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

This year, surveyors who enter the 2017 RICS Matrics Young Surveyor of the Year Awards by the deadline of 21 July, are also in with a chance of winning a Volvo V40 D2 on a 23-month lease to further aid their career, courtesy of principal sponsors of the awards, Santander Consumer Finance.

The nine categories to enter are: Apprentice of the Year, Asset and Facilities Management, Building Surveying, Land (Rural and Urban), Mentor of the Year, Property (Residential & Commercial), Project Management, Quantity Surveying and Valuation.

There is also an overall ‘Young Surveyor of the Year’ accolade which is 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.

Last year the ‘UK Young Surveyor of the Year’ title went to Matthew Fedigan, 30, director at Domec Facilities Management in Liverpool. Matthew co-founded the business more than five years ago – which delivers technical facilities solutions relating to the management and upkeep of buildings – and it has since grown rapidly with turnover now approaching £3 million. He is also an RICS ‘APC doctor’, responsible for advising and supporting Building Surveying candidates through their Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) - professional examinations to become a fully qualified chartered surveyor.

Gail Hunter, RICS regional director, Scotland, said: “Scotland has some of the very best properties, from our airports, sports stadiums, schools and eco homes, which our talented young professionals in the built environment sectors either help to deliver and, or, maintain.

“To put it simply, surveyors measure, value and protect all our physical assets across the region, which ultimately keeps our towns and cities vibrant and attractive to locals and visitors. These awards celebrate such inspirational talent, which I know Scotland has in abundance, so we’re looking forward to recognising and rewarding these role models.”

David Keddie MRICS, chair of the RICS UK Matrics Board – a networking and support group for young surveyors - is heading up this year’s judging panel.

He added: “These awards celebrate the very best young role models in our industry who are enjoying hugely successful careers, working on some of the most exciting built projects and initiatives in their respective communities. So they provide an ideal opportunity for companies – however large or small - to showcase the achievements of their young talent and help inspire future talent into the industry. Potentially winning a car too is certainly a bonus for any young professional.”

Nominate or enter the 2017 RICS Matrics Young Surveyor of the Year Awards at www.rics.org/ysoya. The winners will be announced at a black-tie ceremony on 17 November in London.