According to property advisor Savills, as many as half of its 2012 graduate placements or a total of 25 recruits will be based in its UK regional offices. The firm held a lunch on Tuesday 22 November 2011, in its Birmingham office where students were given an opportunity to meet senior directors and learn more about the application process.  

Savills invited 35 students from local universities to attend the event ahead of its 2012 selection process. Placements for next year will be available in the firm's offices in Birmingham, Cambridge, Leeds and Glasgow offices among others. 

Ema Saunders, head of graduate recruitment at Savills, comments: "At a time when not many firms are recruiting we think events like these are key to make sure students have an opportunity to get to know our directors and our business. Savills remains committed to recruiting the very best students and graduates each year both nationally and regionally."

Marcus de Minckwitz, a graduate surveyor in Savills Birmingham office, adds: "Without a doubt, training in one of the regions gives graduates in property increased responsibility and arguably better experience to potentially enable faster career progression."