A Newport property professional is in the running for a UK industry accolade and the esteemed ‘UK Young Surveyor of the Year’ title after making it on to the shortlist of the 2017 RICS Matrics Young Surveyor of the Year Awards.

Lucy Williams, a senior cost consultant with Arcadis in Newport, is shortlisted in the Property Management category. She is one of five Welsh property professionals in the running for the awards.

Surveyors are essential in key areas such as housing, commercial property and our road and rail systems, and the YSOYA 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 and the nominees from Wales are up for the following awards:

• Project management – Lucy Williams, alliance efficiency manager, Arcadis

• Building surveying – Chris Payne, senior building surveyor at Faithful+Gould

• Land (rural and urban) – Matthew Williams, rural chartered surveyor, Morris Marshall & Poole

• Property agency (residential and commercial) – Sarah Rees, chartered surveyor, Morris Marshall & Poole

• Quantity surveying and construction – Oisin Fitzpatrick, senior commercial manager, Arcadis

Other categories include: asset and facilities management, mentor of the year, project management, quantity surveying and valuation.

Ninety young surveyors from all over the UK made this year’s shortlist, and each entrant will be considered for the overall ‘UK Young Surveyor of the Year’ 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, the winner of this category will also win 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.

Lucy Williams, alliance efficiency manager from Arcadis, Newport, said: “I’ve been fortunate to work on some significant built projects and initiatives in and around Wales that have not only brought considerable investment into the region, but also helped me to hone my skills and expertise. I’ve had instrumental support from senior colleagues too which has helped me to progress, it has been an honour to be shortlisted alongside such strong candidates. It would be fantastic to win, as well as testament to my colleagues that their investment in me was very much worthwhile and appreciated.”

David Keddie, chairman of the RICS UK Matrics Board – a networking and support group for young surveyors - and head of this year’s judging panel, said: “The Welsh property industry has some of the brightest and most ambitious talent, and these exceptional shortlisted individuals are testament to this high caliber of professionals, who are enjoying hugely rewarding and varied careers in the industry. Some of the built projects and initiatives these nominees have helped to develop and deliver have made a remarkable contribution to their local property markets and wider communities.

“I wish them the very best of luck in raising awareness of their achievements which have helped ensure the region remains a fantastic place to live, work and visit. I’m sure the bonus of winning a car will certainly be a boost to the overall Young Surveyor of the Year winner and their career too.”

The winners will be announced in November.