Brett Williams, newly appointed chairman of ARMA, had a great deal to say about ARMA’s recent achievements and the future. “Our annual report (which is available on our website) details the activities of ARMA during the past 12 months. There really is a huge amount of work undertaken behind the scenes for the benefit of the membership and also for the whole of the leasehold property management sector.

“In property management, we can not dwell on the past, and there is always too much going on to list all of the current activities, but some of the key matters at present are investigating a system of Alternative Dispute Resolution through the IDRS (Dispute Resolution Services), discussions with Peter Haler (ex chief executive of LEASE) on implementing a meaningful benchmarking assessment, the launch of our RMC directors training package in the form of a DVD video and a CD-ROM and continuing our core activities such as the latest (and hopefully last!) consultation process on the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002.

“And as to my vision of what I would like to see over my two year tenure as chairman. Well, it is nothing revolutionary. I see that ARMA has several main functions and they relate to our customers, our clients and ARMA members themselves.”

The conference was moderated by experienced broadcaster Sarah Pennells, who was welcomed back after successfully hosting the event in 2006. Then followed a number of presentations from a host of expert speakers covering some of the fundamental issues surrounding property management.

The morning session included an update on the acts and regulations from John Mills, technical consultant to ARMA, a session led by Frances Kneller, Digital UK’s head of housing and property, on the need to prepare for the impending digital switchover, and an address by Catriona Wadlow, director of personnel and training at Peverel OM Ltd, explaining to delegates how training and qualifications are so essential to raising professional standards.

The rest of the day was equally busy, with five more speakers taking to the stage. The first of which was Kerry Glanville, partner at Pemberton Greenish, who spoke on whether the Section 20 amendment to the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 is working to a satisfactory level. Other speakers included David Goldberg of Crabtree Property Management, Jonathan Maude and Maxine Cox, partners at law firm Manches, chartered accountant Tony Stanley and Peter Haler, the former chief executive of LEASE.

Additionally, the ARMA annual award was presented to News on the Block columnist and Evening Standard property correspondent Jane Barry, for her exceptional contribution to the residential long leasehold sector. The day’s events concluded with a panel of RMC director and investor clients giving delegates the opportunity to hear how these clients perceive property managers and what they feel are the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats facing these managers. It also gave delegates the chance to respond and raise their own issues with the clients.

Once again this conference was a huge success, providing plenty of opportunity for delegates to network with sponsors and other delegates over lunch and throughout the day. Keep an eye out for details about next year’s event and book your place early.

News on the Block caught up with some of the sponsors – here’s what they had to say

“The GOL Group was proud to sponsor the ARMA conference for a second consecutive year. It was reassuring to see previous and new sponsors on the day, as this emphasises how important this event has become. The reason The GOL Group decided to sponsor this event again this year was simple – it shows delegates that we are a professional company that wants to be associated with and support this annual event.

“It takes a great deal of planning and organising but once the display is set up and the initial rush of delegates is over, the confidence builds up and it is a case of enjoying the day. It is also a fantastic opportunity to catch up with current clients and put faces to names, as well providing a useful platform to meet many new clients.”

Pete Gilgallon
Operations Manager
The GOL Group

“As usual the ARMA conference has been extremely well organised. It’s about the only opportunity you have to get more than 500 block managers in one place at one time, normally they are far too busy. Today has been a great success. I’ve met a lot of people who are either doing the distance learning course, about to do it, or after today have realised if they’re going to make a career in residential block and estate management, obtaining qualifications is the only way to go.”

Derek Holloway FRICS
Specialist Advisor – Property Services
Asset Skills

“This is my first year at ARMA. It is a very interesting conference for us because obviously we’ve got a niche marketplace of people who look after properties to speak to. It’s also an opportunity to meet our existing clients who don’t know me, but also an opportunity to meet new clients that we could work with in the future. Today has been extremely encouraging for us.”

Keith Edwards
Business Manager
Beechwood Property Services