Testimonial – Chris Allen

I joined Townsend Chartered Surveyors in 2011, having completed a degree in Rural Land Management at the Royal Agricultural University, with the aim of qualifying as Chartered Surveyor and Agricultural Valuer.

From the outset I gained a broad range of work experience including trading Single Payment Scheme (SPS) entitlements, submitting SPS claims and making applications for Entry Level and Higher Level Stewardship Scheme agreements. I was given responsibility for the day to day management of a small estate and also got the opportunity early on to assist Mr Townsend with an Agricultural Holdings Act rent review, from which I learned a great deal.

As I gained experience I was given greater responsibility and found myself negotiating rent reviews and re-lettings and drawing up Farm Business Tenancy agreements and Grazing Licences.

My increased experience and responsibility enabled me to progress through my APC competencies and my Supervisor and Counsellor were able to pinpoint areas needing improvement and advise on an appropriate course of action.

I was able to attend a number of APC training courses, including a Critical Analysis and Final Assessment preparation course in Birmingham, and various CAAV courses including the two day Western Counties Tutorial, and the National Tutorial in Cirencester.

This training, together the experience I had gained in my day to day work, enabled me, after much revision and numerous mock interviews, to pass the APC to become a member of the RICS. I was also fortunate enough to pass my CAAV exam the same year to become a Fellow of the CAAV.

I have enjoyed being a member of a small but highly competent team of surveyors.

Chris Allen has returned home to farm in the South East.