President of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), John Hughes FRICS and the City Mayor of Salford, Paul Dennett joined forces recently at a mini summit held at the University of Salford where they addressed the future of the built environment, and how the property and construction sector is driving economic growth in Greater Manchester. The visit, which coincided with the RICS’ 150th anniversary saw the RICS President speak with over 100 property professionals about what RICS is doing to prepare its professionals and property markets for future challenges, from climate change, to urbanisation and rapid technological innovation.

Guests heard about the RICS’ new Future of the Profession research project, which will address how these challenges are reshaping firms, services and professional practices, and what skills, competencies and technologies will be essential for surveyors in the future. The Mayor of Salford and Julie Charge (Director of Finance and interim COO at the University) work closely on the £800m masterplan for the Peel Campus and surrounding area including the river area, museums, the Crescent, University and Cathedral area.