Bid to raise standards in property industry

A pledge to drive up industry standards was made by property managers who came together recently.Almost 200 property managers across Sheffield and London made the resolution to improve standards, at two conferences that were hosted by PM Legal Services - a division of hlw Keeble Hawson.Experts from leading organisations including the Institute of Residential Property Management and the Ombudsman Services shared the latest best practice at the events, which took place at The Workstation in Sheffield and the Churchill War Rooms in London.Award-winning Cassandra Zanelli, head of PM Legal Services, outlined how the impending General Data Protection Regulation, which comes into force on May 25th, will affect how property managers handle their information.She also covered how they deal with leaseholders and occupiers.Other speakers included hlw Keeble Hawson’s head of employment law, Barry Warne. Each presenter equipped property managers with one vital ,continuous improvement resolution to be put in place within their day-to-day working practices.Topics spanned legislation, employment contracts, delivering lease requirements to high standards, managing complaints, planning for major works, thinking digitally - and maximising new business opportunities.Ms Zanelli said: “It was tremendous to see attendees leave the sessions motivated and upbeat about putting their resolutions into practice.“This reinforces our commitment as a continuous improvement champion.“The conferences put the spotlight on sharing knowledge in the truest sense of best practice.”The expertise of PM Legal Services spans across many areas including arrears recovery, First Tier Tribunal cases, and leasehold disputes.Richard Smith, head of hlw Keeble Hawson’s commercial property department, said: “Feedback and success from the events is testimony to the high regard in which PM Legal Services is held in the industry.“We wish Cass and the team continued success as they continue to go from strength to strength.”PM Legal Services’ involvement in a number of events across 2018 includes presenting on the impact of GDPR at the Association of Residential Managing Agents’ regional events.Cassandra Zanelli and Barry Warne are pictured (right) withother presenters who attended the conferences.PM Legal Services was launched a year ago, to promote excellence in legal practice in the property industry.