Two of the largest property management bodies for the profession have announced that they will be asking members to back plans to merge.
Leaders at the Institute of Residential Property Management (IRPM) and Association of Residential Managing Agents (ARMA) say they want to establish a united and stronger voice for the industry.
They believe that a merger would give them greater power and help support both managing agent firms and individuals as the profession faces increasing changes and new legislation.
Nigel Glen, ARMA executive chair, said the bodies had already worked together on a range of issues, such as the cladding crisis, regulatory reforms and sector well-being.
In a statement, he said: “Combining our resources, data and expertise allows us to more effectively support our membership through guidance and business support, raise standards through enhanced professional qualifications, multi-channel training and ongoing professional development opportunities, and provide a more influential and representative voice to our ongoing government and stakeholder engagement.”
Proposals for the merger will need to be approved by members at their general meetings, which will take place soon.
If the plans are approved the organisations would merge before the end of the year and the brands would be retained for a short period under the new organisation.
The proposals include appointing IPRM’s CEO Andrew Bulmer as chief executive of the new organisation. Mr Glen would become executive chair of the new board.
