In line with National Apprenticeship Week (8-12 Feb 2021), National Chartered Surveyors, Bruton Knowles, is championing efforts to support young people through its apprenticeship programme, which offers school-leavers and graduates the opportunity a fast track into the property industry.
The challenging job market for young people has been highlighted by the Government’s recently launched Kick Start programme, which provides funding to employers to create job placements. Now, the focus is on businesses to continue to drive opportunities forward.
As a leading property firm, Bruton Knowles, feels it is important to support young people during these times of uncertainty and plans to take on another apprentice this year.
James Bailey, Managing Partner at Bruton Knowles comments: “As a business we prioritise the growth and development of our team. We are a team of high-level property experts but we always welcome young, passionate and creative individuals who will add additional value and bring new innovative ideas, drive and ambition to the business.
We have been prioritising business growth and expansion, showcased by an array of new appointments and promotions alongside the creation of a new role; Talent Acquisition Specialist and Internal Recruiter. The leading property firm has its largest office based in Gloucester at Olympus House, in Quedgeley, and has maintained an office in the region since its launch back in 1862.
Taking on the strategic recruitment role will be Adrian Woolley. With over 20 years’ experience within multiple business disciplines, Adrian will work as part of Bruton Knowles’ HR Team headed up by HR Director, Neil Young, to recruit individuals with expertise in areas recognised as key growth drivers for the business.
Last year, as part of Bruton Knowles’ wider company restructure and expansion programme, the ambitious property firm announced the launch of two new teams, Utilities and Infrastructure, and National Valuations. Alongside Planning and Land Development, and Commercial, these teams have been restructured to provide extended and national team delivery operations rather than wholly location-based support.
In addition, the business acquired rural property consultancy John Amos & Co to further expand its rural expertise.
To support the new teams, the business has already successfully recruited for a number of new roles at all levels including: Freddie Unwin who joined the Utilities and Infrastructure team as Land Rights Officer/Surveyor, Geoff Coster who will be working alongside John Amos’ team in Leominster as Senior Surveyor, as well as new Surveyor Yasmine Lunn, and Associate Andrew Wilcock and Valuations Administrator Adele Stock who join the Valuation team.
Looking ahead to 2021 and HR Director Neil Young explains there are a number of new roles available, from Valuation Surveyors to Business Analysts and Apprenticeship placements.
He explains: “The appointment of Adrian Woolley showcases the investment Bruton Knowles’ is making into recruitment this year. The restructure has created new teams which need to be supported. As such as we want to extend our network of individuals, who have the capability and skill set to drive activity forward across all levels.”
The recruitment drive follows a number of successful tender wins over the past six months, with commissions secured from industry leaders in target sectors and local authorities including: Network Rail, Thames Water, Cambridgeshire County Council, Birmingham City Council, Leicestershire Police, Somerset West and Taunton Council and Conwy County Borough Council.
James Bailey, Managing Partner at Bruton Knowles comments: “Following the impact of Covid-19 and the many challenges faced by the industry, it was essential for us to review the business, recognise which areas were performing and invest in these teams to drive business growth.
“Additionally, after ploughing resource into new business, creating opportunities to deliver additional work for existing clients alongside activity with new customers, we are now in a strong position, and need our teams to reflect the skill set required.
This is where Adrian’s appointment is crucial. We have created a new role which will work to solely focus on recruiting the right individuals, from Surveyors to Technicians and Administrators. These new appointments will work to support our new strategy and we are confident that this approach will see us thrive in 2021, despite the ongoing impact of the pandemic.”
Alongside recruiting for new individuals, Bruton Knowles is an agency which recognises nurturing talent from within and has already made two key promotions this year with Harry Breakwell promoted to Salaried Partner and Patrick Hackett to Senior Land Officer.
