The third Levelling Up conveyancing forum, which took place on 17 October, saw industry figures take part in another open discussion on the challenges currently facing the sector.
The forum participants at the Birmingham Conference & Events Centre (BCEC) also discussed how collaboration within the industry can improve the experience for the law firm, intermediary and client.
The event forms part of a wider initiative led by Kevin Tunnicliffe, CEO of Sort Group. Attendees included Keith Ahmed (Sort Group), Rhodri Howells (Sort Legal), Tammy Jones (Birchall Blackburn), Mark Slade and Matt Slader (Fidler & Pepper), Kevin Smith (Simplify Group), Martin Hoare (Gorvins), Martin Crighton (Right Choice Conveyancing), Lee Richie (Optimus), Gary Tyman (Gilson HPL), Mike Holden (Landmark) and Tom Barker (Gordons).
COLLABORATION & COOPERATION
The first action point emerging from the second forum, held in June, was the creation of a comprehensive ‘escalation’ system between law firms to speed up property transactions that have become stuck. Those signed up to the scheme noted an improvement in firm, broker and agent collaboration and friendlier cooperation.
Detailed discussions also took place on key topics such as collaborative working, reducing case handler abuse, methods of speeding up time to completion, reducing workloads and increasing fees and current recruitment challenges.
“The initiative is really gaining momentum and feedback from the escalation system is a great example of how industry collaboration can lead to practical improvements”
Tunnicliffe (pictured) said: “It’s encouraging to see how much progress has been made since we launched the forums back in January. The initiative is really gaining momentum and feedback from the escalation system is a great example of how industry collaboration can lead to practical improvements.
“Moving our forums to different venues across the UK is enabling us to engage with a wider range of professionals and facilitate honest conversations around current challenges and potential industry-wide solutions.
“We are committed to continuing these conversations and working towards creating a more efficient and cohesive conveyancing sector.”
WHAT’S NEXT?
The next Levelling up Conveyancing forum is pencilled in for the new year. The strategy is to open the conversation up to a wider audience in order to take meaningful action on the challenges impacting the industry.
