ARMA (the Association of Residential Managing Agents) set out its stall for the future at its 21st Annual Conference held in the iconic Grand Connaught Rooms, London, on 10th November 2016. Moderated by journalist and broadcaster Joshua Rozenberg, and attended by 670 property management professionals, the event has grown to become the residential leasehold sector’s largest annual gathering.
The theme for the day “Raising Our Voice” reflected the Association’s ambitions to increase its brand awareness, maintain its involvement in shaping leasehold legislation, to continue to increase its influence in leading the residential leasehold sector debate and to grow membership.
Incoming Chairman William Heneker announced his ambitions for ARMA: “I would like to see block management become a career choice for aspiring professionals, further improve standards in property management and improve trust and confidence in the sector by clearing out the unregulated managing agents that give a bad name to all.”
ARMA CEO, Dr Nigel Glen, gave delegates an overview of the past year. Achievements included the completion of the ARMA-Q process. Nigel also summarised current initiatives, and new member benefits under consideration.
Delegates enjoyed a day of high-calibre speakers on a wide range of topics.
Philip Rainey QC argued in favour of reform of current landlord and tenant law, Jim Fitzpatrick, MP for Poplar and Limehouse, provided a Parliamentary view on his work with the APPG (All-Party Parliamentary Group) on Leasehold and Commonhold reform, and an expert panel debate discussed questions from the floor; with a wide consensus in favour of legislative reform and the regulation of all managing agents.
The Conference bid farewell to ARMA Independent Regulator, the Rt Hon Keith Hill, after four years in the post and welcomed former Housing Minister, Sally Keeble, as his replacement. Sally will Chair the Independent Regulatory Panel which oversees ARMA members.
Justin Bates and Amy Just, barristers at Arden Chambers, provided the always popular legal update, and the day concluded with a chilling demonstration on the dangers of cybercrime and what could be done to combat it.
