MOVERS & SHAKERS
Demand for homebuilding continues to rise as our development sales team expands
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ast week it was reported that “Demand for new build homes increased 66% during the six weeks following the reopening of the property market”, together with the Prime ministers “radical” planning reforms” announced last week, there can be no doubt that the homebuilder industry is in demand. The latest announcements are part of the prime minister’s commitment to “build, build, build”, in order to boost Britain’s infrastructure and skills, and to aid growth in the post-COVID world. The homebuilding industry will without doubt be a part of that, as the Housing secretary Robert Jenrick put it “the prospects of Britain’s housing market are inextricably linked to the macro economy. Your success is our success”. There are, however, challenges that will face the industry, especially as the long-term impacts of COVID-19 are still largely unknown. The homebuilding industry is also on a mission to improve quality in all aspects of the new build customer experience. Following Natalie Elphicke and Mark Beard’s exciting appointments as chair of the interim New Homes Quality Board and CIOB president, both putting quality at the core of their work ahead, we are really pleased to announce Katie Carter and David
Suzi Gatward
McClenaghan are joining our fantastic development sales team led by Sharon Higgs. David and Katie join us from Laytons where they acted for, amongst others, London Square, Barratt Homes and Cala Homes. With almost 40 years of experience in new build development sales together, and an unrivalled commitment to client service, we are delighted to have them on board. More now than ever we are able to support homebuilders in the challenge thrown down by consumers and the industry itself to improve its consumer experience. David and Katie believe wholeheartedly in delivering a quality and stress-free legal process for both client and consumer. We’re proud to support the industry’s quality drive. Buying a new build can indeed be a positive experience! Demand for new build homes increased 66% during the six weeks following the reopening of the property market www.house-builder.co.uk/news/demand-new-ho. ■
Suzi Gatward
Partner Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
Test your knowledge – and support access to justice Test your knowledge – and support access to justice Calling all pub quizzers! London Legal Support Trust invites you to host your own pub quiz, in support of free legal advice agencies. You can have your quiz online, in your office, or in your local pub. All you need to do is gather your colleagues, friends, and family to compete for victory. Quizzes will take place all over the country on Wednesday, 25th November, 2020. The Great Legal Quiz is a fantastic chance to have fun and compete whilst doing your part to help support those most in need of specialist free legal advice and help. The quiz is a chance to test your general knowledge against family, friends, and colleagues. Questions will be like a pub quiz – no legal knowledge required! The Cause While the quiz will no doubt be a chance to bring people together (virtually or otherwise) for a fun evening, it will more importantly raise much-needed funds for frontline free legal advice agencies. All money raised will go towards supporting these vital organisations. In 2020, the charitable sector as a whole is predicted to face a £10 billion funding shortfall, and legal advice agencies are among the hardest hit. Frontline free legal advice charities
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have been working incredibly hard to help those affected by the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown, with issues like benefits, employment, housing, and more. Thus, it is crucial that we support them as they serve the most vulnerable people in society. To join in It’s easy to take part. All you need to do is sign up to host a quiz, and London Legal Support will provide the questions and answer sheets. You can host your quiz virtually, at your favourite pub, or in your office – depending on government restrictions in place at the time. London Legal Support Trust will also be hosting a virtual quiz, so sign up to join in with your team. For more information and to sign up, visit: https://londonlegalsupporttrust.org.uk/our-events/ great-legal-quiz-2020/ ■
