Double MRICS Success
We are celebrating the success of two members of our professional team after John Wigham and Olivia Barker both passed their Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) qualifications to become fully qualified Chartered Surveyors (MRICS).
The MRICS designation, awarded by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), is an internationally recognised mark of professional excellence, integrity and technical expertise within the land and property sector.
John Wigham, who is based in our Borderway office, joined the business in July 2022 after graduating from Newcastle University with a BSc (Hons) Degree in Rural Studies. He subsequently completed a Master of Science in Rural Estate and Land Management with Professional Studies at Harper Adams University.
Having grown up on a mixed stock farm near Laversdale, John is a fourth-generation farmer with strong agricultural roots and a deep practical understanding of the rural sector. In his role here, he undertakes valuations, landlord and tenant matters, utilities, planning applications, grants and subsidies, mapping, purchase and sale, and AMC applications.
Commenting on his achievement, John said: “I have worked towards my MRICS qualification since my undergraduate degree at Newcastle University, and to get to this point has been a huge personal ambition. I have aspired to be a Chartered Surveyor for a number of years, and H&H have supported me throughout the journey towards this goal. This has been a significant challenge whilst also working part time on the family farm, and I look forward to furthering my career within the agricultural sector in such a changing time.”
Olivia Barker, based in our Staveley office, joined the business in July 2022. She graduated from the University of York with a BA (Hons) in Business & Management before completing an MSc in Rural Estate Management at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester. Olivia is also a Fellow of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV).
Coming from a beef and sheep farming background in the Yorkshire Dales, Olivia remains actively involved with the family farm, particularly during busy periods such as lambing time. Her combination of academic achievement and hands-on farming experience continues to support her work advising rural clients across Cumbria and beyond.
Olivia said: “I was delighted to receive the news that I had passed the RICS APC and qualified as a Chartered Surveyor. I am relieved that my hard work has paid off, and I have now completed my professional qualifications, after passing the CAAV exams last December. The APC is a very challenging process, and I am very grateful to my colleagues at H&H Land & Estates for all their support and advice throughout my professional studies. I look forward to continuing to help farmers and landowners throughout Cumbria with my new qualification.”
We are extremely proud of both John and Olivia for achieving their MRICS qualifications. Becoming a Chartered Surveyor requires a tremendous amount of commitment, technical knowledge and professional dedication, and their success is thoroughly deserved.
Both John and Olivia have shown exceptional determination throughout the APC process whilst continuing to support clients across a wide range of rural and agricultural matters. Their achievements reflect their exceptional hard work and ability, and it underlines the strength and depth of talent within our growing team.
At H&H Land & Estates, supporting professional development remains a key priority, and it is hugely rewarding to see talented young professionals progressing their careers and helping to shape the future of the rural surveying profession.
