In the heart of London, Leasehold professionals gathered at the ARMA Conference on 6 October 2023, for a day of legislation changes, networking, and innovation. The conference started a half an hour earlier this year as they had so much to pack into the day with the core content being delivered by the same, knowledgeable names we see partner with ARMA. With a theme centered around “Navigating the Shifting Tides of Block Management,” this year’s conference explored the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.
Consolidation
The day could not have passed without comment on the consolidation activity dominating the industry. There was a knowledgeable panel of small managing agents on the stage including JFM, Hegarty PM and Samas Property Management. It would have been interesting to see a larger agent to provide a different perspective however, this was a fantastic debate which looked at how consolidation opens opportunities for the small agent which were not as readily available previously. Joe Mallon, Sallie Marston and Sam Massey all represented the SME block management companies well.
A Glimpse into the Future
One of the most exciting aspects of attending the ARMA Conference was the opportunity to gain insight into the tech future of leasehold. The event featured a series of engaging keynote speeches and panel discussions that delved into emerging trends following the introduction of the Building Safety Act, technological advancements, and the evolving regulatory landscape in the industry. The tech talk featuring FixFlow, Building Passport and Built-ID created a panel of experts and technology innovators, shared their expertise and predictions for the future looking at how Proptech is reshaping Block Management.
Networking Opportunities
The ARMA Conference was not just about learning; it was also a fantastic platform for networking. With four breaks and a drinks reception at the end of the day there was a great opportunity to discuss the day and meet with some Vendors. There was no doubt the sponsors had gone all out this year with the most popular stand being the chance to win a Robot with Audivo team.
The conversation flowed in the breaks many commenting on a great presentation from Lawerence Diamon and Simon Walker on personal development – particular how you can achieve value when booking course and access a 20% discount!
As the ARMA Conference came to a close, attendees reflected on how different a position the industry was in last year and how we continue to develop and improve following the induction of new legislation. The event served as a reminder that embracing innovation, staying informed about industry developments, and fostering professional relationships are essential for success in this dynamic field.
About the Author
Annie McGrandles MRICS FIRPM
Annie is the Head of Block Management at Property Management Recruitment, with over 15 years of experience in the Leasehold industry. She is a Chartered Surveyor and Fellow of IRPM. Annie is passionate about raising standards across leasehold offering expertise in achieving MRICS in Block Management and recently joining the training team at ARMA
