New team hopes to revive RICS locally

A group of surveyors has joined forces to kick-start the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Merseyside & Cheshire branch.

Pippa Page, chairman of the new committee, said: "Over the last couple of years, those in the property industry have retreated to their desks. As we emerge from the recession, we want to provide variety events to liven up the social calendar."

It's not just social events the newly formed local association has planned as Will Rees, vice chairman, explained: "We want to raise the status and profile of the RICS on a local level. Together, we can further strengthen links with fellow professionals and provide a valuable insight into local government and public policy issues."

The committee members are all chartered surveyors from regional firms, representing a range of sectors as well as different levels of experience. They are: Will Rees of Rees Straw, Nick Rice from CB Richard Ellis, Darren Yates of Todd & Ledson, Jon Swain of Mason & Partners, Pippa Page from CBRE, and King Sturge's Shannon Conway.

Page adds: "Our aim is to have some fun and shake things up a bit!"

A number of events are being carefully planned, starting with a re-launch party in October. More details will be announced shortly.