Quantity surveyors unhappy with the RICS are setting up a rival organisation, with recruitment to begin in November.
More than 1000 people have expressed interest in joining the national group, according to Roger Knowles, one of the founder members and chairman of consultant JR Knowles.

"People want an organisation that just caters for QSs," he said. "We want to concentrate on QSs, raising their profile and providing training."

Prior to its recruitment drive, the body will elect officers and a committee, draw up a constitution and set up a website.

The RICS' policy of developing its profile abroad with the aim of becoming a global organisation has annoyed many members, who feel their interests are being neglected.

However, Construction Industry Council chief executive Graham Watts wrote in a letter to Building (see next week's issue) that there was no need for a new body.