The third edition of the British Conveyancing Awards is just around the corner. Alongside a new, larger venue and a new headline sponsor in Groundsure, #BCAwards2023 is all about recognising and rewarding the herculean efforts of conveyancing superheroes who, despite hurdles aplenty, continue to go above and beyond to help clients move into their dream home.
Ahead of the splendour and celebration on the 21st March, Today’s Conveyancer will recognise those who help make the event possible through a series of “Sponsor Spotlight” pieces. Here, we speak to The Society of Licensed Conveyancers, Legal Supplier of the Year category sponsor.
First of all, tell us who you are and what you do
The Society of Licensed Conveyancers (SLC) was established in February 1988 to act as the professional body to represent the interests of Licensed Conveyancers in England and Wales.
It exists to serve the interests of its members working constructively with the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) as well as other stakeholders such as Government Departments, industry representative bodies, consumer organisations, and the media. It is governed by an elected board of Directors.
SLC membership is open to Solicitors and Legal Executives who can join as Associates. Membership benefits include free CPD webinars, free attendance at an excellent annual conference, a Library of Client and Process Guides, and help with lenders’ panels amongst other things. More details can be found on our website.
#BCAwards2023 is all about recognising conveyancers as “superheroes”. What do you think makes conveyancers superheroes?
We repeatedly come across members of the Society who go above and beyond what could be reasonably be expected of them in the workplace, often under immense pressure and with little acknowledgement or thanks from others in the property industry. But there is something more; many are passionate about serving their clients and holding their hand through every stage of the process to try and alleviate stress. This and the personal interest they take in serving their clients is what makes them “superheroes”.
It’s important to recognise their “superhero” efforts through events such as #BCAwards2023. What prompted you to come onboard and support the Awards?
The SLC will always take the opportunity to support events that recognise the extraordinary performance of conveyancers and it was a “no-brainer” to be a sponsor of the British Conveyancing Awards once again.
In one year’s time, we’ll be showcasing the industry’s best and brightest at the 2024 ceremony. What do you see as the biggest change – be it positive or negative – that conveyancers will face between now and then?
The biggest challenge in 2024 may turn out to be a significant decrease in property transaction levels from the extraordinary highs of the last two years or so. The firms with strategic foresight will take the opportunity to invest in the future of their businesses, particularly their people. Those that don’t may end up cutting their prices and laying people off, which in the Society’s view would be a great shame. Any downturn may prove to be quite short-lived.
Similarly, what can conveyancers expect from the SLC between now and then?
The Society will, as ever, be here to support our members and their firms with regular communications, the creation of new (and updating existing) client and process guides, putting on CPD events, helping those looking to acquire or retire, staging the usual great Annual Conference, and supporting members’ individual needs as they arise.
