Originally from North Wales I have worked virtually all my career for the Valuation Office Agency having started life as a graduate surveyor in the mid 1970’s based in the Matlock Office in Derbyshire. I always claim my affinity to CPO work stems from going out to do an  inspection of affected property on my very first working day for the Ashford in the Water Diversion. Amongst other things it took a slice off the village cricket ground and the entrance to the Hall owned by Laurence Olivier’s brother. I am currently based in  Nottingham as part of the Transport Sector Team within District Valuer Services doing work mainly for National Highways, HS2 and road schemes for some Local Authorities. I have progressively specialised in CPO work since the late 1980’s and have dealt with countless new major highway schemes mainly in the East and West Midlands. My first experience of Part 1 Claims was back in 1978 for the A38 Ripley Swanwick Alfreton Bypass. A far cry from the numbers of claims that get submitted today.