A record number of delegates at the joint Society of Licensed Conveyancers (SLC) and Bold Legal Group (BLG) Conference in Derby heard about yet more complications for conveyancers to be introduced in coming months. As the theme of the Conference was about conveyancers starting to shape their own destiny, the challenge of yet further requirements being imposed on the profession became quickly apparent.
Baroness Dianne Hayter informed the Conference that the Consumer Rights Bill 2013-14 to 2014-15 would introduce new obligations on lawyers. The Bill which uses the word ‘traders’, as an all embracing term for any business serving consumers is expected to become law in February 2015 and take effect in October 2015.
The delegates also heard about new requirements in respect of mortgage offers from Paul Broadhead, Head of Mortgage Policy at the Building Societies Association. The Implementation of the Mortgage Credit Directive and the new regime for second charge mortgages could make the conveyancing process more cumbersome than it is now.
The continuing theme of change continued with a presentation on the introduction of Veyo in 2015 and a lively exchange with delegates followed. In particular the issue of how Veyo will interact with existing case management systems was raised by a number of people.
Rob Hailstone of the Bold Legal Group and Mike Ockenden for the SLC then spoke of the need for the profession to start a process of engagement with stakeholders to shape the future destiny of conveyancing. This process has already started with the mortgage lending community and their representative bodies the CML and BSA.
With very informative presentations on legal compliance, money laundering and SDLT there was also much of practical importance covered for the big audience present. In addition Sheila Kumar from the CLC provided a unique insight of the profession form the regulators perspective.
Simon Law, the Chairman of SLC said "The annual conference simply gets better and better each year and the record attendance reflects that it is now the ‘go to’ event for conveyancers. The range of topics covered and the interactive nature of the event make it unique, reflecting that it is a conference for conveyancers organised by conveyancers."
Rob Hailstone founder of the BLG commented "This is the first year that we have joined up with the SLC in staging this event and we are delighted with the very positive feedback that has followed the Conference. There were subjects covered which were entirely new to the delegates, particularly in respect of changes to legislation that will affect the profession. We look forward to working again with the SLC on future CPD seminars and roadshows and indeed the 2015 Conference."
The date for the Conference next year has already been set as 18th November 2015 and bookings can be made by e-mailing info@comveyancers.org.uk or calling 08714 237193. The first 50 delegates to book will be entered into a draw for a magnum of champagne (and congratulations to Sharon Plane who won the 2014 prize!).
