Are there any other Chartered Surveyors in your family?
My grandfather was the resident land agent on the Cranborne Estate as well as being a farmer in his own right. That is the only connection I have with the profession, as far as I am aware of it.
What made you choose this profession?
I decided to become a chartered surveyor, and in particular a rural chartered surveyor, because I am a countryman through and through and at an early age discovered that I had a love of auctions. I was also interested in the law as a young man and the role of the chartered surveyor has kept me involved with auctions, the countryside and the law.
Where did you study?
I studied at Reading University where I obtained the Honours Degree in Rural Estate Management.
Where have you worked?
My first job was with Savills at Chelmsford in Essex. As well as doing everyday land agency work, I was the junior resident land agent on the Quendon Estate. I left the job because I wished to return to Dorset and in 1980 a job came up in Wimborne for a recently qualified rural chartered surveyor which seemed to meet my specification. Thirty years on, I am still here.
Who have been the main influences on your professional career?
There are many men within the rural chartered surveying world for whom I have great respect. Jeremy Moody as Secretary for the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers being one, Anthony Clifton-Brown of Savills (my first boss) being another. I also have the utmost respect for Alistair Cowen, who has been senior partner of Symonds & Sampson for many years and who has given the firm great leadership.
Outside of the rural world, I believe Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher have given this country great leadership.
What changes have you seen during your career?
The profession has altered dramatically over thirty years. Dealing with the valuation of live and dead farming stock has now become a minor part of our business, whereas dealing with planning applications, rental valuations, land sales, tenancy issues and a wide range of semi-legal issues has become a big part of the profession. It will no doubt continue to change over the next twenty to thirty years and chartered surveyors, as ever, must adapt.
What do you particularly enjoy about your job?
The favourite aspect of my work is dealing with a wide variety of people. I derive huge pleasure from being handed a problem and coming up with a solution. Whether people are rich or poor is irrelevant. I have met some wonderful characters, have a huge number of friends via my working life and I always feel part of a very strong local community.
What are your favourite sports?
I find little time to play cricket, nor have I for a number of years. Tennis has become my main exercise throughout the year, which is an extremely social game. Again, I have many friends because of it.
What makes your perfect day?
My perfect day involves friendly competition, be that amongst family or friends. That can involve a day's shooting, a day playing tennis, an afternoon at the point-to-point or the local show followed by a decent meal and a bottle or two of beer or wine.
What hopes do you have for the future?
I expect Symonds & Sampson to progress over the next decade as they have progressed over the last decade. We haven't, and nor shall we, forget our roots as a multi-disciplined rural practice covering Wessex and beyond. Big is not necessarily beautiful but continuing to ensure our offices have all the relevant expertise to work with the local community is of the utmost importance. We shall continue to strive to do this.