RICS marks 150 years with new man at helm
APROPERTY consultant in Birmingham has been appointed as new chairman of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in the West Midlands.
Nigel Mason is a partner with Rider Levett Bucknall and looks after a wide portfolio of projects in sectors such as defence, retail, commercial and health.
In his new role with RICS, he will provide leadership and guidance on a range of objectives to set and improve local industry standards.
Activities will include aiming to influence government policy and encouraging more young and diverse talent to join the industry by raising awareness of the various careers available in the land, property and construction sectors.
Mr Mason, who has previously been a RICS board member, assumes the role at a significant point in its history as 2018 marks the 150th anniversary.
The body is running a campaign called Pledge 150 which will see it partnering with Land Aid to raise funds to provide 150 bed spaces across all 12 UK regions by December for young people at risk of homelessness.
The West Midlands board is also currently moving its regional headquarters from Coventry to a new base in Colmore Row ham city centre. Mr Mason said: “2018 is a momentous year for RICS in the West Midlands and I look forward to taking on the challenge of regional board chairman. “With the relocation of RICS’ operational headquarters to 55 Colmore Square, the announcement of the Commonwealth Games for Birmingham to the changing political landscape in regional devolution with the metro mayor, there is a great sense of opportunity and excitement for our future RICS members. “Having worked in the local industry for more than 30 years, I in Birming- look forward to driving change in our region, inspiring the next generation of new members and representing the interests of our professionals to capitalise on the future growth opportunities for our region.”
RICS regional director Lynn Robinson added: “Nigel’s expertise and experience will be extremely beneficial to the local surveying community in his new role.
“As part of the West Midlands regional board, he has helped shape the West Midlands’ built environment and RICS agenda.
“His dedication to driving the profession forward and ensuring our professional standards and ethics are held to high esteem will help bolster the vast and diverse work of the West Midlands region.”