Barnard Castle land agent awarded prestigious RICS Fellowship
Jonathan Wallis, who is based in Barnard Castle, has been made a fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (FRICS), an organisation of property professionals.
The award is given to people who have made a ‘significant contribution’ to the industry and the title is considered a mark of ‘professional excellence’.
There are only 6,000 fellows across the world, representing only 4.5 per cent of the 134,000 professionals in the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
Mr Wallis has been working as a land agent for the last seven years, operating in the Yorkshire Dales, Teesdale, Durham, and Northumberland.
He started the business after working for a major firm of chartered surveyors, initially working out of a bedroom in his home.
Within a year he was able to hire a personal assistant and move into a shared office space in a community centre in Startforth.
This was the same building where he went to primary school.
As his business continued to grow, the company expanded further, hiring more staff.
Mr Wallis provides his clients with expert advice on a wide range of issues including landlord and tenant matters, property valuation, claims involving utility companies, and land development for both residential and commercial purposes.
He said one of his most unusual pieces of work is the current sale of Mirk Pot Woodland, a 37-acre sanctuary in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
The woodland is considered to be of ecological importance, providing a habitat for the endangered red squirrel.
Mr Wallis said: “Mirk Pot Woodland offers an unparalleled opportunity for those who want to make a real impact on wildlife conservation.
“The red squirrel is an endangered species, and by acquiring this land, buyers will be helping to preserve a critical habitat for them to thrive.
“This sale is more than just an investment—it’s a chance to leave a conservation legacy for future generations.”
Speaking of his fellowship, he said: “I’m delighted to receive this honour, it’s a recognition not only for myself but also my clients and my staff too.
“I’m passionate about my work and I’m pleased that this has been highlighted by the RICS.”
“There are parallels between this land and my fellowship.
“Receiving a fellowship is a mark of distinction for contributions to the profession, just as setting aside land for wildlife can be a recognition of the importance of biodiversity and conservation.”
