The Chairperson of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Scotland has been discussing the importance of the industry working with education establishments.

Dr Fiona Grant was meeting with RICS members in Dumfries and Galloway to highlight the need to meet the demand of the current economic environment and plan for the future of the profession.

The meeting was part of a RICS road show taking place across Scotland.

Dr Grant said: "We must further recognise the importance of links between education and industry, working with RICS matrics to encourage student membership and graduate APC completion and raising the profile and role of academia.


Dr Grant also highlighted RICS Scotland's commitment to increasing support for members in small and medium enterprise (SME).

She said: "With larger firms reducing in numbers and new, smaller start up organisations requiring additional support, RICS is reinforcing support available to both its members and the public.

"Through the development of new research, information papers and guidance and by providing relevant, useful and targeted information, RICS Scotland can help smaller organisations in running an efficient business while addressing core industry issues."

She added: "We know that many of RICS Scotland's quantity surveyors and project manager members are primarily part of SMEs and micro businesses operating at regional and often local levels. It is these companies that are vital to delivering growth in Scotland and RICS can help its members, and those looking to start up SME practices, with practical advice and support."

(IT)