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Andrew King is the founder of SGT, a Buckinghamshire-based firm helping businesses across the UK find commercial energy tariffs that meet their needs while keeping costs low. Andrew has experience working with a range of clients and understands the needs of organisations operating in older buildings. Often, there are complexities with the building material, hardware and structure. Andrew discusses pitfalls that, if left unchecked, can drive energy costs sky high. Older buildings are full of character, but

Security and facilities management experts Churchill Support Services have officially announced a major rebrand to ProFM Group. This strategic brand overhaul has been designed with the future longevity of the business in mind, better reflecting the suite of services that the group can offer - laying the foundations for the expansion of future arms of the business. In a hybrid approach to some of the UK’s most in-demand sectors – physical and electronic security, and cleaning – ProFM Group has evolved to

This afternoon in oral questions to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Matthew Pennycook is due to announce proposals to reinvigorate commonhold, making it the default tenure. The minister is expected to announce that new leasehold flats will be banned as the government takes steps to honour its manifesto commitment to ensure commonhold becomes the default tenure and he will also announce that the government will publish a commonhold white paper. The Association of Leasehold Enfran

“We welcome any measure that improves consumer choice, but this should not be seen as a trade-off between leasehold and commonhold. As the Government’s own data shows, millions of leaseholders across the country are perfectly content with the tenure and we firmly believe that leasehold is the most effective way of managing large complex apartment buildings.   “In the absence of the leasehold system, residents would face greater financial and legal responsibilities for block maintenance and management – wh

Following a post-Covid boom, when the number of women in the UK construction industry reached a record high of 343,000 (in Q2 2023), the number dropped significantly. By Q2 2024, there were just 272,000 women working in construction in the UK. While that figure has since rallied, hitting 325,000 in Q4 2024, the number of women in construction today is still lower than it was back in 2006. Some firms are working hard to change this. SNG (Sovereign Network Group) is a case in point. An equal opportunities a

Service charge planning and budgeting are critical responsibilities for managing agents overseeing residential or mixed-use developments. Mistakes in these areas can lead to financial shortfalls, leaseholder disputes, and potential regulatory breaches. Below are the five biggest mistakes, with an emphasis on the importance of working with skilled service charge accountants to mitigate these risks. 1. Underestimating Costs for Routine Maintenance and Repairs • Mistake: Managing agents often underestimate

On Monday 3 March further provisions within the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 come into force, including Section 49 which concerns the change of non-residential limit on Right to Manage (RTM) claims. This secondary legislation will mean that residential leaseholders within a mixed-use scheme will qualify for RTM when the commercial element of a building is as much as 50% - an increase on the previous cap of 25%. Additionally, leaseholders will no longer be required to cover the freeholder’s legal

The effects of climate change on our weather are clear for all to see, and increasing numbers of us are becoming more conscious of our impact on the environment. In fact, 78% of people in a study by McKinsey claimed that having a sustainable lifestyle is important to them.  Since our homes play a key role in our lifestyles, it’s vital that we pay attention to the sustainability and eco-friendliness of the buildings we inhabit. But what exactly makes a building good for the environment? Let’s take a look a

JPC is thrilled and proud to announce its brand new, super charged Dispute Resolution Team. Each lawyer joining the team brings with them a wealth of experience, and a broad and impressive client base which will allow JPC to enhance our service delivery objectives. This new team’s calibre, tactical knowhow and strategically minded approach significantly bolsters and strengthens JPC’s expertise in both property litigation and corporate and commercial  litigation also. The lawyers in JPC’s new dispute resol

The Government has recently provided updates on the phased implementation of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (LaFRA), which represents a landmark shift in property law aimed at improving rights and protections for leaseholders. It has also enacted one of the many provisions. We explore the latest developments and upcoming reforms following recent statements by the Housing Minister, as well as their implications for leaseholders and freeholders alike. Latest statements Statements made by the Min

In housing developments with heat networks, every connected household has a part to play in ensuring the entire system works efficiently. Heat networks are vast, intricate systems of interconnected components that each affect the functioning and efficiency of the whole. If any part of the network, however small, is neglected, it can ultimately lead to impaired performance, higher emissions and increased energy bills for everyone. Sadly, this is too often the case. According to the Heat Trust, most UK heat

It goes without saying that keeping properties looking pristine and inviting is a top priority for property and facilities managers, something that is made more difficult by rising reports of graffiti and vandalism. The impacts of such anti-social behaviour are far reaching and can have a lasting impact within local communities, creating a feeling of uncleanliness and unsafety, deterring potential customers and decreasing property values. Given these potential negative consequences, keeping graffiti at ba