Final Wolstenholmes partner struck off by SDT
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) has struck off Nasir Ilyas, the last partner of North West firm Wolstenholmes LLP to be dealt with for professional misconduct. Mr Ilyas was struck off on Wednesday 15 October, the third day of his hearing at the SDT in a prosecution brought by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). He […]
Today’s Conveyancer launches brand new training programme
This month sees the launch of Today’s Conveyancer Training — a range of highly effective training courses designed to improve the knowledge of customer-facing employees within conveyancing. We’ve teamed up with customer service and B2B sales expert, Clare Yates in order to deliver the most comprehensive training to your business. The “taster” session will be […]
East Midlands region see uptake in conveyancing service demand
Despite reports showing the property market is beginning to “cool” after the summer, this doesn’t seem to be detracting business from conveyancing firms, such as Headleys Solicitors based in the East Midlands. Headleys have announced uptake in conveyancing services has seen a surge in recent months. Chartered legal executive, Jackie Frampton is based at the […]
Property experts share reactions to recent CML lending figures
The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) have recently reported gross mortgage lending figures that represent a slowing in the market, yet a 10% boost since the same period last year. Reported estimates of gross mortgage lending reached £17.8 billion in September 2014. Though this is a slight dip from August, this is actually a 10% […]
Blacks Connect added to Precise Mortgages’ solicitor panel
Broker-focused conveyancer, Blacks Connect, has today been added to the solicitor panel of specialist mortgage lender, Precise Mortgages. Brokers and their clients are now able to choose Blacks Connect as their conveyancer of choice when dealing with Precise across its range of purchase and remortgage product options. Blacks Connect not only offers conveyancing services but […]
It’s a Marathon Not a Sprint (Opportunity Knocks Part 2)
My last post was an illustration of entrepreneurial opportunism – having the mindset to recognise and take up chances when they come knocking. However, as I (or, in fact, Thomas Edison) said at the end of that post, you need to be capable and committed to maximise the potential of what you have seized. You […]
Three reasons that now is the time for conveyancers to review IT (Topic of the Month – Technology)
The phrase ‘perfect storm’ is over used, but there are plenty of reasons for legal IT professionals to look pensive as they plan their projects for the next 12 months. Across the legal industry, as “Get Safe Online Week” draws to a close, cyber security is starting to become a buzzword, where before it was […]
A spooky history can devalue a home by up to 20%
Tips to help increase sale price of ‘haunted homes’ The majority of estate agents believe a home with a spooky history can lose up to 20% of its value and can be twice as difficult to sell compared to a normal property. The research conducted by Move with Us, home of the largest network of […]
The Law Society needs your help in the fight against organised crime
In October 2013, the HM Government released the Serious and Organised Crime Strategy, in an effort to detract such criminal activity that had a detrimental effect on the UK. The strategy focussed on the 4 Ps of an effective action plan against serious misconduct: Pursue, Prevent, Protect and Prepare – scheduled to be in place […]
First-time buyer sales climb 11% despite wider market slowdown
September sees 25,800 first-time buyer completions — up 11% compared to 23,200 a year ago Average first-time buyer deposit falls 8% year-on-year to £26,134, despite purchase prices rising Average first-time buyer deposit now represents 67.6% of annual first-time buyer income — down 12 percentage points year-on-year The number of first-time buyer house completions in the […]
Events to support Competence Statement Consultation
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is running two events to raise awareness and understanding of the SRA’s draft Competence Statement and supporting documents. Bespoke sessions are taking place in in London and Birmingham on 19th November and 5th December targeted at: Training Principals (19th November, Chancery Lane, London, 10 am -12 noon). All stakeholders including […]
London tenants remain optimistic about buying – eventually
Though London has the highest house and rental prices in the UK, it seems residents remain optimistic and believe they will eventually be able to take the first step onto the property ladder. Leading flat-share site, SpareRoom.co.uk conducted a survey of 10,000 tenants of all ages from across the nation. Reported figures have shown there […]
Conveyancer Slater – Tweet of the Week
Buying flats is a pain, not helped when you have an incredibly unresponsive conveyancer. Experience so far suggests avoid ***** – Dan K (@DanKoola86) October 22, 2014 Had been v.excited about buying my first flat, but unscrupulous vendor & ***** unresponsive conveyancer are ruining that fast – Dan K (@DanKoola86) October 22, 2014
ABS licensing changes approved by the LSB
Measures to make it simpler for multi-disciplinary practices (MDPs) to be licensed as alternative business structures (ABS) by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) have been approved by the Legal Services Board (LSB). The SRA’s changes are designed to ensure a proportionate regime for firms delivering a range of professional services involving other regulators. The proposals […]
HotLizard update mobile recruitment platform (Topic of the Month – Technology)
HotLizard announce another exciting upgrade has just been released on www.jobboard.com and www.recruitersites.co.uk — a new mobile platform that has seen the level of functionality increase along with enhancements to the design. This is release number 17 in the 15 months that the cloud has been live — where feedback from clients is an important […]
Consumer based evidence supports SRA's draft Competence Statement
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is today [24 October] publishing the findings from the extensive engagement work undertaken to support the development of the Competence Statement. The SRA commissioned an external research company, BMG Research to undertake the study. The findings have been derived from a mixture of in-depth qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys with […]
Searches UK proudly sponsors ABS (26 – 100 employees) award at the Eclipse Proclaim Modern Law Awards 2014
On the 15th of October, The Eclipse Proclaim Modern Law Awards took place to celebrate and highlight the outstanding talent and success of England and Wales’ top legal firms and industry professionals. The grand event took place at the truly exquisite surrounds of the Hilton Park Lane London. Approximately 500 guests attended the ceremony, including […]
How can a move to the cloud benefit conveyancers? (Topic of the Month – Technology)
“The cloud” is one of those buzzwords that seems to dominate any discussion of technology now. The cloud is a catch-all term for computer services and data storage via the web. It can deliver greater flexibility, reduce capital outlay and improve security of data. But how can it benefit your conveyancing practice and what should […]
Prime London house prices expected to stay flat until end of the year
House price growth across Prime London slows to 0.5% in Q3 2014, down from 3.1% last quarter Ratio of buyers per property drops to 12 in September, as supply soars 13% in three months However, one- and two-bedroom homes in Outer Prime London outperform the rest of the city in annual growth stakes, up 19% […]
Value of remortgage lending up 19% from last month to top £4.4bn – the largest amount for a year
Number of remortgage loans also rose by 16% from August Remortgage repayments account for less than a fifth of total income, the smallest amount in a year as wages rise for third consecutive month Latest figures from LMS reveal that monthly gross remortgage lending saw an increase of 19% in September to £4.4bn, up from […]
