S2e Spotlight: Will Turton - From Early Days to Driving Major Projects
We are shining a light on Will Turton, BSc (Hons) MRICS, Associate Surveyor, a vital member of the S2e team who has been with the company since its early stages. His journey is a testament to dedication, hard work, and a genuine passion for building surveying and the education sector. We recently had the opportunity to chat with Will about his experiences and insights.
Joining S2e:
Will has worked at S2e for five years, his connection to S2e is long-standing. “I worked on S2e projects as a graduate surveyor when the academy sector and S2e were developing in tandem.”
This early exposure provided him with a unique understanding of the company's operations and academy client needs. He joined S2e in May 2020, a pivotal time when the company experienced significant growth. Will’s first project was to design and manage a full refurbishment of a primary school for the East Midlands Education Trust. Will quickly became an integral part of the team.
Professional Development and Key Role:
Will's commitment to professional development is clear. In early 2024, he passed his assessment to become a Chartered Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), a rigorous process demonstrating his professional expertise and dedication. "It was a lot of work but something I am very proud of," Will noted. He's also pursuing his CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building) chartership, further expanding his knowledge and skill set. His role has evolved significantly; he now manages major projects and leads a team, overseeing crucial aspects of S2e's operations. "I've been heavily involved in CIF (Condition Improvement Fund) bids, which have grown considerably over the years," Will explained. "This year, working collectively with the team, we completed the submission of over 70 CIF bids." Will's determination and dedication to understanding the CIF landscape, evident through his analysis and mapping of CIF results, have helped him become an expert leader in this field for S2e. Will also excels in building strong client relationships and ensuring strict deadlines are met.
Expertise, Skills, and Unwinding:
Will's expertise spans various services offered by S2e, including CIF bids, estates strategy, master planning and project delivery. “I find it rewarding to help schools strategically allocate funds to their most important projects”, Will said. He highlighted the expansion scheme at Redmoor Academy as his proudest achievement, which will deliver the school a new sports hall, dedicated science block and a new state of the art commercial kitchen. “S2e worked closely with the school from the outset, and were instrumental in securing the funding needed to really make a difference. Now, I have the opportunity to oversee these projects as they come to life, and that is something I am truly proud of”.
For those considering a career in building surveying, Will emphasises the importance of people skills, resilience, and having both a practical and technical understanding of construction. "You need to be good at juggling priorities," he advised. "It's a lot of spinning plates but very fulfilling." Outside of work, Will enjoys outdoor pursuits such as rock climbing, mountain walking, and mountain biking, finding it a great way to recharge.
Company Culture
Will attributes his growth and success to the supportive environment at S2e. "Working with Martin, Roy, and Richard has been fantastic," he shared. "They're passionate about what they do, and that passion has rubbed off on me. It's a great company to be a part of." Will Turton's journey at S2e is a testament to his dedication, knowledge, and passion for building surveying and the education sector. His contributions have been instrumental in the company's growth and success, making him a valuable leader in the team.
About Surveyors to Education (S2e)
Surveyors to Education (S2e) work solely in the education sector to provide estate strategy, funding and surveying expertise to MATs and academies, giving trustees the information they need for making effective decisions. For more information on sustainability and how we can help you develop the optimum learning environment for your pupils, contact us today to find out more at 0116 5070130 or email enquire@s2e.org.uk.
