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Specialist Liverpool law firm J B Leitch delivers expert niche legal solutions for a range of commercial clients including residential freehold investment and block management companies, in particular some of the country’s largest institutional landlords.  Established in 1997, the market-leading firm enjoys a strong reputation for its niche property litigation work. The team is proud to support key players in the property management sector with services including volume debt recovery, complex technical ca

The Legal 500, widely acknowledged as the world’s largest independent legal referral guide, has published it's rankings for 2020. Based on a broad series of criteria, including strong technical ability available for the most complex and innovative work, client recommendation and results, the rankings provide a comprehensive view of the merits of best law firms across the world.   Liverpool based property solicitors JB Leitch have received tier 4 Leading Firm status, with specific recommendations for prope

A £32,000 bill for major lift repairs at an office and apartment block in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter was 96% covered by insurance, after prompt action by Principle Estate Management. Principle was appointed last autumn to manage the four-storey Altitude building on Powell Street knowing there were some immediate issues – including the broken lift. The problem was quickly reviewed, insurance claims made for the repairs and the contractors commissioned, resulting in a working lift and happy clients. Ian

This Blog has been written by Earl Kendrick, following the inaugural Leasehold Manchester conference organised by News on the Block on 19 September 2019. Questions and feedback from property managers and solicitors who heard our presentation have been of great help in the blog’s preparation.  No two major works projects are the same Before we attempt to give away the perfect recipe for a major works project, a word of warning: No two major works projects are alike and that is because every block of flats

Residential property management experts Pennycuick Collins have been appointed as managing agents at TAG Development’s luxurious Victorian conversion of seven unique freehold properties with effect from 1 September 2019. The development, a joint project with Calthorpe Estates, is located on the Harborne Road within walking distance of Edgbaston Village, on the Calthorpe Estate. The stylish apartments, which have an extensive communal landscaped garden, have all been sold, or are under offer with most now

The Climate Change crisis   Whilst the global impact of climate change is widely acknowledged, experts are divided over the potential extent. The World Bank believes that as many as 150 million people could be displaced by 2050 due to Climate Change; a recent study from an Australian think tank suggests that the true figure could be closer to 1 billion.   The UK has committed to leading the global war on climate change by reducing our greenhouse gases to virtually nil by 2050. Shortly before leaving offic

A contract to look after 52 luxury mansion apartments in five buildings near Birmingham city centre has been won by Principle Estate Management. The impressive 1930s-style properties at Kenilworth Court sit behind a gated driveway off the Hagley Road in leafy Edgbaston. They have many original features such as the original lifts and enjoy large gardens with plenty of mature trees. Ian Smallman, a director at Principle and the lead on the Kenilworth Court contract, said: “We’re delighted to have won this c

The Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners’ (ALEP) Annual Conference saw a record-breaking 280 sector influencers attend the event.   Held at No 11 Cavendish Square and hosted by ALEP Honorary President, Damian Greenish, the Conference tackled issues impacting professionals in the leasehold enfranchisement sector with Commonhold and regional relativity emerging as topical themes of the day.   Mark Chick, ALEP Director, said: “The ALEP Conference is one of the sector’s biggest events

Worcester based Mainstay Group has appointed a new Managing Director, following a period of planned and sustained growth.   The full-service property management company has brought on Andy Billson to head up its residential property management arm of the business.   Andy joins the Group from residential giant Barratt Homes, where as Managing Director, he was responsible for introducing an in-house property management service – Barratt Residential Asset Management – from 2012, until its successful sale in

A partner at property management and surveying firm Scanlans has raised nearly £2,500 for Parkinson’s UK by cycling the length of Britain.   Tony Mancini completed the 980-mile Deloitte Ride Across Britain from Land’s End to John O’Groats in nine days.   The 53-year-old undertook the marathon ride for Parkinson’s UK because his sister Raffaela suffers from the disease.   He said: “Seeing my sister gradually deteriorate and being helpess to prevent it spurred me to raise money for Parkinson’s UK as my way

Twenty-two members of Stiles Harold Williams London office donned wellies to take part in a regional volunteer day on the River Thames. The surveyors turned conservationists spent the day on Chiswick Eyot, a small tidal island, cleaning up the banks, clearing invasive vegetation and shoring river defences.  The even was facilitated by environmental charity Thames21 as part of SHW's corporate social responsibility programme.

UK’s leading property maintenance software provider, Fixflo, conducted an industry survey with an aim to understand the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for property professionals in the sector. The survey ran over the summer and the results will be released in The Fixflo Leasehold and Block Management Report 2019 in October 2019. Supported by ARMA, MRI Software, News On The Block and Flat Living, The Fixflo Leasehold and Block Management Survey was completed by 207 individuals representing 170