Blackbird Property Surveyors Ltd

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Blackbird Property Surveyors Ltd Blackbird Property Surveyors Ltd (formerly One Building Solution Ltd)
Property surveys, reports & expert advice you can trust. RICS-regulated. 📍Leicester

Our mission is to deliver business owners with the finest quality building consultation. As proud members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, we do this with honesty and efficiency. Our surveyors will provide you with a range of tailored solutions that will exceed expectations, enabling you to realise the potential of your business premises. We can provide you with a design / drawing service to tailor your needs and requirements. From drawing up existing layouts your premises to providing you with feasibility layout out design to full working and detail drawings required for space planning, extensions, refurbishment, conversions and new build. To accompany these drawings as specification of works and workmanship clauses can be written and provided. Following full scheme design, we are able to provide you with a further extended service and able to act as your representative in administrating the contract between you and the chosen building contractor along with full project management services, development monitoring and quality control. https://www.instagram.com/onebuildingsolution/

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Introducing Nicola Gonsalves Nicola Gonsalves, FCIPD – Commercial Director at Blackbird Property Surveyors Ltd 🐦‍⬛Follow...
24/09/2026

Introducing Nicola Gonsalves Nicola Gonsalves, FCIPD – Commercial Director at Blackbird Property Surveyors Ltd 🐦‍⬛

Following the relaunch of Blackbird Property Surveyors earlier this year, I’m delighted to formally introduce Nicola Gonsalves, FCIPD, as our Commercial Director. 👋🏽

With more than 35 years of professional experience, Nicola brings extensive expertise in leadership, business partnering, communication, organisational development and building strong professional relationships.

As an FRICS and Registered Expert Witness, my background is rooted in building surveying and property. Nicola, as a Fellow of the CIPD, brings a complementary commercial and people-focused perspective. Together, our two disciplines provide a strong foundation for Blackbird’s next chapter. 🤝🏽

Our purpose is Helping People & Places Thrive. 🏡🌱 We believe property is about more than buildings — it’s about the people, businesses and communities connected to them.

Nicola will lead our commercial development, building relationships, developing new commissions and projects, and helping shape our future direction. She’ll also play an important role in developing our property development activities as we work towards our longer-term ambition of Blackbird Property Group. 🏗️📈

Nicola has been an important part of the Blackbird journey for many years and, on a personal note, is also my wife and business partner. ❤️

I’m excited about what we can achieve together and the positive contribution we can make to the people and places we work with.

If you’d like to connect with Nicola or find out more about Blackbird, please feel free to get in touch. 📩

18/08/2026

👏🏾 Recognising the People Who Make a Difference

👀 Seeing is Believing

Yesterday I travelled to to undertake an inspection in my role as an

Afterwards, I met up with Bola Abisgun at RICS HQ before visiting at to pay my respects following his passing.

It reminded me how important it is to recognise the people who positively influence our lives while we still have the opportunity to do so.

🌸 This week, I’d like to recognise Bola.
Many people know him as a Chartered Surveyor, entrepreneur, industry leader and recipient of an OBE. I know him as someone who has consistently used his success, influence and network to create opportunities for others.

When I was pursuing FRICS Fellowship, Bola was one of the people who supported my application and acted as a referee. That support meant a great deal.

💭 Some people create opportunities for themselves. Others create opportunities for everyone around them.

🤝 Each One, Teach One.
🙏🏾 Bola, thank you for your friendship, encouragement, mentorship and generosity over the years.

🌸 Today, I give you your flowers.
❤️ Thank you.

👏🏾 Recognising the People Who Make a Difference👀 Seeing is BelievingThis week, I’m recognising Robert Howell, pictured h...
10/08/2026

👏🏾 Recognising the People Who Make a Difference👀 Seeing is Believing

This week, I’m recognising Robert Howell, pictured here with his wife Dionne at the Blackbird Property Surveyors launch. ❤️

Robert and I grew up in the same Leicester neighbourhood, so I’ve seen first-hand the journey he’s taken.

Today, he’s an Assistant Principal, with more than 20 years in education, and the only Black Assistant Principal in Leicester.

For me, that’s what Seeing is Believing is about. 👀 Growing up in the inner city, Robert understands the experiences and aspirations of many of the young people he now supports. His visibility as a Black senior leader shows young people from our community what is possible.

⚽ And his contribution doesn’t stop at school. From Caribbean Football Club to Highfield Rangers, Robert continues to give back through grassroots football, investing his time and energy in the next generation.

❤️ Robert, thank you for giving back to the community that helped shape you — through education, football and leadership.

Your legacy isn’t just your title. It’s the people you inspire and the difference you make.

🌸 Robert, today I give you your flowers.

👀 Seeing is Believing.

👏🏾 Recognising the People Who Make a Difference❤️ My big sister, Paulette aka .diva I’ve always believed that seeing is ...
05/08/2026

👏🏾 Recognising the People Who Make a Difference

❤️ My big sister, Paulette aka .diva

I’ve always believed that seeing is believing, and long before I truly understood those words, Paulette was living them.

Growing up in Leicester during the 1970s, she overcame challenges with resilience, dignity and quiet determination. She went on to build a successful career as a Legal Secretary, working for several of Leicester’s leading law firms at a time when Black women were still under-represented in professional roles.

But what I admire most isn’t her career—it’s the person she is.

When our family went through difficult times, she was my constant. A caring, supportive and protective big sister who has always led by example.

She’s never looked for recognition or the spotlight. She never needed to—her life and the example she set have always spoken louder than words.

❤️ Paulette, thank you for your love, wisdom and unwavering support. The example you’ve set has shaped the person I am today.

Because of you, I learnt one of life’s greatest lessons…

✨ Seeing is Believing.

🌸 Today, these flowers are for you.

Love you always. ❤️

29/07/2026

🏗️ Cost Reinstatement Assessments – Is Your Property Insured for the Right Value?

Today I was on site at The Croft Hotel, Stanley Drive, Leicester, carrying out a Cost Reinstatement Assessment, accompanied by Zayne Pringle-smith, a and student at Sheffield Hallam University, who joined me to gain valuable practical experience.

🏨 The Croft Hotel is a characterful period property of traditional construction, demonstrating the importance of understanding a building’s construction, age and unique characteristics when assessing its true reinstatement value.

So, what is a Cost Reinstatement Assessment?

Simply put, it calculates the cost of rebuilding a property following a major insured event, such as fire or flood.

It considers factors including:

✅ Demolition and site clearance
✅ Professional fees
✅ Current construction costs
✅ Materials and labour

It is important to remember that the reinstatement value is not the same as the market value of a property.

⚠️ Many buildings are unknowingly underinsured because insurance values have not been reviewed for several years. This can create significant financial challenges if a claim is ever made.

At Blackbird Property Surveyors Ltd, we provide independent Cost Reinstatement Assessments for commercial, residential and public sector properties across the Midlands and beyond.

Whether it’s a hotel, office, industrial unit, community building or residential portfolio, we help clients ensure their insurance cover reflects the true cost of rebuilding.

👏 Today was also another opportunity to support the future generation of surveying professionals. It was great to have Zayne alongside me, gaining insight into real projects and seeing how surveying knowledge is applied in practice.

Investing in future talent is essential for the continued strength of our profession.

📩 If your property’s reinstatement value hasn’t been reviewed recently, please get in touch with Blackbird Property Surveyors to discuss how we can help.

RICS BuildingSurveying QuantitySurveying FutureTalent RICS

🏗️ Cost Reinstatement Assessments – Is Your Property Insured for the Right Value?Today I was on site at The Croft Hotel,...
28/07/2026

🏗️ Cost Reinstatement Assessments – Is Your Property Insured for the Right Value?

Today I was on site at The Croft Hotel, Stanley Drive, Leicester, carrying out a Cost Reinstatement Assessment, accompanied by Zayne Pringle-smith, a and student at Sheffield Hallam University, who joined me to gain valuable practical experience.

🏨 The Croft Hotel is a characterful period property of traditional construction, demonstrating the importance of understanding a building’s construction, age and unique characteristics when assessing its true reinstatement value.

So, what is a Cost Reinstatement Assessment?

Simply put, it calculates the cost of rebuilding a property following a major insured event, such as fire or flood.

It considers factors including:

✅ Demolition and site clearance
✅ Professional fees
✅ Current construction costs
✅ Materials and labour

It is important to remember that the reinstatement value is not the same as the market value of a property.

⚠️ Many buildings are unknowingly underinsured because insurance values have not been reviewed for several years. This can create significant financial challenges if a claim is ever made.

At Blackbird Property Surveyors Ltd, we provide independent Cost Reinstatement Assessments for commercial, residential and public sector properties across the Midlands and beyond.

Whether it’s a hotel, office, industrial unit, community building or residential portfolio, we help clients ensure their insurance cover reflects the true cost of rebuilding.

👏 Today was also another opportunity to support the future generation of surveying professionals. It was great to have Zayne alongside me, gaining insight into real projects and seeing how surveying knowledge is applied in practice.

Investing in future talent is essential for the continued strength of our profession.

📩 If your property’s reinstatement value hasn’t been reviewed recently, please get in touch with Blackbird Property Surveyors to discuss how we can help.

RICS BuildingSurveying QuantitySurveying FutureTalent RICS PropertyProfessionals Leicester

27/07/2026

👏🏾 Recognising the People Who Make a Difference

Continuing my journey of recognising people whose impact, values and contributions deserve to be celebrated.

This week, I want to give flowers to someone I have enormous respect for…

🌟

It was a real pleasure to welcome Anthony to the Blackbird Property Surveyors launch. Having the support of someone I admire professionally made the occasion even more special for Nicola and me.

Anthony has built an outstanding career in the built environment — as Interim Assistant Director of Building Standards at the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, Past President of LABC, former President of the London District Surveyors Association, and Trustee of Construction Youth Trust.

But what stands out most isn’t the titles — it’s the person behind them.

Anthony has always invested in people, mentoring the next generation, sharing his knowledge and creating opportunities for others. He leads through action, not just words.

🙌🏾 On a personal level, Anthony has inspired me more than he probably realises.

Seeing a fellow Black Building Surveyor achieve Fellowship of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (FRICS) showed me what was possible and gave me the confidence to pursue my own journey to Fellowship.

There are still too few Black Chartered Surveyors and even fewer Black Fellows. That’s why I believe so strongly that seeing is believing.

When you see someone who looks like you achieve something, it can change your own belief about what is possible.

Anthony’s journey helped inspire mine.

Leadership isn’t about a title — it’s about the positive impact you have on others.

Anthony, thank you for your encouragement, humility and the example you continue to set.

👏🏾 You truly deserve your flowers.

Thank you for supporting the Blackbird Property Surveyors launch. Your presence meant a great deal to Nicola and me.

22/07/2026

👏🏾 Recognising the people who make a difference

Continuing my series of recognising people whose journeys, values and contributions deserve to be celebrated.

This week, it’s Anton Thomas Grill Shack Leicester

A close family friend, Godfather to my son someone I’ve been fortunate to call a friend for many years.

It was special to have Anton and his family play a part in the launch, with Grill Shack providing the catering. Having someone who has been part of my journey for so many years there to celebrate that milestone meant a great deal.

⚽ Many in Leicester will remember Anton for his football career — from his apprenticeship at to playing for clubs including , and
well as two years playing professionally in Cyprus.

But Anton’s story didn’t stop at football. He took the same discipline and determination that made him successful on the pitch and applied it to building a successful family business with Grill Shack.

Beyond achievements, what stands out most is Anton’s character — his loyalty, humility and genuine connection with people.

👏🏾 Thank you for your friendship over the years, Anton. You truly deserve your flowers.

🎥 I’ve also shared some archive footage of Anton scoring for
— a great reminder of the talent and passion he brought to the game.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17sFV9EFt6/?mibextid=wwXIfr

🔥 If you haven’t tried Grill Shack on Belgrave Gate, check them out. In my opinion, they serve the best jerk chicken in the East Midlands! 🍗👊🏾🔥

14/07/2026

👏🏾 Recognising the people who make a difference

🌟 As I begin this series, it feels only right that the first person I recognise is someone whose impact I’ve had the privilege of witnessing both professionally and personally.

❤️ My wife and business partner, Nicola Gonsalves FCIPD

💼 For more than 35 years, Nicola has dedicated her career to Human Resources, helping organisations grow by investing in what matters most—people.

🤝 Throughout her career, she has mentored, coached and supported countless individuals, often without ever seeking recognition. Her passion for developing people and helping them reach their potential has positively influenced the careers of many.

Knowing Nicola for so many years has given me a unique insight into the person and leader she is. Whether supporting colleagues, mentoring others or helping someone through a challenging period in their career, she has always put people first.

✨ One of the qualities I admire most is her ability to bring out the best in others. She leads with integrity, empathy and respect, and the positive impact she has had on people’s careers and lives is far greater than she probably realises.

🚀 After an incredibly successful HR career, Nicola made the brave decision to join me as Commercial Director at Blackbird Property Surveyors. Her leadership, commercial insight and unwavering belief in our vision have helped shape the next chapter of our business.

💡 As I’ve reflected on the people who have influenced my own journey, I’ve realised that some of the greatest mentors never set out to be mentors—they simply lead by example.

🙏 Nicola, thank you for believing in me, believing in our vision, and for the positive difference you’ve made to so many people over the years. I’m incredibly proud of everything you’ve achieved, and even prouder to call you my wife and business partner.

👏🏾 This is the first of a series recognising people whose leadership, mentorship and service have made a lasting impact on others. I look forward to sharing more inspiring stories over the coming weeks.

11/07/2026

👏🏾 Recognising the people who make a difference

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to meet many people who have positively influenced my journey.

Some have opened doors, some have offered guidance, some have challenged me to grow, and others have simply led by example.

Many have acted as mentors — sometimes without even realising it — through the advice they’ve shared, the standards they’ve set, and the way they support others.

🤝 Success is rarely achieved alone. Behind every milestone, opportunity and achievement, there are people who have played a part.

When I wrote my recent posts recognising Matthew Wallace and Kevin Smith, it made me reflect on the many people I’ve met throughout my career and those who attended the Blackbird Property Surveyors Ltd launch.

It reminded me that there are so many people who deserve to be recognised and given their flowers 🌺 — not only for the support they have given me, but for the impact they have had through their work, leadership, businesses and communities.

🌟 It’s easy to focus on the next goal or achievement, but it’s important to pause and celebrate those who make a positive difference around us.

Over the coming weeks, I want to share some stories and recognise some of the people who have inspired me and contributed so much to others.

Because success is not just about what we achieve ourselves, but the positive impact we leave behind.

👏🏾 More stories to come…Watch this space

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23-25 Friar Lane
Leicester
LE15QQ

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