A YORKSHIRE-based businessman has beaten the off competition to be crowned the winner at an awards ceremony.

Matthew Watson, who was representing Yorkshire and the Humber, took home the top prize in the rural category at the RICS Matrics Young Surveyor of the Year Awards 2014.

The awards recognise and celebrate the country’s young surveying professionals and Matthew Watson, who works at Savills dealing with estate management and consultancy across much of the north of England,was whittled down from was crowned the winner from hundreds of entrants across 11 categories to be crowned the winner.

He said: “I’m absolutely delighted ; it’s great to have won this special award. The competition was tough, but being a part of it has been very worthwhile. I’d like to thank my employer, Savills, and clients for all their support and held and also everyone at RICS Matrics for a great competition and awards evening.”

The winners were chosen based on their success in areas including client satisfaction, exceptional achievement, innovation and being a team player.

Sally Lewis, RICS Matrics Chair and head of the judging panel of the awards, said that Matthew’s dedication when 25 estate properties in Yorkshire were flooded was outstanding as he worked round the clock to solve the issue.