Welcome to our Little Black Book, an inspirational series of business stories and insights from our brilliant members.

Faye Williams leading the change in the world of building surveying.

By Faye Williams

Director, Harrison Clarke

Half a decade. That’s what it takes to cement your place in an industry – and plot your path to changing it. Well, if you’re Faye Williams, that is.

First walking through the doors of Harrison Clarke in Southampton as an administrative assistant five years ago, the thought of becoming a Director of the business wouldn’t have dared enter her mind.

Fast forward to 2024, and Faye has grabbed an industry that was desperate for change by the scruff of the neck and is changing building surveying for the better.

Connect on LinkedIn

The brainchild of Tim Clarke, Harrison Clarke has consistently grown its reputation to become the first choice for commercial and residential property owners in Hampshire, but also extending up to London and beyond.

Now a team of 8, Faye and Tim are changing their industry, and building an environment in which they, and others, want to work. It’s fair and focused on the development of talented, but more importantly, happy people.

Do you want more articles like this in your inbox? If so then register below...

"People approach us with a specific problem, like a roof leak on a property. And we offer, not only a solution to their problems but ensure we look at the big picture to provide common sense advice not just textbook answers. Choosing us, clients win security, insight and a better understanding of their investments."

Faye Williams, Director of Harrison Clarke

After taking on responsibilities to develop the business, Faye immediately discovered the shortcomings of the world of building surveying.

Old men who like how it was.
Old rules that don’t work anymore.
Old traditions that need replacing.

She’s led the charge in providing honest, understandable expertise with a focus on the people she works with, not just the property in question.

The Harrison Clarke team boast expertise in specific areas of the industry (including dilapidations and party walls) so they provide more accurate, specialist advice from people who understand the exact problem at hand.

But most importantly, they’re realists. And unlike many, they don’t believe in the obvious fix always being the best one.

"Most surveyors are generalists - like a GP. Which is fine, but we only offer specialists."

Faye Williams, Director of Harrison Clarke

Spark a conversation

Outside of the office, Faye plays and competes with several brass bands and marching bands previously touring in California, Germany, Switzerland and across the UK. She has also played at the Isle of Wight Festival, Bestival and London Band Week. Faye has a passion for music and volunteers for the Salvation Army teaching music to young people across Hampshire. Originally from across the water, Faye grew up calling the Isle of Wight home.

The best piece of business advice that’s helped Faye

“Not to be afraid of when people say no, or you meet closed doors. This advice boosted my confidence, and helped the business build better relationships with clients who truly value the way we work.”

"Rightly, people trust building surveyors. But that can often provide you with a never-ending clipboard full of problems, and an eye-watering bill or three. We use our know-how and experience to create a solution that’s compliant, safe and actually REALISTIC. There’s no work just for the sake of it."

Faye Williams, Director of Harrison Clarke

Discover more of their secrets of success