TECHNICAL BULLETIN - December 2019

Aidan Boland AssocRICS

Length of time in Surveying
I qualified as an AssocRICS Surveyor in February 2021 and started surveying in March the same year.

Why do you enjoy being a Surveyor?
In Residential Surveying there are no two days the same and you will always be faced with new challenges. I really enjoy inspecting different types and styles of properties whether it’s a one bedroom flat to a five-bedroom detached house. Finding defects and ensuring that the client knows exactly what they are buying gives me a real sense of achievement and satisfaction.

Why do you enjoy working for Carpenter Surveyors?
The Managing Director of Carpenter Surveyors, Ian Bullock, was my mentor throughout my study period. He provided me with a lot of support from the very beginning and it was never a chore in helping me through my assessment stage. Everybody at Carpenter Surveyors have been very welcoming and I am very excited to be joining the team. They have an excellent reputation within the surveying and Valuation industry and it is an honour to be a part of that.

What is your specialist area or area of specific interest in surveying?
As I am new to the Surveying industry I am still finding my feet, however I have a real passion for a stone built, Cotswold style property. I travel to the Cotswolds on a regular basis to take in the sights and to study the characterful properties it has to offer.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I have a wife, Kayleigh and two children, Eirinn who is 8 and Conor who is 4, so a lot of my free time and weekends are spent with them either at dance or football practice. We also love to go on walks together as a family and enjoy the countryside as much as we can. There’s nothing better than a five mile walk surrounded by the rolling countryside!

What is your proudest moment?
I played Ice Hockey during my younger years and was lucky enough to play for Coventry Blaze. Being selected to play for the first team and skating out in front of 2500 people was a very proud moment for me and one that I will never forget. I would one day, like to put the skates back on and play Ice Hockey again. Watch this space!

Stephen Hill Assoc RICS

Length of time in surveying:
I qualified and started surveying in July 2019.

Why do you enjoy being a Surveyor?
I’ve wanted to become involved with surveying for years. My previous role was very much property sales focused and I wanted to progress my knowledge and skills in the surveying arena. I enjoy working with properties and fault finding. It’s nice to know that I can make a difference doing something that I’m passionate about.

Why do you enjoy working for Carpenter Surveyors?
At Carpenter Surveyors the team are really friendly, it’s a great company to work for with a well-established reputation.

What is your specialist area or area of specific interest in surveying?
I’m a newbie to the business so I’m still finding my feet really, but I’m currently studying for a master’s degree in Historic Building Conservation which is a particular passion of mine. I worked as a valuer for twelve years prior to becoming a surveyor, so I guess that would be my best area at the moment.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I used to play a lot of sport, but I don’t anymore. I’m currently studying to speak and write in Spanish, once I’ve conquered that I’m hoping to have a go at French.

What is your proudest moment?
On a professional level it was both becoming a member of the RICS and joining a well-established firm of surveyors.

Gary Edwards MSc Building Conservation MRICS Dip. Surv.

Length of time in Surveying
Over 20 years.

Why do you enjoy being a Surveyor?
Having originally trained as an accountant I decided after several years that office life wasn’t for me. I’ve always enjoyed exploring buildings and my decision to train as a Building Surveyor was an easy one. In contrast to accountancy, I actually enjoyed my academic studies in surveying, and I can honestly say I would rather spend the day surveying a cold, damp and draughty building than doing accountancy in a warm and comfortable office. Enjoying your work is priceless.

Why do you enjoy working for Carpenter Surveyors?
Surveying residential properties is just as much about people as it is about buildings. Buying a property is a stressful time for anyone and the team at Carpenters understand this. Understanding peoples concerns and responding to their needs is paramount, and, as a family run business, a personal service and genuine advice can be offered – something which contrasts greatly with a corporate firm of surveyors. Working with a friendly helpful and down to earth team makes the job much more enjoyable. Although it does mean I have to make the tea when I’m in the office.

What is your specialist area or area of specific interest in surveying?
As a Building Surveyor I have been lucky enough to work on properties ranging from multi million pound office blocks through to one bedroom flats. I have surveyed industrial buildings, commercial buildings, shopping centres, public buildings, historic buildings and residential property. Having spent a number of years studying to qualify as a Building Surveyor, I decided to follow a lifelong interest in old buildings and embark on a Masters Degree in Building Conservation. Since obtaining my MSc in Building Conservation, I have been lucky enough to work on many old buildings ranging from Georgian houses through to Victorian factories through to timber framed thatched cottages.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Travel, travel and travel. It’s a big wide world out there and seeing as much of it as possible is a privilege beyond measure.

Mandy Royal – Accounts Manager

Length of service
13 years

Background experience:
I left school unsure of the type of career I wanted to pursue. I attended a secretarial course which introduced me to manual book-keeping. This inspired me to go to college to study AAT which I picked up quickly. I have further expanded my knowledge and experience over the years and now involved in every aspect of management accounts.

Why do you enjoy working for Carpenter Surveyors?
I love the variety of what can be a challenging role at times, my duties reflect this as I am responsible for the smooth running of all accounts related tasks, from raising invoices to producing tax year end and VAT returns, management accounts, payroll, pensions and compliance processes.

The team here are social, caring and a pleasure to work with, which makes it enjoyable to come to work. At the end of a busy week we can often be found at the local cocktail bar for a catch up and unwind.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I am very lucky to have explored many countries, my favourite being Italy. I am keen to see more and experience different cultures with my family and friends. I have a West Highland White Terrier called Jess, who I love to take to the beach for long walks.

What is your proudest moment?
Becoming a mother to my beautiful, loving daughter Jade has been my proudest moment. Seeing her grow into a lovely young lady has filled me with so much happiness and pride. Life doesn’t get any better.

Ian Bullock BSc(Hons)Est.Man. MRICS MEWI

Length of time in Surveying:
18 years

Why do you enjoy being a Surveyor?
I’ve always enjoyed being a Surveyor, in fact, at times it often feels more like a hobby than a job.
There are many aspects to surveying that I love, from the various people that I meet and have the privilege to work with, to the different properties I see every day. I’ve been lucky enough to inspect everything from the small mariners riverside cottage, through to Grade I Listed Buildings and everything in between. No two days are ever the same and it’s this variety that fuels my enthusiasm and passion for surveying.

Why do you enjoy working for Carpenter Surveyors?
There are many aspects of working in a thriving SME practice that I love, but I’d have to say that the part I find the most satisfaction and enjoyment from is being part of a work family. It might sound a little cheesy, but I work with some of the best, the team spirit is second to none and it truly feels like my second family. That’s just not something that’s easy to come by these days so I genuinely cherish my time working with all at Carpenters.

What is your specialist area or area of specific interest in surveying?
There are many aspects of surveying that I enjoy, but if I had to pick one area it’s probably historic property. I have a particular passion for all things historic buildings and I’ve been lucky enough to survey and value some truly amazing buildings of both architectural and historic significance and value.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I guess my favourite pastime has to be fishing! There’s no better way of detaching yourself from the crazy manic world we live in these days than a few hours spent on the riverbank away from it all.

What is your proudest moment?
That’s an easy one…..My proudest moment has to be my two fantastic children, Jack and Hannah.

Susan Palladino – Office Manager

Length of service
15 years

Background experience:
Having studied Business Administration at college I then went on to work as Head of Administration for an accounting firm. Customer service and customer satisfaction has always been my number one priority and is a strong area of focus for me as Office Manager here at Carpenter Surveyors.

Why do you enjoy working for Carpenter Surveyors?
No two days are ever the same, we have a great team spirit her at Carpenters and this makes for a very enjoyable working environment. As Office Manager my duties are very varied, I’m involved in every aspect of the general day to day running of the office, from quotations, to diary management, report production and everything in between. I am the first point of contact for Lenders and Panel Manager, dealing with everything from instructions to complaints.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love spending time with my family and watching crime dramas. I’m an avid walker and enjoy taking a long stroll in the sunshine.

What is your proudest moment?
That’s an easy one, becoming a mum to my beautiful daughter Stephanie, she makes me proud every day.

Emma Laughton – PA to Ian Bullock & Office Team Leader

Length of service
3 years

Background experience:
My career started in the hospitality industry where I was privileged to work for many years in five-star hotels and business centres. I then started working within recruitment and spent several years being an active recruiter. My role prior to Carpenters saw me working as PA to the MD of a recruitment business for nine years. I have always worked within a customer facing, customer service focused environment and really enjoy being able to help people.

Why do you enjoy working for Carpenter Surveyors?
The team spirit here is second to none, it’s a joy to come to work. The company is ambitious and very well respected in the marketplace. I feel valued as a team member and know that my efforts are appreciated and that means so much. I’m here to help the team with the smooth running of the business, from quoting and taking payments, to diary management and report production and everything in between. I work closely with Susan and provide support to her in various areas when required. Being Ian’s PA means that I get involved with all sorts, including but not limited to, marketing, business development and social media.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I am very lucky to have a wonderful family and enjoy spending my free time with them. We love being outdoors and can usually be found throughout the summer at various festivals, beach cleans or climate protests. We are avid eco warriors and try to spread the word far and wide.

What is your proudest moment?
Becoming a wife and a mother. There is no greater feeling that being part of a loving, supportive family unit. My son Riley is my greatest achievement. Watching him grow and develop into such a loving, kind and wonderful young man is all I could ever wish for.

Craig Birch BSc MRICS

Length of time in surveying:
26 Years

Why do you enjoy being a Surveyor?
Being a surveyor enables me to be out meeting people and helping give clear, sound advice on the biggest purchase many will undertake. The work is very varied and thoroughly rewarding, especially when it puts peoples minds at rest about things they may be concerned about.

Why do you enjoy working for Carpenter Surveyors?
I enjoy working with Carpenter Surveyors because they are a friendly, ambitious, forward thinking and creative team with a reputation for quality within the surveying profession.

What is your specialist area or area of specific interest in surveying?
I trained as a Building Surveyor and this remains my special interest due to the detail and quality of the product that our clients appreciate when purchasing a property.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I’m a season ticket holder, along with my two sons, at Villa Park. I also enjoy running, hiking across the North Worcestershire hills with my dog Riley and socialising in my local village pub.

What is your proudest moment?
There have been a few proud moments in my life but when my eldest son held my youngest shortly after being born, this was probably the best.

Anthony O’Reilly BSc MRICS

Length of time in surveying:
20 Years

Why do you enjoy being a Surveyor?
Being a Residential Surveyor is a rewarding career. In essence, residential surveyors assess properties for their general condition, energy efficiency and value…. they help homebuyers understand the condition of the property they want to purchase.

Why do you enjoy working for Carpenter Surveyors?
Carpenters is a friendly, forward-thinking organisation which has the clients best interests at heart.

What is your specialist area or area of specific interest in surveying?
Residential surveying, whether it be valuation work, Condition Reports, Homebuyers Reports or Building Survey Reports.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy cycling, tennis, family time and socialising.

What is your proudest moment?
Joining Carpenter Surveyors, helping the organisation grow and prosper.

TECHNICAL BULLETIN – December 2019

By Ian Bullock (HONS) MRICS MEWI, CARPENTER SURVEYORS