Ayo Ajayi’s experience on the RICS’s Matrics Board and leading and training apprenticeships made him an ideal candidate
Colliers’ co-head of cost consultancy Ayo Ajayi has been appointed as chair of the Land Collective’s advisory board.
The Land Collective is a social enterprise which focuses on engaging young people on the career opportunities available in the built environment. Last year it became a Community Interest Company and has established this new board to oversee its strategy and operations.
Ayo, who is a director in the global real estate advisory firm’s Project & Building Consultancy team, has 15 years’ experience working on a wide range of construction projects in the UK and a significant amount of experience abroad.
He is also an RICS APC assessor and chairman and has previously advised on the RICS Matrics UK and Ireland board as well as led an apprenticeship scheme.
“I’ve been following the work of The Land Collective for a while,” said Ayo. “Its vision really chimed with my own aims and work over the last decade to open up the industry to a wider pool of talent. I myself didn’t come from a traditional property background, I studied computing and business information systems at university, but it was awareness of the built environment and the diversity in job opportunities that made me dare to think of a career in construction and led to the difficult decision to change career course- the best career choice that I have ever made!
“I recognised early that in order to support our industry to grow and succeed, as well as become more diverse, we need to engage with young people who will not have been exposed to the property industry before. Working with schools, and outside of the traditional universities to highlight the wide range of careers there are, not just in practical construction but also in advisory roles.
“The role and skill set required to succeed in the built environment and construction is changing faster than ever before. We all need to work together to make our profession attractive to the next generation. It is a difficult but exciting challenge which I look forward to contributing to with The Land Collective.”
Sarah Hayford, CEO of The Land Collective added: “I’m very excited to have Ayo on board. His expertise, insight and leadership will be a welcomed addition to our already established board. Ayo brings an infectious energy, drive and passion for promoting careers in the built environment to young people and having him onboard will no doubt help to support The Land Collective as we continue to grow our presence and influence in the industry.”
