We turned off the main road onto the short driveway. In front of us, through the vigorously sweeping windscreen wipers, a majestic, Gothic-revival, red brick building loomed out of the darkness, framed periodically by the lightning. We had arrived at Royal Holloway.
Just over two weeks ago, Friday 24th and Saturday 25th June, Brethertons hosted our annual Property conference, this year renamed, Property Management Unwrapped. Despite the appalling weather of Biblical proportions on the Thursday, which hampered many a journey to the venue, it was to be one of the best conferences we have hosted.
Over the last few months we have worked tirelessly to gather some of the industry’s most influential people and compiled a list of speakers that read like a ‘Who’s Who’ of the property sector.
The conference got off to a much sunnier and blistering start with a joint presentation by Kelly Bream from Berkeley Homes and Dan Harrison from Pier Management. For any managing agent working with or looking to work with a developer or ground rent investor this was an unmissable session. Kelly and Dan treated us to a brief insight into their world. They revealed the key areas in service quality they expect to receive from their managing agents and gave examples of value-added services and inspirational ideas that make living in one of their apartments a special experience.
Sandwiched between the coffee break and lunch we heard from Joff Grey of the Information Commissioner’s Office and Henry Hopkins who was “leading the feeling of service”. Two very different presentations both equally important with a common theme; trust and reputation. Joff talked us through the perils of Data Protection, how to avoid breaches and what is in store when the new rules come into play. Meanwhile, Henry delivered an upbeat message focusing on developing and growing your business through excellent client service.
By the time we reached lunch the buzz from the delegates was palpable. Everyone was busily chatting over the morning’s presentations and discussing the finer points with either colleagues or newly found friends.
The afternoon carried on where the morning presentations left off as we all headed to our breakout sessions. A total of 13 talks were available and the only unlucky part about that number was you could only choose three to attend. The choice for each delegate was not easy. Would you hear about the perils of Airbnb or Data Protection or would you prefer to learn about ARMA’s new CEO or the direction IRPM are heading in? Alternatively, you could discover what makes the First-tier Tribunal tick or join a round table discussion all about the successes and frustrations for Housing Associations and Private Managing agents when working alongside each other. By the start of the final session people had so much to take away from the day you had to question whether they could take any more. But more they got…
The final session of the day was warmly received and left people asking for more. A panel discussion featuring Dr Nigel Glen (ARMA’s CEO), Andrew Bulmer (UK Residential Director for RICS) Amanda Gourlay (Barrister with Tanfield Chambers), Justin Bates (Barrister with Arden Chambers) and Roger Hardwick (Solicitor and Head of Residential Leasehold at Brethertons). The floor was awash with points for debate and we could have gone on all evening but the ever present Question Master (that would be me) had to bring the proceedings to a close.
Now with most other conferences that might have been the end of it but not on this occasion. Sadly I don’t have enough space to tell the rest of the story. If I did, I would recount how everyone met up in the evening for drinks on the lawn being watched over by Queen Victoria. I would describe people’s amazement at the splendour of the red brick Victorian building that surrounded us and that shone brighter against the clear blue sky. I would not miss out the three course meal, the wine, the laughter and story telling, the photo booth and two live bands. Old friends were reacquainted, new friendships made and business discussed. And that was just the dinner.
If I had more time I couldn’t possibly forget to tell how, on Saturday morning, we were woken from our slumber by Graham Allcott, a real life Ninja, (well Productivity Ninja) who enlightened everyone on the techniques needed to run a more productive business. I would certainly tell you about Andrew Bulmer’s unmissable talk giving us a Helicopter View of the sector and giving us his perspective of what we should be considering for the future. And, if I was allowed to go on, I would definitely tell you about the closing session which featured Justin Bates and Roger Hardwick. The twist they gave to their annual Legal Update is something you should hear. Instead of simply talking at everyone they took questions from the floor on the legal hot topics on everyone’s lips.
I really should tell you all of that but unfortunately I’ve run out of space.
This year’s Brethertons Property Management Unwrapped conference really was a great success. It will be spoken about for some time although I guarantee the talking will stop. It will stop because people will start talking about next year’s conference. They will be talking about the speakers, the sessions, the networking opportunities and so much more. If you were unable to make this year’s conference make sure you save a space in your calendar for next year. We already have and we’re looking forward to welcoming you.