Principle confirms highly qualified surveyor’s appointment as in-house team expands

He also has previous experience as a business information modelling officer at Bedford Borough Council. 

Earlier this year, Mr Rance received first-class honours in the Bachelor of Science degree apprenticeship in Building Surveying he completed at London South Bank University. 

Richard Coles, head of building surveying at Principle, said: “Tom joined us with impressive credentials, and we were pleased to secure his services. 

“Based in our Birmingham office, Tom’s arrival came at the perfect time to help manage our increasing surveying workload from recent expansion and newly secured developments. 

“He has a wealth of experience of working on heritage sites at The Althorp Estate, which is directly relatable to some of our more prestigious managed properties.   

“We now have three in-house surveyors located across the UK, and Tom’s fitted in seamlessly, playing a big part in the team’s continued growth.” 

Since joining Principle, Mr Rance has been using his expertise in historic building conservation and restoration across the company’s property portfolio. 

Mr Rance said: “I was attracted to Principle by the company’s modern approach to property management and was impressed by how its building surveying arm operates. 

“We have the best of both worlds being our own department but integrated into the business, operating as any other building consultancy would, but providing all those services in-house." 

Mr Rance is already working on notable projects including Burne Jones House, an Art Deco building on Bennetts Hill in Birmingham, where he’s overseeing the refurbishment of 12 communal balconies.  

He is also working on the external decorations on Chadwick Manor, an impressive Victorian area country mansion in Knowle, near Solihull. 

One of Tom’s highlights since joining Principle has been his continued professional development as he completes the final stretch of his Assessment of Professional Competence journey to become a chartered surveyor. 

Mr Rance, a keen rugby player outside of work, added: “Principle is committed to providing a high level of training to make sure we are up to date with current industry standards, and improving and bettering services for our clients.

“They have signed me up to a training provider to support me on my APC journey. I’m looking to submit my application very soon and should be sitting my APC exam in early 2026.”  

Joe Jobson, joint managing director of Principle, said: “Tom will become the eighth chartered surveyor in the team. 

“As he settles into his role, Tom’s expertise is already proving invaluable in raising standards in building safety and building maintenance while supporting our continued growth across the portfolio.” 

Principle operates nationally with offices in Birmingham, London and the north-west, employing more than 100 staff who look after more than 25,000 units across the UK.