Management conference

Citation

(1998), "Management conference", Property Management, Vol. 16 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/pm.1998.11316cab.021

Management conference

Management conference

The ever-growing demand from lessees for better management of their blocks of flats is the key issue to be aired at a conference being held at the Renaissance London Heathrow Hotel on 5 November 1998.

Organised by the Association of Residential Managing Agents (ARMA) this, their third annual conference, has a line-up of leading speakers with first-hand knowledge of lessees' problems and the ways in which a better service can be delivered to them, particularly where they own the freehold of their block.

Hilary Armstrong MP, the Minister for Local Government and Housing, is the keynote speaker giving an overview of the Government's future plans for leasehold reform in the light of its consultation document expected to be launched this summer. Barrister Barry Denyer-Green will follow up with an examination of the legal implications, including a practical look at recent case law on management, including Leasehold Valuation Tribunals (LVT).

Three speakers in the conference's second session will address the various aspects of the increasing incidence of lessees wishing to take over the ownership and management of their blocks. Tim Curran, Director of Leasehold Enfranchisement Ltd, will explore the repercussions for managing agents of block enfranchisement; Muriel Guest-Smith, Chairman of the Federation of Private Residents' Associations, will discuss the complexities of selecting a managing agent, and Gerry Fox, Chairman of the RICS working party on leasehold reform, is to speak on the frequently differing management requirements of Residents' Management Companies (RMC) and investment landlords.

The theme continues into the afternoon with an address by highly-regarded service charge surveyor and partner in Moss Kaye Commercial, Eric Shapiro, on what constitutes good management practice. Nigel Cox, author of the bestselling book Running a Flat Management Company, then gives an insight into company law as it affects RMCs.

A "hot" topic at last year's conference was training for property management personnel, particularly in the areas of health and safety and professional skills. The concluding session will take another look at LVTs, this time from the point of view of Stella Evans, Chairman of the Coalition for the Abolition of Residential Leasehold (CARL). An "any questions" panel at the end of the afternoon will be chaired by the day's moderator, Vincent Duggleby, of Radio 4's Money Box Live.

ARMA's chairman, John Nouch, comments: "We believe that this year's programme presents the most compelling line-up of speakers and subjects yet, and at £195 plus VAT for non-members, attendance will be the best opportunity anyone in the sector can have at this time to gain a comprehensive overview of the rapidly changing leasehold environment. The day will be of interest to managing agents, landlords and lessees alike, and it is ARMA's aim to continue to enhance understanding between all parties."

Formed in 1991, ARMA is the only professional body in England and Wales to focus exclusively on matters relating to the block management of residential property. With some 110 corporate members managing over 250,000 units in blocks of flats, the association is continually working to improve standards and service within this sector.

For further details and booking forms, contact: Zoë Cull, ARMA Conferences, c/o Garland International, 178 Battersea Park Road, London SW11 4ND. Tel: 0171 738 8008; Fax: 0171 498 6153; E-mail: zoe@garlandintl.co.uk