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Restructuring experts Zolfo Cooper have announced that they have been appointed Administrators of Peverel Limited (PL), Peverel Group Limited (PGL), Aztec Opco Developments Limited (AODL) and Aztec Acquisitions Limited (AAL). The announcement comes just days after Vincent Tchenguiz, the high profile owner of Peverel and its related companies, was dramatically arrested by the Serious Fraud Office in a dawn raid on his home and Central London offices. The Administration is not directly connected with Mr Tch

The dramatic arrest attracted worldwide publicity, and although comment on forums and in the blogoshpere has been mixed, commentators in national newspapers are exercising more caution in their reporting. Cahal Milmo writing in The Independent said: "It would be foolhardy to write them off just yet. Both men issued a strongly worded denial of any wrongdoing while teams of police officers were still combing their offices close to the Dorchester Hotel in Mayfair."   And Stephen Foley, writing in the same pa

Flat owners will be able to see a monthly snapshot of crime and anti-social behaviour across every street in Britain with the launch of a new online crime and anti-social behaviour map rolled out on the police.uk website this month. This new initiative provides a convenient visual tool that is easily accessible to homebuyers in aiding their decisions to relocate to a particular area. It is uncertain whether property prices would be negatively affected, but industry participants suggest that the impacts

The operations relate to the SFO's ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse of the Kaupthing banking Group, and Icelandic investigators mounted similar operations in Reykjavik this morning. In London two business properties and eight residential addresses were searched during the extensive operation, which involved 135 Police Officers and SFO Investigators.  During the course of the London operation seven men were arrested and taken to Police Stations in Central London

The Porter of the Year Award was an extremely popular category at the Block Insure Property Management Awards. The Award, which is sponsored by managing agents, The Ringley Group, recognises the frontline contribution made by porterage staff towards the efficient running of any block of flats.  Here we showcase the very best porters in the United Kingdom.     ===========================================================================   A. Name: Red Houjabi (Winner) Block: The Water gardens

The Porter of the Year Award was an extremely popular category at the Block Insure Property Management Awards. The Award, which is sponsored by managing agents, The Ringley Group, recognises the frontline contribution made by porterage staff towards the efficient running of any block of flats.  Here we showcase the very best porters in the United Kingdom.     ===========================================================================   A. Name: Red Houjabi (Winner) Block: The Water gardens

The winners of the Block Insure Property Management Awards 2010-11 were revealed at a glittering award ceremony held at Lord’s Cricket Ground and hosted by celebrity, Dominic Holland. The Block Insure Property Management Awards recognize the excellence and professionalism of all specialists working in this industry both at an individual and company level. The Award categories demonstrate the breadth in skills that the industry demands and the important influence third party agents play in ensuring servic

When it comes to getting rid of mould, two unpleasant elements are often left behind. 1. Spores - Invisible to the naked eye spores float through the air in order to start a new mould infestation. When inhaled, they can be a potential health hazard for asthma sufferers and those with respiratory illnesses. This is one reason for mould being listed along with asbestos as a potential health and safety hazard in the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. 2. Mustiness - The second frequent ‘leave-behind’

Simon Tye explains the complexities in collecting ground rent Since 28th February 2005 any demand for ground rent by a freeholder, or their managing agents, must be made in a “prescribed form” as set out in Section s.166 of the Commonhold & Leasehold Reform Act 2002. If the ground rent is not demanded in this prescribed form, and completed in accordance with section 166, the tenant (leaseholder) is not liable to make payment unless, and until, it is properly demanded. The form of rent demand notice

Simon Tye explains the complexities in collecting ground rent Since 28th February 2005 any demand for ground rent by a freeholder, or their managing agents, must be made in a “prescribed form” as set out in Section s.166 of the Commonhold & Leasehold Reform Act 2002. If the ground rent is not demanded in this prescribed form, and completed in accordance with section 166, the tenant (leaseholder) is not liable to make payment unless, and until, it is properly demanded. The form of rent demand notice

Howard Morgan explains why surveying residents can be good for business The UK’s largest block management specialists are jockeying to build their reputations and become the “manager of choice” in the eyes of leaseholders and developers. Increasingly leaseholders are being seen as “customers”. But are UK managers measuring satisfaction and using the results to enhance their own brand and that of the projects they manage? The picture is mixed – most block managers are not in the habit of surveying resi

News on the Block interviews Bob Smytherman, Chairman of the Federation of Private Residents Associations as they celebrate their 40th year. NOTB: How did you get involved with the FPRA? BS: When taking over from the previous management regime in my block the RMC Directors at that time looked for a variety of sources of independent advice to assist us with our new expanded roles and came across the FPRA and realized that membership was essential to deal with the variety of challenges we were likely to