London construction professional, Mirona Tomala, named ‘UK Young Surveyor of the Year’
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London-based construction professional Mirona Tomala has been crowned the ‘UK Young Surveyor of the Year’ at the RICS Matrics Young Surveyor of the Year Awards, which recognise the most inspiring and influential surveyors – aged 35 or under – in the UK.
A project manager with property and construction consultancy Gleeds, Mirona won the Project Management award, in addition to securing the overall RICS Matrics UK Young Surveyor of the Year title in the face of stiff competition from other category winners from around the UK.
Mirona was one of six women on the list of 10 category winners in a year when female professionals represented almost 40% of those shortlisted, despite making up just 15% of UK surveyors. The number of women shortlisted this year is 14% higher than in 2018 and 250% higher than in 2014; an increase that that has happened in a period when representation of women in the industry has become much stronger with many more female role models.
RICS Judges said that Mirona was highly deserving of the top accolade for her commitment not only to delivering projects of the highest standard, but also to the wider profession, going above and beyond to develop her team and those in her wider network.
Judges said that Mirona is “a driven and highly effective young surveyor who has a passion for improving the industry and leads by example”. They added: “our profession is in a better place for having Mirona in it”.
Mirona is a languages graduate who worked in electrical wholesaling before qualifying in project management. She initially worked in the affordable housing sector before moving to Gleeds to work in project management where she has worked for over three years.
Mirona has been responsible for setting up a training and development strategy in Gleeds, ensuring consistency in skills, knowledge, and competency across the team. She has personally delivered training to a team of 28 project managers on leadership and communication styles, as well as running focused sessions for graduates and new starters within the business.
Mirona has been an active member of RICS Matrics London since 2018, taking the Vice Chair role in 2021. She co-founded the International Women’s Day networking event and volunteers for Open House events and careers evenings to share her career journey and passion for the role of a chartered surveyor.
The winners were announced at an awards ceremony hosted by broadcaster and presenter Jo Ankier on 19 November at the Hilton Park Lane where Clement Lau, RICS President opened the evening. The following young surveyors were recognised for their outstanding career achievements in their respective sectors and disciplines:
RICS Matrics UK Young Surveyor of the Year - Mirona Tomala of Gleeds in London
Apprentice of the Year – Chloe Hartley of Mott McDonald in Yorkshire and Humber
Asset and Facilities Management – Laura Walker of Bradley Hall Chartered Surveyors in the North East
Building Surveying – Joe Campbell of Rider Levett Bucknall in Yorkshire and Humber
Commercial property – Elise Thompson of BPS Chartered Surveyors in the South East
Land (Rural and Urban) – Abigail Jones of Savills (UK) Ltd in the East of England
Mentor of the Year – Victoria Carter of AECOM in London
Project Management – Mirona Tomala of Gleeds in London
Quantity Surveying & Construction – Javaad Khalil of Consult North in the North East
Residential property – Joe Fraser of Joe Fraser Chartered Surveyors in the North East
Valuation – Kevin Keane of e.surv Chartered Surveyors in Scotland
This year’s jury panel consisted of 10 industry leaders. They said: “All of our category winners – and their employers – should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved as future leaders of the surveying profession. They have demonstrated that they are not only having a profoundly positive impact on their respective markets and workplaces but are also going above and beyond to help ensure our industry continues to have a positive impact on society and attracts and retains the brightest talent.”