SENIOR sales negotiator Vicky Clarke (pictured) has taken the first step to becoming a chartered surveyor by completing the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Associate qualification.

Vicky, who has worked for estate agency Dacre Son & Hartley for seven years and lives in Ilkley,had to complete a wide range of assessments, including three written submissions totalling more than 5,000 words.

Vicky, who holds a business studies degree, said: “I thoroughly enjoy my job and was keen to gain a more in-depth understanding of the property industry so this qualification was ideal for me. It has broadened my knowledge on every area of estate agency and is the first step towards achieving chartered status which opens up a huge range of career development opportunities as well as being a recognised qualification throughout the world, so it’s great to complete it.”

Ian Briggs, manager of Dacre’s Ilkley office, who mentored Vicky throughout her studies, said: ““Vicky has worked extremely hard over the last six months and thoroughly deserves to become an associate member of RICS. Our Ilkley office is a busy environment to work in and is renowned for its high standards and quality advice and Vicky’s qualification will help to further enhance this reputation.”