A Lancashire land specialist has achieved coveted Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors membership, supporting his employer’s ambitions for growth and expansion this year.

Guy Horswell, strategic land assistant for Lancashire region, received his RICS accreditation after a two-year structured training programme and assessment, demonstrating the competence and experience he brings to his role.

The 26-year-old, who is based at the Lancaster regional headquarters, said: “RICS membership provides industry recognition and ensures I have access to the latest professional insights and ongoing training and development.

“The qualification reflects the expertise required to operate in a highly competitive landscape and will help me to play my part in delivering Persimmon’s ambitious plans through identifying and securing a long-term pipeline of sites for development.”

Guy joined Persimmon a year ago, after gaining a degree in Surveying and Real Estate and further experience working for a strategic land company.

“My job is to secure strategic land for Persimmon across Lancashire and Cumbria,” he said: “This is land without a planning consent or not currently allocated for housing, but which we believe is suitable for new homes – such as previously developed brownfield land which may require considerable investment to remediate but is well placed to provide great access to local amenities for future residents.”

Guy’s role includes searching for potential development land by reviewing current and emerging planning policy to identify – and secure – opportunities across the region to be progressed through planning promotion and ultimately into construction.

Andrew Laing, land director for Lancashire region, added: “We are investing in the long-term viability of the sustainable communities in the region through the acquisition and promotion of strategic land. Guy’s expertise will help to ensure an ongoing pipeline of sites for the business coming through planning promotion to support new homes, communities and jobs for the next decade and longer.”

Managing director John Roocroft said: “The success of our business relies on the ongoing recruitment and development of a highly skilled workforce, and we are delighted to celebrate Guy’s RICS accreditation, which recognises his dedication to continuous professional development.”

PICTURED: Persimmon Homes Lancashire land director Andrew Laing (left) congratulates strategic land assistant Guy Horswell on achieving the coveted Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors membership.