Prominent East Midlands Chartered Surveyor wins National Industry Award - “RICS Mentor of the Year 2018”

Ashley Cooper the founder and Senior Partner of Loughborough based Chartered Surveying practice Edward Cooper Young (ECY) is celebrating being recognised by his industry peers after being awarded the converted ‘Mentor of the Year Award 2018’ at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors awards ceremony in Central London.

Passionate about inspiring the next generation of Surveyors, Ashley has been involved in mentoring both his own highly trained team as well as external colleagues in the arts of becoming the right Chartered Surveyor.  

Ashley has also designed the ‘ECY Talent’ programme though which he ensures ECY’s rising stars develop business acumen and an understanding of business processes side-by-side with their professional qualifications.  He has also set up the ECY Apprenticeship Academy where he mentors each of the Apprentice Surveyors within the business.

As part of both these programmes, ECY has regular work experience/placement from local/regional schools, colleges and Universities as well as talking at careers fairs.

In a fiercely competitive environment ECY has grown organically, sustainably and profitably having been set up during the financial crisis and subsequent deep recession of 2008 onwards.

Ashley is an active member and Fellow of RICS and has sat on many different committees including being London Chairman of RICS Matrics and sitting on the London Regional Board.  He has also previously sat as National Chairman of the RICS Matrics and as Local Association Chairman for Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland branch of the Institution.  He is also a qualified RICS Mediator having gained experience in dealing with both formal and non-formal mediations and complex contract negotiations.

Ashley has created both formal and informal mentoring systems within ECY that have benefited the business as well as the individuals involved – including himself - time after time.

Speaking after collecting his award Ashley said ‘It’s such an honour to receive this award from my professional body and be nominated and judged by my own peer group.  For me this award is about inspiring the next generation of surveyors, showcasing what a wonderful career this is’.

We cannot think of a more positive and inspirational role model!