Annabel Huffer, an apprentice at the Fareham offices of commercial and residential property group Eddisons, which incorporates Daniells Harrison, has won two awards at the University College of the Built Environment (UCEM) Built Environment Apprenticeship Awards 2023.
Celebrating the achievements of apprentices and their employers, the awards are also designed to highlight the important role that apprenticeships play in the built environment. At an awards ceremony in London, Annabel was named Undergraduate Apprentice of the Year, before going on to win the prestigious Principal’s Choice Award for her ‘passion to bring about diversity in the built environment, advocacy for apprenticeships, outstanding work and support for new professionals in the industry.’
Annabel, who joined Eddisons after A levels and is in the fourth year of her degree apprenticeship at UCEM, said: “It’s a huge and unexpected honour to win these two awards, especially during the final week of my degree course. My colleagues and employer have supported me throughout the apprenticeship, sharing their knowledge and expertise at every opportunity, and UCEM have also been exceptional.”
Annabel will sit the Assessment of Professional Competence for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to become a chartered surveyor as part of the apprenticeship. As a RICS ‘Inspire Ambassador’, she also advocates for young people’s place in the property industry. “A more diverse workforce, combined with the knowledge of experienced surveyors, can only be a good thing for the industry,” she said. “Young people bring fresh ideas and are more receptive to using new technology to increase efficiency.”
Annabel recently became Eddisons’ only GVC certified drone pilot, enabling the company to offer a new service.
Chris Daniells, director at Eddisons Incorporating Daniells Harrison, said: “We are really proud of Annabel, who is an exceptional young property professional and she deserves this public recognition for her outstanding work and superb attitude. We are very much committed to nurturing fresh new talent and apprentices like Annabel ensure that as a firm we remain at the forefront of innovation and continue to deliver the very best service to our clients, now and in the future.”
Eddisons expanded its operation in the South East of England in 2022 with the acquisition of Hampshire-based firm Daniells Harrison which has offices in Fareham, Bournemouth, East Sussex and on the Isle of Wight. Eddisons now employs over 360 people across a network of 25 offices across the UK.
