I joined Easton Bevins as a graduate and have worked my way up to director, so obviously I think it's a great company and a good place to work. We get involved in many different projects, so there is plenty of variety which helps keep things interesting. It’s also exciting to be part of a successful, growing practice with offices located throughout the UK.
Variety - the spice of life
One of the many reasons I chose to stay with Easton Bevins was the variety of work that I was able to get involved in. I think in some larger organisations you can get funnelled onto a single pathway, focusing on just one aspect of surveying. From day one at Easton Bevins I was invited to get involved in everything - boundary disputes, house surveys, large projects, dilapidations, even expert witness work - and of course that is how you learn.
We work on many different projects, from a high-profile £60K cladding remediation, to a £50K loft conversion, down to a £700 house survey. Each has its benefits, for example on a smaller project you're working with an individual which feels more personal, on a large-scale project you work with big contractors and visit their sites. So, you get to experience both sides - and that's something that sets us apart.
Opportunities to develop and progress
The variety of different projects you get to work on at Easton Bevins really helps develop a breadth and depth of experience and knowledge, and that is immensely useful, especially when studying for the APC. We are also committed to supporting our team members in continuing their professional development and we positively encourage ongoing training.
The breadth of knowledge and experience we have within the company is phenomenal. If anyone has a question, there’s always someone who knows the answer, and even the most senior managers are available to speak to. It can actually be a two way process. Because things change and evolve so quickly in our industry, senior members of the team may also ask younger ones about updates and new ideas.
Proudly independent
We are also a good size; large enough to offer variety and opportunity, yet small enough for the team to get to know each other and build strong connections. Also, as an independent practice we can tailor the way we work to suit individual members of our team. Progress is driven by the individual, which allows people to work at their own pace. If someone is keen get ahead quickly, and has the ability, they can. If they prefer to progress at a more steady pace, that’s fine too.
In short, for the right kind of person, the opportunities are there. I think I’ve proved that by the fact that I've worked my way up from a graduate, to chartered surveyor, senior surveyor, then associate, and now director. Progression is merit-driven, if you keep striving you can go as far as you want and I've always found that to be a good thing, it’s certainly one of the things that made me stay.
A friendly practice with an exciting future
We are a growing practice, with staff spread across the country. While we collaborate between offices on a daily basis, we don’t necessarily get to meet up in person. So, we make sure we have regular group get-togethers throughout the year.
Our Company Days, for example, are an opportunity to bring everyone up to date with business news and share plans for the future. We also spend time socialising, so they’re a good opportunity to get to know other people in the organisation. We also collaborate on other events and activities, such as five-aside football tournaments to fund raise, and sponsoring and attending charity awards. All in all we have a friendly, sociable environment.
Finally, because Easton Bevins is expanding, and opening offices in different locations, newcomers have the opportunity to be part of, and contribute to, something exciting and new.