Shepherd Chartered Surveyors has elected managing partner Ian Fergusson as its new senior partner as successor to George Brewster, who is to step down from the position he has held for the last 16 years.

Fergusson and Brewster have worked closely alongside each other for over 30 years; a period which has seen significant expansion and diversification of its service offering and office network.

Commenting on his election, Mr Fergusson said: “Having held the position of managing partner throughout George’s tenure as Senior Partner, I’m honoured to have been elected as Shepherd’s next senior partner and feel privileged to assume the role following a long and successful period of continual growth under George’s leadership together with the stewardship of the management team.”

I’ve worked closely alongside George for three decades and together we’ve overseen the growth of the firm, particularly since the millennium, as we’ve expanded across the UK and increased market share, including residential and commercial valuations, commercial agency, online auctions, rating, property lettings and management, and construction services through the acquisition of sister firm Hardies LLP.”

He added: “As senior partner, my aim is to continue to develop a resilient business with aspirations for continued growth and excellence both professionally and ethically, through our extensive office network and footprint across the UK offering in-depth local market knowledge and national service.”

Mr Brewster commented: “Shepherd has always been and always will be a living partnership built on succession and evolving to meet and manage the many challenges and opportunities of the property sector.

Having spent 16 years at the helm, steering the partnership through the financial crash and the pandemic, the time is now right for the next generation under Ian Fergusson to drive the firm forward.”

A past chair of RICS Scotland and former board member of RICS World Regional Board, Mr Fergusson is a previous EMEA Awards winner in the emerging leader category.

Originating in Scotland in 1880, with a network of 39 offices, Shepherd Chartered Surveyors offers a multi-disciplinary property service with over 250 staff and an enviable graduate and trainee recruitment programme where there is a commitment to training the next generation which is paramount to the continued succession of the business.

Shepherd was named Surveying Firm of the Year 2019, 2020, 2021 & 2022 at the Scottish Mortgage Awards.