Another successful Conference, in association with the Bold Legal Group (BLG), took place on 15th November at the Riverside Centre, Derby. Once again, our host was Kate Faulkner, a leading property consultant and property market commentator who has presented for the BBC and currently co-hosts LBC’s Property Hour every Thursday evening.
The day started with a welcome from the SLC Chairman, Simon Law and Rob Hailstone, BLG’s CEO, and then it was straight on to the first speaker, Matt Prior, from DCLG on the Call for Evidence on Improving the Home Buying and Selling process. More details can be found at www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-the-home-buying-and-selling-process-call-forevidence
Paul Kellaway, Assistant Director at the Competition and Markets Authority, followed with an entertaining presentation on the recommendations on introducing new minimum standards on transparency in Legal Service Provision. Richard Hinton from Pitsford Consulting explained about his new conveyancing analytics comparison tool working in collaboration with TrustPilot. A lively panel session followed with questions from the floor for all of the above speakers.
Geodesys had kindly sponsored the refreshment break and was an opportunity for all the delegates to visit the exhibition stands and network with colleagues.
The next session was opened by Russell Quirk, CEO of eMoov, on the role of estate agents, both online and on the high street and the future of conveyancing. Mijal Raja from Conveyancy Agents followed with an interesting proposition for conveyancers and solicitors on providing full estate agency services. Mijal then joined Russell, Simon and Rob for another panel session with a range of questions from delegates.
Linda Beal, from NHBC, kicked off the afternoon session on creating awareness of Buildmark, warranties on new build homes in the UK and the new legislation coming into effect in February 2018 that means homeowners must know specific information about their policy before it starts.
We were delighted to welcome our next speaker, Graham Farrant, Chief Executive at the Land Registry, who had made time in his busy schedule to update attendees on their digital strategy. He also mentioned the property alert service https://www.gov.uk/guidance/property-alert to help prevent fraud.
Stephen Ward, Director of Strategy and External Relations at the CLC needed no introduction and spoke of the CLC’s role in protecting consumers, supporting innovation and dealing with the compliance challenges of GDPR, AML, IDD and VAT on searches. Edward Donne followed with the latest on cyber crime and other risks and a change of regulator. He then joined Graham, Stephen and Linda on the panel for questions.
Our final speaker of the day was Hannah Mackinlay, a regular at our conferences, on topical conveyancing issues and news of the latest client guides she has written for members, which now include searches, Japanese Knotweed and surveys.
After a round-up of the day’s topics by Kate, Simon and Rob thanked everyone for attending another successful event and it was then on to the conference dinner at the iPro Stadium with entertainment by Miss Direction, giving members and guests a chance to relax and dance the night away. Our thanks again to LFS for sponsoring the pre-dinner drinks reception.
We would like to thank all our sponsors – Stewart Title, PSG, Future Climate Info, Howden, Geodesys and NHBC for helping to make it such a great day.
We were delighted to welcome a number of Solicitors to the Conference and many joined the Society as Associate members – another success!
We have received fantastic feedback with many saying it was the best Conference yet!
Now, we are busy planning next year’s Conference and we hope to see you there.
This article was submitted to be published by the Society of Licensed Conveyancers as part of their advertising agreement with Today’s Conveyancer. The views expressed in this article are those of the submitter and not those of Today’s Conveyancer.
