Meet the Team – Stuart Buckley

Welcome to our ‘Meet the Team’ series, giving you an in-depth insight into the CVs, views and expertise of Podium Surveying’s team. Following on from Jason Paine, we now hear from Stuart Buckley, Partner, whose experience spans over 30 years and many facets of the construction industry:

 Q1. Summarising the year 2022 for Podium Surveying in a few words, what would you say?

We’re going into 2023 very positively, looking forward to continued growth and new challenges. 2022 has been great for Podium, with growth seen across the number of clients we work with and the type of work we’re involved in. And, of course, definitely better than the past couple of years due to Covid.

Q2. Given the recent Autumn statement, was there anything that struck a chord and will affect the building and construction industry either positively or negatively?

Last month’s Autumn statement helped settle nerves and provided some clarity – which was needed after the turbulent few weeks before the statement. I would say that the social rent cap at 7% was a good thing. With an increase to 11%, there would be real, further pressure on social housing tenants who are already struggling with the current cost of living crisis. But a cap, at say, 3% would also be detrimental, decreasing the amount of money available to develop new affordable homes and improve existing ones.

Q3. Tell us something unusual about your career path. Why did you become a surveyor?

 As a child, construction fascinated me, so from a young age, I was set to work in the industry. I started my career as a bricklayer, learnt my trade and then decided to become a Building Surveyor. I like the practical side of building surveying, meeting people, tackling problems, and seeing through to the completion of a good end product, be that a new build housing development or a window survey and new windows installed to improve someone’s home.

Q4. What advice would you give your younger self and those now embarking on their career in building surveying and property construction?

 A career needs to be built, and the first job will likely be quite different from the last. Try different things in other construction fields that interest you. Also work in different parts of the industry – for example, through my time with Westminster Council, I know what it is like to be on the client side of a project and appreciate their challenges. I think it’s positive to have empathy for all parties involved in a project.

Q5. Not holding you to your predictions, but what do you think the year ahead will look like for Podium Surveying and the property and construction industry?

With Podium’s fantastic group of returning clients, we are heading into a very busy and exciting new year. There will undoubtedly be challenges in the industry, such as accelerating labour costs, material inflation and energy prices – but will are very well positioned to support our clients, meet these challenges and grow the business.