This summer, Davidson & Robertson has announced a number of promotions, strengthening our team across Scotland and Northern England. In all, six promotions have been announced across the whole company.
Alongside selective appointments, promotion, and growth from within has been a key strategy for the development of the D&R business. Chief Executive Linda Finlayson said “Our clients expect the best professional service possible and for us to achieve that, we need to nurture our team and recognise skills, expertise, and achievements across the board. Professional development has been tough during the last couple of years, so we really do want to commend them all for their hard work and ability to grow in their professions.”
The latest promotions include Sarah Bennett promoted from Senior Land Agent to Associate, William Frazer promoted to Senior Land Agent, Emma Savage promoted from Senior Surveyor to Associate, Abigail Wass promoted to Land Agent and, in Edinburgh Head Office, Ian French as Finance Manager and Rebecca McKenzie to Senior HR Advisor.
Sarah Bennett has been with Davidson and Robertson for eight years, taking the opportunity of flexible working after her daughter was born. Sarah focuses on infrastructure and utilities, spending much of her time on complex utility work with claims, compensation and right of way/access issues. Commenting on her promotion Sarah said “historically I have a lot of experience with utilities. It’s an area I enjoy. You have the chance to build up trust and a good rapport with clients – especially if you can help them from the start of a project. I now have more responsibility for members of our team and really appreciate the flexible working approach that D&R encourages.”
Ian Austin, Director and Head of Utilities, Infrastructure and Energy work streams said “ Sarah has been with us a long time and has developed expertise, especially in the utility sector where she is particularly experienced with Scottish Power and Scottish Water. It’s good to see her continue developing and taking on the responsibility of running the Utilities team in the South West of Scotland. She feeds into our weekly department meetings which helps inform the entire team, helping shape and deliver our strategy across the company. Her promotion is well deserved.”
Abigail Wass joined the Davidson & Robertson team in their Cockermouth office in 2021 and has been working closely with the farming community on a wide range of projects, she is currently involved in a number of infrastructure and utility projects. Commenting on her promotion, Abigail said “I have been here less than a year, but in that time, I’ve felt very supported and believed in – something that has certainly helped me grow more confidence and encouraged me to further my professional qualifications.”
Chris Edmunds, D&R Director at the Cockermouth office commented “In Abigail, we have someone who is analytical and methodical in her approach and has an understanding of rural issues. At the same time, she has a natural empathy with the farming community and is proving to be a great asset to clients. It’s important to encourage and nurture talent, her promotion gives her more responsibility and further opportunities to develop.”
The Property & Forestry department at D&R is continually growing and sees two promotions within. Chartered Surveyor Emma Savage has been promoted to Associate working with the team on property management and lettings. Emma has been taking on more responsibility for graduates and expanding her portfolio of expertise. Whilst Emma has only been with D&R for a year, she had already gained valuable experience in estate management in her previous role. Emma said “Having taken on a range of senior duties since joining D&R, I am delighted to have been recognised for the extra responsibility. I enjoy supporting our graduate surveyors and co-ordinating the SAAVA Young Valuers events, to encourage our next generation.”
As a Land Agent, William Frazer had already been working with a portfolio of clients. It is something he is developing further. As Senior Land Agent William is also heading D&R’s mapping and GIS services – a service that is growing in demand for landowners looking towards voluntary registrations, or for valuations and sales. William said, “mapping is now in every element of surveying, so it’s important that everyone is up to speed on how it works and the benefits. It’s something that I really enjoy and it’s a service that has tremendous growth potential in our business.”
Niall Milner, Director, and Head of Property & Forestry said “Both Emma and William have great enthusiasm in their roles, building their own portfolios of work and supporting our graduates. Emma has consistently impressed, with a great understanding of client care. When coupled with her thorough knowledge and expertise, it ensures all clients receive a quality service that delivers on their aims and objectives. Will has shown himself to be equally adept at delivering results for property management clients and bringing the Land Agent’s nous to bear on mapping instructions. I’ve been delighted with how both of them have established themselves as important members of the Department Team.
