In focus: Our nominees for the RICS Matrics Young Surveyor of the Year Awards 2020 – Matthew Stevens
Posted on: 13 November, 2020
Three UCEM apprentices and three alumni have been nominated in various categories at this year’s RICS Matrics Young Surveyor of the Year Awards.
In the lead-up to the Awards, we will be profiling each of our nominees. We have nominee stories about Dan Nixon, Thomas Scarlett and Kate Taylor, and next up is that of Matthew Stevens who is nominated in the Apprentice of the Year category…
Matthew Stevens – Apprentice Surveyor at CBRE
Chartered Surveyor apprentice (Real Estate Management pathway)
How did your nomination come about?
“I have recently joined CBRE’s Hotel Investment team which required me to adapt and provide invaluable support very quickly in order to assist the team and benefit our clients. I always strive to go above and beyond even when times have been exceptionally demanding following COVID-19, which requires us to adapt and overcome in the most uncertain times the built environment has seen.
“The hospitality industry has been hit exceptionally hard, however, myself and the team are overcoming this challenge by supporting owners, operators and the NHS in one of the most challenging times ever experienced. This nomination shows that my hard work within the industry has not gone unnoticed, and to be shortlisted by the RICS is a huge compliment.”
Why do you think you were recognised in this way?
“I think I was nominated due to my consistent determination to learn and develop in my profession with a positive ‘can do’ attitude. I started at CBRE aged 18 and have had exposure in a number of sectors including residential, property management and hotel investment which has allowed me to become a well-rounded and knowledgeable surveyor in the industry.
“The real estate community relies on teamwork and collaboration and, alongside my day-to-day responsibilities, I am completing my final year of university, almost halfway through my APC and take part in initiatives that support diversity and inclusion including Apprentice Awareness Week, CBRE’s Next Generation networks and promoting mental and physical wellbeing initiatives during COVID-19.”
How are you finding your studies with UCEM?
“My studies at UCEM are invaluable and provide me with underlying knowledge that can be applied every day throughout my professional career. Two modules that stand out to me are Development & Appraisal and Valuation which enabled me to apply this knowledge first hand to a hotel portfolio transaction worth £450 million. UCEM also allows me to connect with a network of professionals of the same level and provides me with support and guidance whenever needed.”
What would it mean to you to win the award?
“The RICS is one of the most respected global professional institutions in real estate and provide the guidance and standards that we all strive towards. The organisation is at the forefront of changes in the industry and provide a foundation of confidence and consistency across the market. The RICS Matrics Young Surveyor of the Year Awards celebrates the next generation of the built environment and it would be a fantastic achievement and honour to win the award, in addition to the privilege of being shortlisted.”
Best of luck, Matthew! To find out more, head to the Awards webpage.
