A newly launched collective aimed at helping conveyancers improve the residential transaction process is embarking on the first in a series of roadshows to explore the day-to-day issues faced by the sector.
The Conveyancing Information Collective (CIC), launched by Bold Legal Group founder Rob Hailstone, will make its first stop in Solihull (pictured) on the 23rd September to discuss three key issues that are high on its agenda: reducing inappropriate enquiries to speed up transactions, resolving the inconsistency of lender requirements around mortgagee protection clauses in leases, and exploring the increasingly popular modern method of auction (MMoA).
The CIC is seeking input from front-line conveyancers with firms of all sizes in its bid to improve and streamline the home buying and selling process in England and Wales.
“The CIC wants to tackle the day-to-day issues that slow the whole process down, for example by reducing the number of unnecessary enquiries being raised and clarifying the need (or not) of mortgagee protection clauses”, Hailstone explained.
“In fact, anything and everything that conveyancers feel clogs up the home buying and selling process but are things that they can do something about by coming together and discussing as one.”
Hailstone is not proposing “another policy forum or industry talking shop”, he stressed. The strength of the collective, he explained, is that it is practitioner-led, deliberately cross-sector, and focused on identifying workable operational improvements “that will actually improve the conveyancing process”.
He added: “The key is to position it as a collaborative and practical initiative that compliments rather than competes with the existing work already being undertaken by other organisations and groups.”
The Solihull roadshow has been organised with solicitor Sarah Dwight, who said: “It is very exciting to be involved with this initiative.
“I suggested the first meeting in Solihull as we already have a good conveyancing community here, including many excellent high street and larger firms. I would encourage all those who can to come along to our meeting.
“There must be a way to make the process better for conveyancers, estate agents and the public.”
The CIC has received interest from 120 conveyancers who are interested in either joining the collective or setting up regional satellite collectives.
Hailstone said: “I could not be more pleased with the interest shown in the CIC so far and I expect that interest to continue growing.
“Membership of the CIC is free and open to anyone involved in the home buying and selling process, particularly conveyancers. All I ask of prospective members is that they are open minded and not resistant to change and development – as long as that doesn’t damage the integrity of the legal part of the home buying and selling process, of course.”
He added: “The many objectives and issues we want to tackle will not be resolved overnight. Anyone joining us will need to be in this for the long run.”
For further information about the CIC and the Solihull event, see https://improveconveyancing.org or email info@improveconveyancing.org.
