With over a century of heritage behind us, Hartnell Taylor Cook firmly believes that our success is driven by our people; their knowledge, ambition and individual interests. We’re therefore delighted to announce that, in January 2026, graduate surveyor Sophie Allen became the newest member of the RICS Matrics committee.
We took some time out of her busy day to learn more about what this means to her.
What is RICS Matrics?
RICS Matrics is an early‑career community created by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to support students, apprentices, trainees and newly qualified professionals. It provides a platform to influence the profession, build connections, and gain support while progressing through the assessment pathway.
Regional committees sit at the heart of this network. They deliver everything from social events such as wine tastings and padel tournaments to invaluable networking, learning and development opportunities.
Joining the southwest RICS Matrics Committee
Sophie’s appointment to the 10‑member South West committee marks an exciting step forward in her surveying career. Having previously served on her university’s geography social committee, she brings experience and enthusiasm for organising events and helping to build strong professional communities.
For Sophie, the attraction of joining the Matrics committee lies in equal measure between the learning, development and networking opportunities it offers and the chance to contribute to event organisation and mentoring.
Her route into the committee began last year at a CPD event, where she connected with an existing member. When an opening was later advertised, that interaction gave her the confidence to put herself forward.
“I felt confident putting myself forward having already met and spoken to someone on the committee. That conversation helped me see where I could contribute. I am really looking forward to attending RICS conferences across the UK and meeting surveyors from a wider range of locations.”
The opportunity for growth and development with RICS Matrics
She welcomes the additional support that RICS Matrics provides for graduates working through their APC (Assessment of Professional Competence) required to become chartered, which augments the existing Hartnell Taylor Cook development programme. Through the committee she gains access to a wide pool of knowledge while she progresses through her master’s degree, giving her insights from senior surveyors outside HTC, including professionals she would not normally meet in her day-to-day work.
The combination of learning, development and event planning opportunities makes RICS Matrics a natural fit for Sophie. In her new role, she is looking forward to attending RICS conferences across the UK, where she can spend time on the Matrics stand and meet surveyors from a wide geographic range and build up her professional network.
“Being part of the committee gives me a sense of achievement and responsibility and helps me build valuable connections for the future.”
Taking on new responsibilities
In her new position, she will take part in monthly meetings to plan events, networking activities and school‑outreach programmes. She has already taken on her first project: helping to organise this summer’s event.
Looking to the future
Looking to the future, Sophie aims to become a mentor herself once she achieves chartership. As a graduate surveyor at Hartnell Taylor Cook, she already has opportunities to visit schools and colleges to raise awareness of careers in surveying, and her involvement with RICS Matrics will only broaden this impact.
Membership brings a sense of achievement and responsibility, along with valuable connections that will support her long‑term career. Sophie is especially passionate about helping build a strong, engaged community of young surveyors across the region.
About Sophie Allen:
Sophie joined Hartnell Taylor Cook in June 2024. She is currently studying for her masters in Real Estate at the University of the Built Environment and is expected to graduate this summer. She plans to sit her APC assessment in spring 2027 to become a chartered surveyor.
We are proud to support Sophie on this journey and wish her every success as she takes these confident steps into a bright future.
