My Top 3 Career Highlights: Neil Trewick.
Neil Trewick was recently named a finalist in the Residential Property category of the RICS Matrics Surveyor Awards 2024. Neil swapped teaching for a career in residential surveying, qualifying through the Diploma in Residential Surveying and Valuation, and is now running his own surveying business, Trew Surveying. We caught up with him to explore his top 3 career highlights and what it means to him to be named a RICS awards finalist.
Neil’s Top 3 Surveying Career Highlights
- Award Wins
I’ve been lucky enough to win a number of local business awards, and one that really stands out is being named the UK’s Best Freelancer in the Federation of Small Business (FSB) Awards. I wasn’t sure what to expect or the level of kudos associated with the event. It was only when I arrived and saw the scale of the awards ceremony that I realised how big a deal this was. And then I won! It doesn’t get much better than that. - Business Success
I’d always wanted to start my own business, but it was a worrying time for me. I was unexpectedly made redundant, which gave me the push to do it and I ended up setting up independently within a week. The highlight is the business I’ve built and polished since. After 7 months, I subsequently won Best New Sole Trader at the Tees Business Awards which put me on the map in my local area. That’s when the business really took off. - Living the Dream
My previous career as a teacher could be very stressful. If I hadn’t had the opportunity to retrain as a surveyor through Sava, I might still be struggling through. Qualifying was a great achievement and has paved the way for many more successes. The business has now passed £500,000 turnover since its inception and I don’t really have any overheads. My family and I have bought our forever home and in many ways are living the dream.
How does it feel to be a finalist in the RICS Matrics Surveyor Awards 2024?
It feels great. This is the second year I have been shortlisted which shows that I’m consistent in practising to a high standard. Perhaps I’ll be lucky enough to win second time around, but the competition is tough!
What’s your favourite thing about being a surveyor?
I can’t choose! I’m in a better position financially and I can now control my own diary. It’s busy running your own business, but there is some freedom to it. Helping people avoid financial disaster is also very rewarding.
The winner of the residential property category of the RICS Matrics Surveyor Awards 2024 will be announced at the ceremony on 15th November. Find out more about becoming a residential surveyor through the industry-recognised Sava Diploma in Residential Surveying and Valuation.