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Hyperoptic, broadband technology provider, has received an equity investment commitment of £50m led by Quantum Strategic Partners Ltd (Quantum) to reach more than 500,000 homes with 1Gbps true fibre hyperfast broadband within the next five years. Hyperoptic’s broadband provides unimpeded fibre speeds directly to the premises, whereas other services are hybrids relying on existing infrastructure and copper cables. The firm will soon be expanding to provide hyperfast broadband to business and commercial pr

A new high-rise elevator is set to break industry limits and enable future travel heights of up to 1km, double the distance currently feasible. Elevator designer KONE claims its UltraRope elevator uses brand new hoisting technology that surpasses conventional steel rope and dramatically boosts savings and eco-efficiency. A carbon fibre core and high-friction coating makes the elevator lighter, cutting energy consumption and reducing the weight of the ropes, car and passenger load. Downtime caused by bui

Arthur J Gallagher International, the fourth largest insurance broker in the world, have bought property insurance company Deacon Insurance Services, enabling it to expand its coverage within the UK. Deacon’s Managing Director Nigel Feast said: “We are delighted that Deacon will enjoy the advantages of such an influential parent company. For our clients this is extremely good news and we expect them to enjoy an improved level of service.”

Residential Management Group (RMG) has secured two management agreements alongside its recent work with Oakes Luxury Homes. Kier Homes appointed RMG to manage its forthcoming developments in Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire. The sites in Spalding and Little Paxton, St Neots, will comprise 539 and 49 houses respectively, including Housing Association properties and private homes. This win comes after family-run historic property restoration business, Oakes Luxury Homes, completed its first leasehold devel

Employees from the Crabtree Group walked from London to Brighton in around 26 hours to raise money for North London Hospice. The team set off from Richmond at 10.15am, Saturday 25th May, reaching Brighton around midday the next day. Crabtree PM also sponsored a mini bus for Chalgrove Primary School, with a launch day visit from their mascot, Crabbie the Cat.

Retirement developer McCarthy & Stone has launched its 1,000th development at Burgess Hill, West Sussex, and announced plans to invest a further £1.5bn in land and construction to 2018. The £28m development includes 46 Later Living properties for active over-60s, and 56 Assisted Living apartments for over-70s, with optional support packages including domestic assistance. Additionally, 22 apartments will be provided as affordable housing managed by Affinity Sutton. Mark Elliott, CEO, said: “We are deligh

Residential managing agents are to be independently regulated for the first time under a new regime launched by the Association of Residential Managing Agents. The new regime, known as ARMA-Q, aims to raise standards for leaseholders and includes commitment to a new consumer charter and industry standards for ARMA agents. Compliance with the standards and charter will be overseen by an independent regulatory panel led by former housing minister Keith Hill. ARMA-Q was launched on 15th May at a special ev

The Leasehold Tribunal (LVT) has now become the First-Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber), under the auspices of the Ministry of Justice. Siobhan McGrath, who was the Senior President of the Residential Property Tribunal Service since December 2000, is the President of the new Property Chamber. The new Property Chamber brings together Rent Assessment Committees, Leasehold Valuation Tribunals, Residential Property Tribunals, Rent Tribunals, Agricultural Land Tribunals and the jurisdiction of the Adjudicato

The ALEP Autumn Conference, held in partnership with Kerry London and supported by News on the Block, is taking place on Tuesday 22 October 2013 at The Royal College of Surgeons, 35-43 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE. The event will be hosted by ALEP’s Honorary President, Damian Greenish of Pemberton Greenish LLP. ALEP is committed to promoting excellence within the enfranchisement sector. This conference will explore the challenges of appearing at tribunals, including first-hand insight from Her H

The Enfranchisement and Right to Manage Awards 2013 (the ERMAs), is now firmly established in the industry calendar for recognising professional excellence in leasehold reform work. This was not only the 5th year of the ERMA’s, but also 20 years since the enactment of the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 which has had a huge influence on this area of practice. The awards were presented by Dominic Holland at a glittering ceremony in London on June 6th 2013.   Click here to see a

At a glittering ceremony at Quaglino's in swanky Mayfair, the 5th set of ERMAs were staged and hosted earlier this month for the 4th time by Dominic Holland, our almost resident comedian and raconteur. Dominic is not only familiar to guests at the Enfranchisement & Right to Manage Awards but also to those lucky enough to attend the Property Management Awards.   Congratulations go to all the winners, highly commended and all of those nominated and in attendance. The evening was a great success and testame

60% of flat owners want the management of residential blocks of flats independently regulated according to a recent leaseholder survey. The finding indicates that the flat owners want more protection than is currently offered in the marketplace. Existing protections for leaseholders are limited and varied.  Although trade association, ARMA is introducing its own regulatory regime called ARMA-Q, it will not be compulsory for all managing agents to join.  ARMA and other industry bodies such as the RICS and