the wider Yorkshire and Humber region on the map with a national award win, and help to inspire future generations to consider a career in surveying as it really does offer some remarkable opportunities for all; including good progression opportunities if you’re willing to work hard.”

Surveyors are essential in key areas such as housing, commercial property and our road and rail systems, and the RICS Matrics Young Surveyor of the Year Awards launched four years ago to raise awareness of the diverse range of young talented surveyors, trainees and apprentices working in such areas – aged 35 and under – who are helping to shape and improve the communities we live in.

There are nine categories including Asset and Facilities Management, Land (Rural and Urban), Property (Residential & Commercial), Mentor of the Year, Project Management and Valuation.

Ninety young surveyors from all over the UK made this year’s shortlist and each entrant will be considered for the over all accolade, awarded to the professional who has not only achieved great success in their respective role and sector, but also demonstrates an unwavering commitment to improving the industry and the wider profession.

For the first time in the history of the awards, the winner of this prestigious title will gain a new Volvo V40 D2 car on a 23-month lease to further aid their career, courtesy of principal sponsors of the YSOYA awards, Santander Consumer Finance.

David Keddie MRICS, Chair of the RICS UK Matrics Board – a networking and support group for young surveyors - and head of this year’s judging panel said: “Yorkshire and Humber’s property industry has some of the brightest and most ambitious talent, and Luke is testament to the high calibre of professionals in the region, who are enjoying hugely rewarding careers in the industry and helping to ensure Yorkshire and Humber remains a fantastic place to live, work and visit.”

The winners will be announced at a black-tie ceremony on November 17 in London to be hosted by TV presenter and motivational speaker, Saira Khan.

To book to attend the 2017 RICS Matrics Young Surveyor of the Year Awards visit: www.ricsawards.org/ysoya or call (0)20 7695 1600.