The annual event, which sees RICS Matrics members who have had no previous experience of auctioneering test their skills at the rostrum auctioning off fictitious lots, was held on Thursday 11 October at RICS Headquarters, Parliament Square.

Having made it past the semi finals at the regional stage, Lucy McDowell, Graduate Surveyor at LSH’s Leeds office, competed with eight other aspiring auctioneers to ‘sell’ several items under the hammer, including a beach hut, car and an office building all located near Buckingham Palace to tie in with HRH Price Phillip's retirement.

Sadly, Lucy was pipped to the post and finished a very worthy runner up on the evening, which was judged by Duncan Moir – Allsop LLP, Richard Auterac – Acuitus, James Emson – Clive Emson and Damian Wild – Estates Gazette.

Commenting on her achievement, Lucy said: “Auctions are not part of my day-to-day role so I was shocked to even make it through the regional heats, let alone reach the final. It was great fun but I’m now back to focusing on my APC, which I will be sitting next October.”

Matthew Scrimshaw, Head of the North Region at LSH, commented: “Lucy has done fantastically well and we are extremely proud of her for reaching the final of such a prestigious competition within our industry. She may not have won but deserves to be recognised nonetheless for showing the drive and determination we look for in our junior surveyors and for showcasing herself as part of the great junior talent that we have at LSH.”