Searches UK - Conveyancing Focus Issue 10

ConveyancingFOCUS By

ISSUE 10 | SPRING 2017

PROPERTY

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NEWS

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INTERVIEWS

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INTERIORS

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PUZZLES

0118 983 1231

Towy Park View, Carmarthen. Lead mining in traditional coal mining area.

mining risk assessment

instant | expert | cost effective TerraSearch® hazard alert provided by Terrafirma, the UK’s local mining experts, is an online ALL mining risk search service. All you’ll need to know is the property’s postcode to receive an instant response on the potential risk.

TerraSearch® identifies a potential risk then a recommendation is made for the appropriate professional interpretive assessment to be carried out.

What makes TerraSearch® unique is where there is negligible risk from past underground mining a TerraSearch® Assure Certificate of no risk can be provided as evidence that appropriate mining risk due diligence has been carried out.

Key features include: ●

Professional assessment of risk from past underground mining of 60 minerals including coal, chalk, tin, limestone, iron ore, gypsum, clay, chalk and many more.

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Available for commercial and residential sites.

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Certification by an experienced geologist including £10 million indemnity per report that can be relied upon by all parties in a property transaction.

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All reports adhere to The Search Code, monitored by the Property Codes Compliance Board.

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Professional peace of mind for just £10 + VAT per report from the UK’s local mining experts.

For further information on TerraSearch® products visit: www.minesearches.co.uk

www.minesearches.co.uk T: 01934 806515

ConveyancingFOCUS A MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR Welcome to the 10th edition of ConveyancingFOCUS brought to you by Searches UK. With spring on the horizon, this latest issue brings you some fresh, informative and interesting reads on development, new advanced reports, and property updates from leading industry experts Groundsure, Terrafirma, Landmark, Checkaprofessional, DevAssist and Searches UK. On page 6 and 7, Conveyancing FOCUS interviews horticultural homemaker Monty Don as the summer garden season comes into full bloom. Monty Don provides some intriguing advice on how to make the most of your garden, including organic growing.

Also check out some new tips on interiors on pages 14 and 15, as well as fantastic up and coming events to get involved in!

Thank you to the industry experts who contribute to help us share the latest in conveyancing. The Searches UK team hopes spring brings our readers and contributors much business success and sunshine!

We hope you enjoy the magazine as much as we enjoy producing it, so please continue to send your feedback to marketing@searchesuk.co.uk.

Many Olympic venues are inspiring examples of former industrial areas that have been brought back to use and converted into the most modern sport facilities and largest urban parklands Groundsure feature on page 18

Head Office Unit 2, 136-140 Old Shoreham Road Hove, East Sussex, BN3 7BD T: 0800 043 1815 F: 0845 241 1817 W: www.searchesuk.co.uk E: info@searchesuk.co.uk

Midlands Office The Garden House The Owl House Shottery Village Stratford Upon Avon CV37 9HA www.conveyancingfocus.co.uk

Published by: Portfolio Publications | www.portfoliopublications.co.uk

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Printed by: Gemini Press | www.gemini-print.co.uk

Front cover Image: Courtesy of Shutterstock.

All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher.

IndustryFOCUS

New Product Updates Keeping you up to date with the future of property transactions

Keep up to date with our New Conveyancing App Explore while on the move with the new user-friendly Searches UK mobile App. This latest technology offers users a range of benefits including easy access to product and contact information, industry news, quote requests, Instant

Get CPD Accredited Searches UK has teamed up with industry experts including Groundsure, Landmark and others to ensure we are able to keep our clients up to date about the latest requirements and developments taking place in the conveyancing sector. Searches UK regularly runs interesting training sessions, live, via webinar, so you can take part from the comfort of your office, saving you time and travelling expenses. We have been CPD accredited by the SRA and CLC and are also able to offer FREE in-house CPD for your firm.

Visit our website or download Searches UK’s App for more details.

Searches UK regularly run interesting training sessions, live, via webinar

calculations on VAT, APR, Loans, Mortgage, Savings and Corporate TAX as well as updates on up and coming FREE CPD accredited webinars. Searches UK’s App is available to download FREE from the App and Android store.

Have you tried the new Terrafirma Coal?

Searches UK now provides advanced Con29Mcompliant Terrafirma coal mining reports, offering greater protection to property owners. Using data provided by The Coal Authority (TCA) and Terrafirma’s own unique mining hazards database, an in-house geologist analyses and interprets the data to provide a professional risk assessment in the TerraSearch® Coal Report. Each report includes a coal and brine search indemnity insurance with cover of up to £50,000 and comes with £10 million of liability cover per report. See page 5 for more details ….

Terrafirma offers greater protection to property owners

Future Climate Info Reports Future Climate Info reports provide a fresh approach to environmental reports. Information is condensed yet extremely thorough, so you can be sure what information has been checked as well as potential risks highlighted.

These modern, concise and clear reports analyse data in the environmental categories including contaminated

land, flood, ground stability and energy & infrastructure.

These reports assist with best practice due diligence and are fully compliant with The Law Society guidance in screening for environmental and flood. Future Climate Info Reports can be easily purchased via the Searches UK ordering platform.

For more information about any of the products and services from Searches UK call us on 0800 043 1815 or email us at info@searchesuk.co.uk to speak to one of our dedicated team today.

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ConveyancingFOCUS

TerafirmaFOCUS

It is the unexpected or unforeseeable conditions which pose a potentially greater risk because they cannot be anticipated based solely on data

Know Your Unknowns Terrafirma explains the difference between “Known Unknowns” & “Unknown Unknowns” of Historical Mineral Extraction Ground stability and historical mining conditions always pose unknowns, or uncertainties, which may become known during the ownership or construction of a home – they may be to the detriment of the site and could possibly lead to damage to the environment or endangerment of public safety.

The risk posed by unknowns is somewhat dependent on the nature of the unknown relative to past experience or knowledge. Unknowns can be classified into one of the following two types: 1. Known unknowns - We know there are some things we do not know but expect or foresee conditions, which can be reasonably anticipated based on past experience.

2. Unknown unknowns - The risks we don’t know that we don’t know. If we look back at historical property transactions for subsidence events, it is the unexpected or unforeseeable conditions which pose a potentially greater risk, simply because they cannot be anticipated based solely on data.

Currently in the conveyance of a site or property, due diligence is mainly carried out in the areas of Known Unknowns, e.g. Coal, Brine, Tin, Clay or Gypsum.

“Known Unknowns” refers to “risks you are aware of” – for example when earlier this year, families at Bayfield, West Allotment, in North Tyneside, were forced to move out of their homes and into temporary accommodation after subsidence was discovered. This was on an area

of historical coal mining, but where there had been no previous history of subsidence.

These are areas of the country where there is common knowledge of historical mining in the vicinity, but we are unaware if a specific property is at risk, so data is purchased to mitigate the risk.

Towy Park View, Carmarthen is an example of an Unknown Unknown, where there was a lead mining subsidence event in a traditional coal mining area. By just ordering a Coal Authority Con29M search focused entirely on coal mining, the risk of the historical lead mining would not have been highlighted.

TerraSearch® Coal Extra incorporates Coal Authority data, but also includes professional interpretation of the coal mining risks at no additional cost to your client, with the added value of also screening for 60 types of historical mining risks. If an additional mining risk is identified, then a professional geologist can provide actionable conclusions and recommendations to make the “Unknown Unknowns” known to you and your client.

Terrafirma are focused on raising the awareness of all mining risks whilst improving the standards of mining and ground stability risks assessments. Do you know your Unknown Unknowns?

For further information visit www.minesearches.co.uk

Brought to you by Searches UK | www.searchesuk.co.uk

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An English Country Garden Conveyancing FOCUS tracks down horticultural homemaker Monty Don In any industry there are a few choice names who will always stand out as synonymous with their trade. For sport, David Beckham; for music, perhaps Paul McCartney; in fashion, Vivienne Westwood.

And yet, while the serenity of the garden might be a world away from the high-profile, precisionaligned media madness of those British cultural heavyweights, the popularity of tending to one’s tulips, or turnips, even, is no less decorated.

“Our gardens are always changing, always reacting and responding to the seasons, and always requiring our input, devotion and attention. So it’s a challenge that never ends, and as a passionate gardener, nor would I want it to.”

The Herefordshire-based horticulturalist has now spent over half a century tending to the freshest of flowers, most succulent of produce, richest shrubbery and very greenest of lawns.

And where life in the landscape is concerned, there is no smoother purveyor of that craft than Monty Don. The 60 year-old has seen off more than wireworm, flies and ants on his way to the top (he has been admirably vocal in the past about his battles with anxiety and depression ) and now sits at the top table of his trade.

“From as early as I can remember, I have always admired being outdoors,” he continues. “I was an active child and loved filling my lungs with oxygen. I loved too the combination of gardening and farming, and from a young age exploring the connection between the two was exciting for me: how could we use the soil to create something important in terms of sustenance, but also beautiful in terms of something we looked at and enjoyed?

What Monty oversees in green-fingered terms is the evolution of the outside world, and one that continues to delight and challenge at every quarter. “I think that’s the beauty of it,” he begins.

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ConveyancingFOCUS

“After the collapse of my jewellery business, and as a way of combating depression, I found

CelebrityFOCUS

I think the great thing about these shows is sharing experiences and chatting with people about their discoveries in the garden a different passion for gardening, one that was as much about therapy as anything else, and I guess it has just gone on from there.”

These days Monty is called upon for television appearances, trade events and a number of personal appearances, but he’s happiest when tending to his lot at home. And as the summer months approach, he has some salient advice for those looking to refresh their gardens... provided, that is, that the word ‘organic’ features heavily.

“Organic gardening is much, much better for the whole ecosystem,” he says with vigour.

“Gardens are only part of the whole natural world, of which humans are another small part.

“The main point of organic growing is to do as little harm as possible and to work in tune with nature as much as you can while, at the same time, growing food that is as delicious and healthy as possible. I would argue, as would any organic grower, that all organic food has richer taste and is better for you than any chemically grown food. I have a basic rule that I won’t put any chemicals into soil where I intend to grow food.”

And the secrets of success are not so secret after all. “It’s all the simple stuff you would expect,” he continues. “Pay attention - look, listen, watch, see what’s going on. The main thing any gardener needs to do is work with nature from day one, and let nature be the guide.”

This summer, Monty will be appearing at Gardeners’ World Live at the NEC Birmingham, from June 15-18, an event that pulls together the finest horticultural minds from the UK and abroad.

“I think the great thing about these shows is sharing experiences and chatting with people about their discoveries in the garden.” He continues: “I think there’s a miscomprehension that gardening is the same wherever, but. of course. soil condition and climate vary wildly across the UK, so the same methods and

processes can offer vastly different outcomes, depending on where you are, and that’s what makes the whole thing so challenging, yet, at the same time, so rewarding.”

When quizzed on what Monty is asked about the most, sadly it’s conversations about the dreaded weeds that fill most of his time. “I think in any relationship there have to be challenges, and the majority of gardeners I know will obsess more over weeds than they will any other kind of enemy in the garden. But the reality is, they needn’t. If you have a weed problem, you simply dig them out. It’s not a big deal – you just weed. It’s common sense. On the whole, these problems all even out and resolve themselves. I’ll never understand why gardeners are obsessed by problems; everything, if it’s in balance, will sort itself out. Gardening is not about solving problems – it’s about making things beautiful.

“I think the great thing about these shows is sharing experiences and chatting with people about their discoveries in the garden” “Ultimately, you have to work with nature from day one. Where does the sun rise? Where does the sun set? Where does the wind blow from, mainly? Which are the dry bits? Which are the wet bits? What’s growing well?

“It may look to the outsider just like a mass of grass and weeds, but actually they are all plants, and every single plant will tell you something about the soil. Take stock of what is there even if, to the untrained eye, that’s not much. Everything will tell a story. Then, as you start to grow things, concentrate all your efforts into growing healthy plants in healthy soil.

“But most of all, enjoy what you do – that’s the real secret of gardening.”

Monty Don is currently presenting Big Dreams, Small Spaces on BBC2, in which Monty Don helps amateur gardeners create the garden of their dreams.

Monty Don will be at BBC Gardeners’ World Live from 15-18 June at Birmingham NEC.

Brought to you by Searches UK | www.searchesuk.co.uk

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Let’s Get Digital A consultation has just been launched by Land Registry that is suggesting replacing paper property deeds with fully digital documentation The proposals, which are open for consultation until 5 April 2017, are said to be aligned with Land Registry’s digital strategy. This includes enabling fully digital conveyancing documents with electronic signatures and to generally modernise the system to suit today’s digital lifestyles.

The way consumers purchase and digest products, services and information in today’s ‘always on – always connected’ culture means that introducing digitalised services as part of the conveyancing process is the natural next step.

In our time-pressured world, convenience, simplicity and speed matter more than ever.

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ConveyancingFOCUS

People are used to being able to access what they want, when they want, make purchases or assess data at the touch of a button; this is now considered ‘the norm’ and not just with retail products, but also with professional services.

Here at Landmark, we are already supporting property solicitors with steps to introduce digital reports and analysis to deliver modern enhancements to the conveyancing process.

One significant development is the ability for legal conveyancers to now access an ‘all in one’ environmental risk due diligence report called RiskView that analyses a wide range of potential threats, in a single order.

The result is that conveyancers can access a

LandFOCUS

The report includes interactive links to digitised maps that the buyer can click through and navigate at their leisure

report that provides insight relating to flood risk, ground hazards and stability, energy and infrastructure developments, including the latest HS2 route data, plus contaminated land research. What’s more, the report includes interactive links to digitised maps that the buyer can click through and navigate at their leisure.

It arms conveyancing professionals with the tools needed to interpret the data quickly with confidence, and for the first time, means the information can be directly shared with clients for viewing on a desktop PC, tablet device or even a smartphone.

Bundles are also available, so as well as accessing the all-in-one environmental report, it is possible to access Planning Application data at the same time, which is added to the order and again fully viewable in both a PDF report and via the online portal.

By accessing as much intelligence on the property as possible, and in the format that suits today’s clients, it delivers peace of mind to homebuyers and ultimately demonstrates compliance and best practice from the conveyancer’s point of view.

As clients’ expectations of accessing and using information online becomes ever more the standard, it’s important for conveyancers to take steps now to start delivering the next generation client care that homebuyers have come to expect.

www.landmark.co.uk Brought to you by Searches UK | www.searchesuk.co.uk

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Review your reputation A ‘more informed choice’ for all means breaking down barriers, providing customer service information and transparency On 13 January 2016, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched a market study into the provision of legal services in England and Wales. They found that the legal services sector is not working well for individual consumers and small businesses. Consumers generally lack the experience and information they need to find their way around the legal services sector and to engage confidently with providers. Consumers find it hard to make informed choices because there is very little transparency about price, service and quality.

Consumers tend to purchase legal services infrequently rather than on a repeated basis.

They may therefore have a limited frame of reference from which to choose a legal service provider that meets their needs (both in terms of quality and price). Consequently, it is particularly important that they seek information that helps them to make informed purchasing decisions.

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The need for reassurance and third party reviews has moved on. The demand is not just for hotels, holidays, restaurants and trades. There is a growing demand for those who offer legal services, regulated or not, big or small!

The final report, released December 2016, suggests that consumers attach importance to the quality of the customer service they receive from their legal services provider. Further, this is an area in which they feel confident making quality judgements. In their qualitative survey, good customer service was associated with having: • • • •

a personable provider with whom a relationship could be built; regular communication, especially over the phone; a provider who is available and who is responsive to queries; and communication that is free from legal jargon.

ReputationFOCUS

If you are a proactive firm, or not, it is probably becoming clear, that helping prospective clients make a more informed choice, seems likely to be enforced this year

Recommendations to the frontline regulators to address these issues are: •

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Action to deliver a step change in standards of transparency to help consumers (i) to understand the price and service they will receive, what redress is available and the regulatory status of their provider and (ii) to compare providers.

Promote the use of independent feedback platforms to help consumers to understand the quality of service offered by competing providers.

To facilitate the development of a dynamic intermediary market through making data more accessible to comparison tools and other intermediaries.

Development of a consumer education hub

The CMA recommend that consumers and small businesses should have the information that they need to make informed choices as soon as possible!

Conclusion… Make a start now!

If you are a proactive firm, or not, it is probably becoming clear, that helping prospective clients make a more informed choice, seems likely to be enforced this year.

We have been providing prospective clients with an informed choice, along with our sister site for almost 19 years. Let us help your firm get started now.

Our sites are trusted and used by: 1.3 million visits per month and we have received over 2.8 million reviews for our members.

This makes us the brand leaders in the review industry for YOU and YOUR clients!

Visit www.checkaprofessional.com or call for a chat on Freephone: 0800 093 8414

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The Checkaprofessional website will give instant access to all professional service providers who have agreed to be vetted by us and continuously monitored by their clients, who can post verified feedback on the site. It will provide a FREE one-stop shop to finding the right professional service for a client’s particular needs.

Find out about the unique advantages Checkaprofessional membership could provide for your online marketing. www.checkaprofessional.com

0800 093 8414

DevassistFOCUS

One in ten properties across the country are going to be affected by major or significant change. In London it’s one in five

Buying in the Big Smoke Location, location, location isn’t always what it seems: Paul Addison from DevAssist on why all locations require investigating…

Buying a property is full of risk. You spend 15 mins viewing it, leave with that gushy rose tinted dreamy view and then offer 100’s of thousands to buy it. I bet you do more research buying new running shoes than you do a house.

It’s the corniest phrase in property, but probably the truest. Location, location, location. The most fundamental factor that will affect a property’s value is its location. What do we never investigate? You guessed it – the location. Your local search only looks inside the boundaries and yet everything that can affect it is outside.

How logical is that? Have the neighbours just applied for an extension? Is that field going to be developed? These questions and many more should be asked by you and your solicitor.

or service which audits locations. That’s why I created DevAssist. It gives buyers of all properties the opportunity to view a location through the eyes of a developer. By utilising those same techniques and investigations we can pre-warn buyers of significant risk or change. Alternatively, we give the property that clean bill of health and give you the comfort that the purchase is safe from material change.

Here is the statistic of risk. One in ten properties across the country are going to be affected by major or significant change. In London it’s one in five. Do you want to see all that hard-won equity disappear overnight? No – then read on.

Basements are the new trend and the scale of them is in epidemic proportions. Whenever we do a central London report we can almost guarantee that we find at least one proposal for a basement. Sometimes they are next door which creates a huge risk to the structural integrity of the property. Google ‘Duffy London basement’ in the news section and you will see what I mean. Her old house literally fell into a hole because of a basement. Forecasts from hydrology experts see this as the tip of the iceberg and similar stories will become the norm. DevAssist study local policy, SHLAA sites, planning data and also forecast where development is likely to occur. Don’t buy blind.

For a small amount of money you can check for development risks.

All locations require investigating and yet when I created my business I found no product

Paul Addison can be contacted via www.devassist.co.uk

This is my first bit of advice, don’t be cheap.

Your client is about to invest a huge amount of money.

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Greener Footprints Eco flooring has come a long way to be smart, functional and stylish. We look at some of the options available

If you prefer something more traditional, a simple wool carpet is a good eco-friendly choice

Cleo Blue Indoor/Outdoor Rug in eco-friendly recycled materials Dash & Albert Rug Company www.dashandalberteurope.com

InteriorsFOCUS

Designer silver epoxy polished concrete floor www.aaasexyfloors.com.au

Environmental sustainability used to be a fringe interest – perfectly acceptable somewhere like Brighton, of course, where we’re all a bit bohemian and where we remember to put our recycling out. Over the last decade, though, eco-friendly has become big business – in work, play and in our homes.

Eco-friendly floor finishes have come a long way: some of the most stylish homes include serious flooring with a low environmental impact and minimal carbon footprint. Cork and bamboo flooring have both been around a while, and both have excellent environmental credentials. Cork is harvested from the cork oak tree (a Mediterranean tree), and only the bark is removed; it grows back in 3-4 years and can be harvested again. It has anti-microbial properties and can be stained in many different colours, making it very versatile. Good-quality cork flooring could last as long as 30 years, too – no replacement needed. Bamboo is another sustainable crop. Hardwearing and waterresistant, it has the look and feel of hardwood, and comes in many different finishes.

Linoleum - or lino - made from natural materials (including linseed oil and cork dust), is another water-resistant and hard-wearing floor finish.

Although you can still get designs that mirror the lurid lino of the 60’s and 70’s, you can also get lino in contemporary designs and textures.

If you’d like a recycled floor, the choice is vast. Recycled glass floor tiles, PET (recycled polyester) berber carpet, and recycled (from old tyres) rubber flooring are all super-hard-wearing and very stylish. Or, if you prefer something more traditional, a simple wool carpet is a good eco-friendly choice, as is sustainably sourced or recycled hardwood.

Polished concrete is increasingly popular, sustainable because it is so long-lasting, and can be used on its own Top of the eco-friendly and cool flooring list at the moment are two contenders. Polished concrete is increasingly popular, sustainable because it is so long-lasting, and can be used on its own with no need for any other floor finish. It gives a cool, modern edge to any home. Leather is the other über-hip eco floor choice: a byproduct of the meat industry, thicker sections of leather can be pressed into beautiful floor tiles that lend warmth and texture to a space. Leather is only really suitable for non-vegetarians, and dry, low-traffic areas (any spills will stain), but if its well looked after, it will tone and soften with age, improving its appearance.

Brought to you by Searches UK | www.searchesuk.co.uk | 15

IndustryFOCUS

People are using digital software to conduct work or to make first point of contact when seeking new or existing services, it is vital that businesses take advantage of technology

Know Your Clients A recent survey conducted by Searches UK highlighted 94% of clients are happy with the service provided. Here is why...

At Searches UK, going the extra mile for their clients is at the heart of what they do. Whether it is pricing, the quality of products and services, or their team, they strive to offer the best customer service the market has to offer.

To monitor the satisfaction of their clients, Searches UK recently conducted a survey to help understand a client’s experience as well as potentially highlight any areas for improvement.

Almost 70 clients agreed to anonymously take part in this survey, commenting on the customer service they receive from Searches UK.

Searches UK’s survey highlighted that when dealing with property transactions, many conveyancing solicitors rate efficiency as one of the most important factors when it comes to customer service. Whether it is the company website, email enquiries, telephone call responses or the technology provided to complete tasks, it is vital that queries and tasks are dealt with and completed promptly.

Technology is also a great way to provide clients with an ‘added value’ experience

Out of a score of 10, Searches UK’s clients scored the service provided at an incredible 9.4. Results suggested that one of the main reasons for this exceptionally high score was down to the efficiency the Searches UK team demonstrate.

As our society is becoming increasingly dependent on digital services and people are using digital software to conduct work or to make first point of contact when seeking new or existing services, it is vital that businesses take advantage of technology.

“Searches UK are excellent search providers - the very best that I have encountered in my years of Practice…I highly recommend their services.” Client in London

When ordering products or seeking information, this survey highlighted that Searches UK’s easy to use website, ordering platform and mapping tools provided efficiency and ease for their clients.

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“I receive a personal service from Searches UK, you are always willing and able to meet my clients’ differing requirements … my regular clients have complete confidence in Searches UK ... to have found and work with real people is a breath of fresh air.”

But above immediate gratification, that ‘personal touch’ is at the heart of what we do. This is a quality that Searches UK demonstrate over and above their competitors. Maintaining contact with clients; but more importantly, getting to know our clients, keeping conveyancing solicitors informed of industry updates, as well as new and improved services on the market, to problem solving, helps build honourable and reliable business relationships.

Andrew Stenning, Managing Director of Searches UK, said: “At Searches UK we are always working on new ways to provide our customers with easy and convenient ways to communicate, maintain good business relationships, and provide an efficient service.

“As Managing Director of Searches UK, I am exceedingly proud of the positive results and comments this survey has produced. I am personally thankful to our clients who have taken time to provide valuable feedback and my team who continuously go above and beyond to maintain a consistently high level of service by putting our clients first.”

For more information about any of the products and services from Searches UK visit their website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Google+.

Alternatively call them directly on 0800 043 1815 or email them at info@ searchesuk.co.uk to speak to one of their dedicated team today.

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Bringing Brownfield Sites Back To Use Groundsure look at how the Olympic Games have brought out the best of not only athletes but also developers Recent Groundsure blogs on remediation of contaminated land have looked at how the development of brownfield land has recently been encouraged in the UK and what steps are recommended in order to bring these sites back to use. Here, we are going to show how some high-profile events such as Olympic Games have become great examples of the successful redevelopment of previously contaminated and deprived areas via the implementation of cutting edge remediation techniques.

Many of the Olympic grounds around the world in recent times were built on sites affected by land contamination. The nature of contamination is complex, and just as each contaminated site is different, so too do mitigation measures vary from place to place. Many Olympic venues are inspiring examples of former industrial areas that have been brought back to use and converted into the most modern sport facilities and largest urban parklands.

The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (Olympic Games 2012, London) The clean-up and re-use of the area where the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park has been developed is considered one of the most successful remediation projects undertaken in the UK over the last decade, having warranted further development of previous widely-used remedial

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methods and technologies.

In order to understand the levels of contamination encountered at the site and the complexity of the remedial works undertaken, Groundsure has reviewed historical mapping available for the area and analysed what the site looked like in the past.

As shown in historical mapping, past usage of the site included oil refineries, chemical works, cold storage facilities, power stations, gas works, saw mills, black filled reservoirs as well as warehouse/ distribution centres.

Once the specialists had assessed the history of the site, a comprehensive remediation scheme consisting of the following five steps was put in place: • •

•

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A site investigation was conducted to facilitate detailed remediation design; A global remediation strategy (GRS) was developed to establish site-wide principles and procedures; Specific construction zones were established and site-specific remediation requirements were implemented at each zone; A remediation method statement was developed to provide details of the options appraisal and implementation plan for the remediation;

GroundFOCUS •

Remediation design was implemented and a remediation validation report was provided to confirm appropriateness of the remediation work that was conducted. (1)

The remediation work at the site involved 246ha of land that had been used for industrial activities for over 200 years, and was required to be completed in less than 3 years. The project started with initial ground investigation which identified soil and groundwater contamination by a range of contaminants, including volatile organic compounds, semi-volatile organic compounds, total petroleum hydrocarbon, heavy metals ammonia etc. (1) Based on this, a conceptual site model was developed and site-wide remediation strategies were implemented. The remediation strategy involved keeping as much soil as possible on site and incorporated considerations such as minimisation of energy consumption and carbon footprint. The selected remediation technologies included complex sorting, bioremediation, soil washing, soil stabilisation and thermal desorption (www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Environmental_remediation). Some interesting figures provided

by Atkins suggest that over 900,000 m3 of soil was treated of which 700,000 m3 was soil washed and reused as sand and gravel fractions. Additionally, 30,000 m3 of soil was treated by bioremediation and used as general fill. (2)

Groundsure has reviewed historical mapping available for the area and analysed what the site looked like in the past

This megaproject resulted in the conversion of a heavily contaminated and deprived area into what today is one of the largest green spaces in London, benefiting from modern sporting venues and new residential and retail space.

Groundsure produces a variety of different reports to help your transactions move efficiently - offering sound impartial advice along the way. Give your Searches UK account manager a call to discuss this in more detail.

References (1) Sustainable site clean-up from megaprojects: lessons from London 2012. Available at: www.repository.cam.ac.uk/bitstream/ handle/1810/246514/Hou_et_al-2015-Proceedings_of_the_ Institution_of_Civil_Engineers-Engineering_Sustainability-VoR. pdf?sequence=7&isAllowed=y [Accessed 18th August 2016] (2) Rehabilitating the London 2012 Olympic Park site. Atkins. Available at: www.atkinsglobal.co.uk/en-GB/media-centre/events/atkinslectures/2013/remediation-of-the-london [Accessed 5th September 2016] (3) The challenge Series. Millenium Water: The Southeast False Creek Olympic Village. Available at: www.thechallengeseries.ca/chapter-03/ environmental-remediation/ [Accessed 16th September 2016]

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Call 08444 159 000 Email info@groundsure.com Visit www.groundsure.com Contact your authorised reseller

Homebuyers

the market leading residential search report

3 Thorough flood risk assessment including property specific Flood Re statement

3 Unique historical land use information dating back to the 1840s

3 Unique alerts including London Underground, HS2 and Crossrail 1

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EventFOCUS

Future Events At Searches UK, we love to get out and meet our clients Best of British 2017 Professional Conferences Join Searches UK at Professional Conferences, which are taking place throughout 2017. Professional Conferences’ Residential Property Law & Conveyancing Update conferences are designed to update solicitors, licensed conveyancers and barristers on current residential property law and conveyancing issues and will provide invaluable advice on practical as well as legal issues, pertinent to today, from leading experts in their field. These conferences promise to be a most interesting, informative and enjoyable day including refreshments, documentation and 6 hours CPD. Come and see us to grab yourself a range of goodies and the opportunity to enter our prize draws! Visit: www.proconferences.com

Modern Law Awards Thursday 13th July The Rum Warehouse, Liverpool Searches UK are delighted to sponsor The Modern Law Awards this year! The Modern Law Awards is one of the most prestigious legal events. The Eclipse Proclaim Modern Law Conveyancing Awards was established in 2016 to celebrate talent, success and innovation in the conveyancing sector, and this year the event promises to be even bigger and better. Managing Director, Andrew Stenning is honoured to judge at this year’s event. The Modern Law Awards is not to be missed!

Friday 2nd June The Grand Hotel Brighton Searches UK will also be sponsoring The Brighton ‘Best of British’ charity sporting lunch. The event attracts a range of businesses from across the country to come together in aid of supporting The Rockinghorse Children’s charity. Last years’ lunch raised over £12,000 for this worthy charity. The ‘Best of British’ is a sellout event. It is a great opportunity to support improved healthcare services for sick children and babies and network with a variety compassionate business. This year’s event features special guest Eddie The Eagle!

These conferences promise to be a most interesting, informative and enjoyable day

Property Professionals Lunch Thursday 6th July – Hotel Du Vin, Brighton This popular industry focused networking event gives all property professionals in the Sussex region the opportunity to mingle with peers and like-minded people in a warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere to discuss new ideas and create fresh business opportunities. There is a guest speaker each quarter and a chance to enter our prize draw for just £10 (minimum) to raise money for The Rockinghorse Children’s Charity which helps improve the lives of children who are seriously ill in Sussex.

For more information about any of the products and services from Searches UK call us on 0800 043 1815 or email us at info@searchesuk.co.uk to speak to one of our dedicated team today.

20 | ConveyancingFOCUS

ARE YOU FUTURE PROOF? TUESDAY 23rd MAY 2017 08.30 - 09.15

Registration & Breakfast

09.15 - 09.30

Chairman’s Welcome Chris Harris, MD, Lawyer Checker Tony Piccirillo, Partner, AVRillo

09.30 - 10.15

Keynote Address - Where is the UK housing market heading?

Mark Easton, Journalist and Broadcaster

10.15 - 11.00

PANEL 1 – Client Care: Breaking down barriers Mark Montgomery, Customer Strategy & Marketing Director, My HomeMove Andy Foster, Panel Member, Legal Services Consumer Panel (LSCP) Darren Cox, Ombudsman, Legal Ombudsman Graham Murphy, Product Manager at The Law Society

11.00 - 11.45

Morning Refreshments

11.45 - 12.45

PANEL 2 – Managing your firm Paul Saunders, Managing Director, Legal Eye Mike Ockenden, Thornby Associates & SLC Sheila Kumar, Chief Executive, Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) Beth Rudolph, Director of Delivery, The Conveyancing Association Edward Donne, Director, Professional Indemnity, Howden UK Group Limited

12.45 - 13.30

PANEL 3 – Identity theft cases Rob Hailstone, Founder, Bold Legal Group David Knowles, Head of Financial Crime, Paycasso Tim Prior, Director, PNCR Legal Edward Powell, Director, BE Consultancy Edward Donne, Director, Professional Indemnity, Howden UK Group Limited

13.30 - 14.30

Lunch

14.30 - 15.30

PANEL 4 – Best Practice in Conveyancing Sarah Tucker, Head of Conveyancing, LSL Estate Agency Division Stephen Murray, Business Development Director, PSG Justin Parkinson, Managing Director, Decision First Tom Barry, Director of Sales & Lettings at Keller Williams

15.30 - 16.20

PANEL 5 - Leading the Field Tom Bridge, Director of Conveyancing, Keoghs David Parton, Partner, Shoosmiths LLP Dawn Tew, Legal Services Director, Shakespeare Martineau Paul Hajek, Solicitor, Clutton Cox Sara Hutton, Head of Professionals Sector North West, Commercial Banking Royal Bank of Scotland

16.20 - 16.30

Closing Remarks - Chris Harris & Tony Piccirillo

16.30pm

Finish

Tickets priced at £125 ex.vat Book now at www.mlconveyancingevents.co.uk Sponsorship enquiries please contact Kate McKittrick | kate@charltongrant.co.uk | 01765 600909 Event enquiries please contact Ellie Campbell | ellie.campbell@charltongrant.co.uk | 01765 600909

*programme subject to change

Etihad Stadium, Manchester

Residential and commercial title insurance provider

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Indem n it y C o v e r

Benefits of our service: • Quick online cover • Simple online forms • Fully underwritten policy in minutes

Policies: • Chancel repair • Defective lease • Possessory title, and more!

Available through Searches UK Tel: 0800 043 1815 Fax: 0845 241 1817 info@searchesuk.co.uk www.searchesuk.co.uk Unit 2, Gemini Business Centre 136-140 Old Shoreham Road, Hove BN3 7BD Searches UK Ltd is an appointed representative of First Title Insurance plc, which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority under registration number 202103. This material is intended to provide general information only. For specific coverage and exclusions, refer to the policy. Subject to Underwriting terms & conditions.

MIND FOCUS Copyright Puzzle Press Ltd, www.puzzlepress.co.uk

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Brought to you by Searches UK | www.searchesuk.co.uk | 23 7

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ACROSS

S T W P A L I N R T H E A C A R E U S N A C I N T

E L I V E G S E A D S P K E L E L

E P A T H Y A A S E P I A U T E N A O R T A P R A T T I C I G W H A L I B I P S S M L E C T

Simplify your search packs COMPLETE YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL DUE DILIGENCE WITH OUR ALL-IN-ONE REPORT AND VIEWER

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RiskView Residential, our award winning all-in-one environmental report, has been live for over a year now, successfully advising lawyers on Contaminated Land, Flood, Ground Stability and Energy & Infrastructure.

It’s built for the digital age too. We’ve developed an online viewing tool that’s accessible via links embedded within the PDF report. You can now present the information in the way your clients want to see it: quickly and online.

Now it gets even better with the inclusion of Google Street View. You can explore the property and surrounding area from within our viewer so no more messing around with multiple windows – it’s all in one place. ©2017 Landmark Information Group Ltd

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