'Better representation' proposed by RICS rival

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is facing a potential 30,000-member exodus after learning that a new organisation is being set up to rival the institution.CJ has learnt that Roger Knowles, chairman of the construction management group James R Knowles, has written to all the RICS' quantity surveyors asking for support for a new organisation that provides "better representation".The letter reads: "It seems to me that the time is now right to consider the foundation of an institute to represent quantity surveyors. They should be entitled to more consideration than they receive. "A great deal of disquiet has been expressed during the past few years concerning a lack of guidance and support," the letter continued.The RICS has been criticised by members recently for moving towards bigger business and a more international agenda.