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Birkett Long’s Intellectual Property department continues to grow from strength to strength with the qualification of Michael Pokrachynskyi as a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney. This milestone reinforces the firm’s commitment to offering clients unparalleled expertise in IP law, combining deep technical knowledge in patents and trade marks with the broad experience of a firm that has served clients for over 200 years. Michael has successfully passed all exams related to the Professional Certificate in Trade

It’s a well-known fact that exposure to natural light is better for our health and wellbeing, and clean windows playing a key part in this. But, clean windows do more than simply impact our health, they make a positive  contribution to the appearance of a facility, promoting a healthier and happier living environment for residents. In an era where wellbeing and mindfulness are on the agenda, this can then be a significant differentiator for property management organisations. Let’s face it, first impressio

New research from epIMS, the EPC and energy efficiency platform developed for landlords, reveals that private landlords in England are facing a total upgrade bill of close to £20 billion if they are to ensure that all privately rented properties meet the government’s minimum proposed EPC C rating by 2030. epIMS has analysed all private rental dwellings in England*, looking at what proportion currently hold an EPC lower than a C rating*, before calculating how much the nation’s private landlords are going

Comment from the Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners (ALEP) The leasehold property market has been under significant scrutiny in recent years, leading to changes and proposed reforms that could impact both buyers and sellers. Leasehold, whereby ownership is limited to a set number of years (rather than in perpetuity in the case of freehold) has faced criticism due to complicated legal structures and sometimes unfair practices. If you're considering buying or selling a leasehold property

Matthew Pennycock, Minister of State for Housing and Planning, has made a Parliamentary Statement regarding the future progress of the Freehold and Leasehold Reform Act 2024.  The Government have formally recognised the “significant complexity of the task” and that the legislation was rushed in at the end of the last parliament and as a result contains loopholes and unintended consequences that need to be resolved by primary legislation. What this means is that some provisions of the Act will not be in fo

Yesterday, Secretary of State Matthew Pennycook made a Ministerial Statement on the future of leasehold reform. Responding, Mark Chick, director of ALEP and a Partner at Bishop & Sewell LLP said: ALEP welcomes the ministerial statement which puts in place a timeframe and some objectives for the implementation of the Leasehold & Freehold Reform Act.  It is clear that government recognises that changes to leasehold legislation are more complex than were first envisaged and we welcome the acknowledgement

Commenting on the Housing Minster’s statement on Leasehold and Commonhold Reform, The Property Institute’s Chief Executive, Andrew Bulmer said: “The Housing Minister’s announcement today gives much needed detail on how and when Government will move forward with leasehold reform, which we have long awaited. This is welcome progress in bringing an improved quality of living and transparency for leaseholders. “The recognition of the need to drive up standards through mandatory professional qualifications for

The 0.53 acre site in Edridge Road was formerly occupied by the Colombus House office development, which has since been demolished, and planning permission for 230 residential units being granted in July 2022. Andrew Foster and Chris Walker of Watling Real Estate have been appointed LPA Receivers, with Jamie Lamond and Tom Colyer in Watling’s London office leading the sale process. Jamie Lamond said: “The detailed planning permission is for a part 33 storey, part 11 storey, development providing the 230 r

Odevo, an international leader that is driving change in the traditional property management industry, continues to strengthen its UK presence following the recent addition of Encore as the latest company to join. As a result, Odevo now oversees the management of more than 1.5 million homes globally. Encore has grown to have eight offices across the country, whilst continuing to maintain customer service at its core having won the prestigious ‘Outstanding Customer Service Award’ at this year’s ACE Awards.

Payroll expert at accountants and business advisers Whitley Stimpson provides an update following the budget outlining the changes to employers’ costs relating to national insurance and the increase in the national living wage. In a significant move, the government has announced an increase in employers’ national insurance contributions to 15%, effective from April 2025.  This 1.2 percentage point rise is expected to generate £25 billion annually for the Treasury. While this increase is slightly lower tha

Asset and property management service provider CompassRock International has demonstrated how to effectively execute a 'value-add' strategy for a UK Build to Rent (BTR) development. This approach has been successfully implemented at Market Quarter,—formerly known as 'Bow Square'—in Southampton, a property that CompassRock owns and manages, where refurbishments and upgrades are now complete and fully operational. Advised by leading Living Sector Consultancy, Global Apartment Advisors (GAA), CompassRock’s s

Sama Investment Group, the Birmingham-based developer and investor, has announced that construction of its multi-million-pound Canalside residential scheme in Birmingham’s Digbeth Quarter will commence in the first quarter of 2025 – with 85 apartments now for sale. The project, known as the Brickworks Canalside – which is inspired by the area’s rich industrial history – will see a range of one-to-three-bedroom homes delivered as part of an eight-storey building along Watery Lane Middleway and Bolton Stree