Navigating SDLT compliance: InfoTrack’s new questionnaire, tax assessment and estimate
HMRC has made its position clear: if you are paid to submit SDLT returns or otherwise interact with HMRC on behalf of clients, you are required to register as a tax adviser. HMRC’s official fact sheet confirms that conveyancers are explicitly in scope, and that outsourcing part of the process doesn’t remove that obligation. Registration […]
Minerva launches client-facing app, bringing branded digital experiences to law firms
Minerva, the legal technology platform trusted by law firms across the UK, announces the launch of its new client-facing app giving law firms a fully branded, intuitive digital experience for their clients, available on any device. The legal sector has long lagged behind other professional services in its digital client experience. Minerva has always led […]
Is client onboarding actually working for you?
Client onboarding is often designed to be a clear and structured starting point for legal matters. However, for many fee earners, the reality of managing onboarding day to day is far less straightforward, with inefficiencies and fragmented processes continuing to impact time, focus, and overall workflow. While client onboarding may appear simple at a high […]
Why using a digital verification service for ID checks is now essential for client due diligence
Rising fraud levels mean higher expectations for client due diligence Fraud continues to pose a significant threat to businesses and individuals across the UK, with identity fraud remaining the most prevalent form of financial crime. According to Cifas’ 2026 Fraudscape Report, more than 444,000 cases were filed to the National Fraud Database during 2025. This […]
New mortgage lending increases, but figures ‘are a mirage’
The value of new mortgage lending agreed to be advanced increased by 11.5% in Q1, to £78 billion, a 14.2% year-on-year increase. The value of gross mortgage advances decreased by 12.3% to £69.6 billion, 10.2% lower than a year earlier. The figures were revealed in the Bank of England’s quarterly Mortgage Lenders and Administrators Return, […]
Conveyancing firm completes digital purchase transaction in ‘new digital property milestone’
Amity Law, a property law firm specialising in residential conveyancing, has completed its first digital purchase transaction using PEXA. The transaction marks an important milestone in the adoption of a digital completions process in the UK property market, the companies said. The transaction saw the Bolton-based firm experience the live completion environment via PEXA’s FCA-regulated […]
Mining Remediation Authority and British Geological Survey launch online resource of 120,000 mine plans
The Mining Remediation Authority (MRA), formerly The Coal Authority, has announced the launch of a free online tool providing public access to thousands of historical coal mining plans. The digital maps are now available on all devices and offer an “extraordinary view into the history of local landscapes, mining operations, and the lives of the […]
Cornish leasehold forfeiture ‘Ponzi scheme’ claims to be heard in High Court
A district judge in Truro County Court has decided that two lease forfeiture claims currently being case managed and listed together will be heard in the High Court. Simon Dinnage & Anor v SMCFO Holdings Limited & Anor concerns the forfeiture of long commercial leases of units within a building known as 75 Truro Road, […]
Profile: Emily Holland, residential conveyancer at Pearson Hards Solicitors
Emily Holland joined Pearson Hards in 2017 to assist the senior conveyancing manager and now has her own caseload of files. During her time at the firm she has developed considerable knowledge and experience about the conveyancing process and enjoys working with clients to help them through the conveyancing process. Emily understands moving house is […]
The SRA’s client money reforms are well-intentioned. But will they actually work?
Compliance specialists Jen Dunlop and Jess Irwin agree the client money system is in need of reform and welcome action by the SRA. But the Compliance Office MD and senior risk consultant question whether the plans will work in practice – or cause more problems than they solve. The losses at Axiom Ince and […]