Jane has just joined Vail Williams from the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) where she worked for over 4 years, having risen up the ranks from a Graduate Surveyor within their rating team.
Bringing with her a huge amount of commercial property valuation experience, having worked with major clients including the NHS, Jane is joining our Thames Valley office as a senior surveyor.
We spoke to her to find out more about what she hopes to bring to the role, whilst also discovering a bit more about what makes her the person she is – including, amongst other things, a very accomplished pianist.
How long were you there and what do you specialise in?
I was at the Valuation Office for almost 4 years. I joined in September 2012 as a Graduate Surveyor, spending a year with the rating team and a year with the District Valuer Service (DVS).
When I passed my APC I joined the Property Services team within DVS and carried a variety of work including NHS Asset Valuations, Red Book Valuations for disposals and acquisitions, as well as Development Viability work.
What attracted you to your new post at Vail Williams?
I was attracted by the ethos and size of the company. I wanted to be somewhere where I could help build the business and make a difference.
What are your ambitions in the role?
I would like to broaden my experience within the private sector and also bring some of my experience from the Valuation Office in development viability and healthcare work to the company. I would also like to help develop graduates within the company.
What’s the best thing about working in property, and why?
Working in property means that you get to meet and work with a real mix of people on a day to day basis.
What was your first ever job?
Flipping burgers and serving ice cream in a food kiosk.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
It’s a cliché, but be yourself and do what makes you happy.
If you had to recommend a good book, what would it be, and why?
The Hunger Games – so much better than the film.
Tell us a surprising fact about yourself.
I have my Grade 8 piano? Not sure how interesting that is!
What’s your favourite band?
It changes all the time, but saw Coldplay at Wembley in June and it was fantastic.
If you could work in any other profession, what would it be and why?
I would do something sports related, probably a physio because I really enjoy playing hockey/running/cycling and I find the mechanics of the body really interesting.
