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Summary
I’m joined by Tim Clarke, Managing Director of Harrison Clark, to talk all things dilapidations. We break down what they are, why they matter, and how surveyors help both landlords and tenants navigate risk.

This is a practical and honest conversation about commercial surveying, lease liability, and the real impact of good advice.

What we cover

• Tim’s journey into surveying
• Public vs private sector experience
• What dilapidations mean in practice
• Why landlords protect asset value
• How claims are assessed and negotiated
• Lease wording and risk exposure
• Schedules of condition explained
• Tenant and landlord strategies
• Real examples from practice
• The human side of surveying

Guest Links

Tim Clarke – linkedin.com/in/tim-clarke-bsc-hons-msc-mba-mrics-cmgr-fcmi-88064432

Useful Links

Harrison Clarke - harrisonclarke.co.uk

Guest Bio
Tim Clarke is the Managing Director of Harrison Clark, a chartered surveying firm specialising in commercial property advice, including dilapidations, technical due diligence, and lease consultancy. With experience across both public and private sectors, Tim has built a reputation for practical, clear advice and a strong understanding of property risk. He is also passionate about making surveying knowledge more accessible through education, content, and industry engagement.

If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room

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Summary
In this episode, Nina Young speaks with Ed Ellis about the human side of residential surveying.

From unpredictable site visits to emotional client situations, Ed shares what it is really like working in people’s homes and why communication skills are just as important as technical knowledge in the surveying profession.

This is an honest and insightful look at residential surveying in the UK.

What we cover

• Career journey into surveying
• Life on site as a residential surveyor
• Managing emotions and difficult situations
• Survey vs valuation confusion
• Importance of soft skills
• Client perception of surveyors
• Property documentation challenges
• Professional standards and reputation
• Industry misconceptions
• Future of the surveying profession

Guest Links

Ed Ellis - https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-ellis-15627636

Useful Links

RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors): https://www.rics.org
SAVA (Surveying Training): https://sava.co.uk

Guest Bio
Ed Ellis is a registered valuer and experienced residential surveyor with over 14 years in the industry. With a career spanning agencies, corporate firms, and private practice, this breadth of experience offers a well-rounded perspective on surveying and valuation. A strong emphasis is placed on the human side of residential surveying, highlighting the importance of clear communication, professionalism, and delivering a positive client experience.

If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room

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Summary

Drones are transforming surveying, but what does the job actually look like in practice?

In this episode, Nina Young speaks with Zara McGregor, Chief UAS Pilot at Plowman Craven. Zara shares how she built a career in drone surveying, the realities of flying drones on construction sites, and the challenges of regulation, safety, and public perception.

What We Cover

• How Zara became a Chief UAS Pilot
• Apprenticeships and alternative routes into surveying
• Drone surveying on construction sites
• Navigating airspace restrictions and flight permissions
• Working with the Civil Aviation Authority and drone regulations
• Safety checks and operational planning
• The accuracy of drone survey data
• Public perception of drones and privacy concerns
• Career opportunities in drone surveying
• Encouraging the next generation into geospatial careers

Guest Links

Zara McGregor on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zara-mcgregor-drone-whiz

Plowman Craven - https://plowmancraven.com

Useful Links

Coptrz – https://www.coptrz.com

Drone Pilot Academy – https://dronepilotacademy.co.uk

Guest Bio

Zara McGregor is Chief UAS Pilot at Plowman Craven, where she leads drone operations for surveying and construction projects. She began her career through a geospatial technician apprenticeship and developed her skills in land surveying, CAD, and aerial data capture. Zara now specialises in commercial drone operations, managing drone surveys, inspections, and mapping projects while ensuring compliance with Civil Aviation Authority regulations. She is also passionate about sharing her experiences and encouraging more people to explore careers in geospatial technology and drone surveying.

If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room

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