News

Well, now, isn't this exciting news! We're absolutely thrilled to announce that our very own Andrew McColl, the driving force behind AMSurveys and, as many of you know, the Chairman & Panel Director of the Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA), has received a special invitation. Andrew will be joining the judging panel at this year's prestigious Property Care Awards! 

When we caught up with Andrew, he was clearly beaming. “It’s a real privilege,” he told us, a twinkle in his eye. “Being asked by Sarah Garry, the CEO of the PCA, to judge this year’s awards isn’t just a personal honour, but it also truly reflects how important the residential sector has become within the PCA. I’m immensely proud to represent that growing recognition on behalf of independent surveyors up and down the country. It shows the good work we're all doing is really being noticed, doesn't it?"

This year's grand celebration is set to unfold at an incredibly iconic venue – none other than Old Trafford, Manchester, on Thursday, 27th November 2025. Part of the landmark Property Care Conference, the awards form a highlight in the calendar for professionals across damp, timber, invasive weed, and structural waterproofing sectors. It’s certainly shaping up to be quite the day!

The Distinguished Judging Panel

Andrew will be joining a distinguished judging panel, brimming with expertise. He'll be in excellent company with:

• Paul Cribbens, Head of Claims – Technical at the NHBC: Paul's extensive knowledge from the new build warranty side will be invaluable.
• Gemma Swankie, from QANW: As the UK’s leading provider of Insurance Backed Guarantees, Gemma brings a crucial perspective on consumer protection and quality assurance.

Together, this formidable trio will meticulously assess award submissions, all designed to showcase the very best standards, innovation, and professionalism bubbling away across our dynamic industry. It's no small feat, I can tell you!

A Full Day of Knowledge and Networking Galore!

The Property Care Conference 2025 is certainly pulling out all the stops and is set to be the biggest yet. For the first time ever, three full conference strands – Damp & Timber, Invasive Weeds, and Structural Waterproofing – will be running alongside each other. Think of the sheer brainpower in one place!

Highlights for the day include a fascinating keynote address from John Turner, who'll be diving into the practical adoption of Artificial Intelligence within the property sector. Given the rapid pace of technological change, this is bound to be an enlightening session for us all. And if that wasn't enough, there are expert sessions on a plethora of vital topics, such as:

• The nitty-gritty of cavity drain systems and land drainage – because sometimes it's the foundations that matter most!
• Navigating fire risk in basement waterproofing design – a critical consideration we can't afford to overlook.
• Intriguing insights into listed buildings and the delicate art of retrofitting.
• Building that all-important confidence in construction products.
• And, of course, a high-level panel debate asking the perennial question: ‘Where does the risk and liability lie when things go wrong?’ I'm sure that will be a lively discussion!

You can peruse the full, jam-packed programme and secure your spot via the PCA website. Just pop over to: 👉 https://www.property-care.org/conferences/property-care-conference-2025

The Awards Dinner: A Black-Tie Bash!

Following a day brimming with intellectual stimulation, the black-tie Property Care Awards will take centre stage. This member-only event is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate standout individuals, companies, and projects in a relaxed, yet suitably celebratory, setting. It's a chance to let our hair down (if we have any!) and recognise the unsung heroes of our industry.

Andrew, ever the pragmatist with a dash of wit, added, “Events like this really do matter. They celebrate achievement, yes, and quite rightly so – but they also crucially raise the bar for everyone. I’ll certainly be looking out for entries that demonstrate real-world impact, unwavering integrity, and genuine innovation. And who knows, I might even manage to keep a perfectly straight face while doing it. We building surveyors are known for our serious demeanour, you know!"

So, if you happen to be attending the conference or the awards, please do make sure to pop over and say hello to Andrew! He’d be genuinely delighted to catch up.

• About the PCA: The Property Care Association (PCA) is the UK's leading trade association for the structural waterproofing, damp, timber, and invasive weed industries. They champion best practice, provide training, and set professional standards.
• AMSurveys at the Forefront: Andrew's involvement as a judge further solidifies AMSurveys' commitment to upholding and promoting the highest standards within the property care and surveying sectors. It's about leading by example!