Testimonial – Alasdair Squires

My time with Townsend Chartered Surveyors has been a defining period of my professional life, marked by career progression and academic achievement. The firm provided a highly supportive and mentoring environment while I earned my First Class Honours in BSc (Hons) Rural Enterprise and Land Management (REALM) at Harper Adams University. This unique opportunity to study whilst working allowed me to directly bridge cutting-edge academic theory with complex, real-world land agency. Capitalising on that momentum, I was delighted to be promoted to Senior Assistant Land Agent and subsequently to Associate, in turn managing our Graduates and Apprentices, a trajectory that reflects Townsend Chartered Surveyors’ genuine commitment to recognising and rewarding ambition.

In my role as Associate, I have thoroughly enjoyed managing a diverse and progressive caseload during a transformative era for the agricultural sector. My day-to-day work has bridged traditional frameworks and modern agricultural policy, ranging from BPS claims to Delinked Payments and Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) applications to navigating complex Countryside Stewardship agreements along with the opportunity for involvement in valuations and expert witness work. Significantly, the firm gave me the autonomy to lead on forward-thinking, large-scale land use and diversification strategies, spearheading the setup of Habitat Bank projects for Biodiversity Net Gain.

Acting as a key point of contact, I have collaborated closely with ecologists, town planners and solicitors to deliver solutions for our clients. Furthermore, my time at the firm has allowed me to significantly elevate my professional skills by undertaking public speaking engagements in front of clients and other industry professionals. These high-level opportunities have sharpened my technical delivery, communication, and strategic thinking.

I am grateful for the trust, mentorship, and invaluable leadership experience I have gained during my tenure. I leave the firm with a top-tier qualification, immense pride in what we have achieved together, and the highest respect for the entire team.

I wish the team continued success as they remain at the forefront of the rural professional sector.