Darren Matthewson
York,East Riding of Yorkshire
Summary
Property professional with over 20 years of experience in the estate agency sector, currently serving as an operational surveyor and VRS-registered practitioner. Completed SAVA diploma in residential surveying and valuation in 2025, providing a solid foundation for effective residential surveying. Background includes residential sales, land, new builds, and selected commercial properties, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the property industry. Strong communicator with expertise in building relationships with clients and stakeholders, delivering reliable and customer-focused surveying services in York and wider area.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Operational Surveyor
e.surv
York, North Yorkshire
2025.04 - 2026.02
- Completed six-month probation shadowing alongside a Senior Surveyor while receiving structured technical training.
- Undertook hands-on residential surveying work, developing competency in inspection, reporting and valuation.
- Gained full exposure to e.surv reporting standards, risk management systems and operational processes.
- Completed SAVA Diploma in Residential Surveying and Valuation (Oct 2025).
- Progressed into Operational Surveyor role and now working through company competency framework.
- Responsible for further developing technical skills, applying valuation methodologies, and delivering accurate, customer-focused survey and valuation reports.
Trainee Surveyor
Charters Reid
York, North Yorkshire
2021.04 - 2022.03
- Supported Senior Surveyors across wide range of residential surveying activities.
- Assisted with property inspections under supervision.
- Helped prepare survey reports and valuation notes.
- Built foundational knowledge of building pathology, construction methods and residential valuation principles.
- Developed understanding of internal processes, reporting standards and compliance requirements.
Construction Labourer
Local Construction Company
York
2020.06 - 2021.03
- Worked on construction of three detached residential dwellings.
- Gained hands-on insight into modern construction methods from foundations to roof covering.
- Supported trades on site and contributed to maintaining safe working environment.
- Practical exposure strengthened understanding of construction, building materials and site sequencing, complementing SAVA studies.
Local Property Expert
Purplebricks & Housesimple
York, Hull, Leeds, Scarborough, Harrogate, Yorkshire
2016.06 - 2019.06
- Managed seven-day diary, providing end-to-end support to vendors from valuation through to completion.
- Delivered accurate market valuations using detailed comparable analysis.
- Built strong brand presence across wide territory, generating new business and maintaining high conversion rates.
- Acted as primary client contact, managing chains and coordinating with solicitors, surveyors and agents.
- Enhanced negotiation, customer service and valuation skills.
Director / Co-Owner
Grays & Co Estate Agents
Pocklington, East Riding of Yorkshire
2007.01 - 2015.03
- Co-owned and launched Pocklington branch within regional estate agency group.
- Navigated challenges of 2008 market downturn through effective commercial management.
- Oversaw staffing, operations, budgeting and financial performance.
- Implemented improved processes, systems and technologies to enhance efficiency.
- Delivered staff training and development programmes.
- Built strong client relationships, achieving high retention and referral levels.
- Worked closely with surveyors, solicitors, developers and stakeholders to support business growth.
Residential Sales Manager
William H Brown (Sequence)
Haxby, York
2003.05 - 2006.12
- Promoted from Sales Negotiator to Branch Manager.
- Managed all aspects of branch operations and performance.
- Consistently exceeded targets for new instructions, fees, financial services and referrals.
- Improved processes and systems to maintain high productivity and service levels.
- Grew local market share through business development and brand-building initiatives.
- Strengthened leadership, team management and valuation expertise.
Field Commissioning Engineer
Alcatel Telecom UK
Banbury
2000.03 - 2002.07
- Installed and commissioned Alcatel SDH and DWDM transmission systems.
- Worked across international locations in addition to Uk sites.
- Ensured high-quality installation and testing to strict technical standards.
- Developed strong technical precision, resilience and independent working capability.
Corporal
Royal Corps of Signals – British Army
1992.03 - 2000.03
- Completed exemplary eight-year military career, achieving rank of Corporal.
- Fully qualified within selected trade. Provided secure communications and information systems support for operational and training environments.
Education
Level 6 Diploma - Residential Surveying and Valuation
ABBE
10.2025
Skills
- Residential valuation
- RICS Red Book principles
- Building pathology
- Technical reporting
- Customer service & communication
- Risk assessment & compliance
- Market analysis
- Negotiation & stakeholder management
- Strong Yorkshire regional knowledge
- Diary and workload management
- IT systems
- Residential survey expertise
Affiliations
- AssocRICS
- VRS – Valuer Registration Scheme
Timeline
Operational Surveyor
e.surv
2025.04 - 2026.02
Trainee Surveyor
Charters Reid
2021.04 - 2022.03
Construction Labourer
Local Construction Company
2020.06 - 2021.03
Local Property Expert
Purplebricks & Housesimple
2016.06 - 2019.06
Director / Co-Owner
Grays & Co Estate Agents
2007.01 - 2015.03
Residential Sales Manager
William H Brown (Sequence)
2003.05 - 2006.12
Field Commissioning Engineer
Alcatel Telecom UK
2000.03 - 2002.07
Corporal
Royal Corps of Signals – British Army
1992.03 - 2000.03
Level 6 Diploma - Residential Surveying and Valuation
ABBE