This year’s IPSA – Association of Independent Personal Search Agents conference was truly inspiring. With fresh faces and top-notch speakers, the event was filled with enthusiasm and a strong determination to highlight the crucial role of independent search agents in the conveyancing process.
IPSA is dedicated to educating and supporting our members and helping them expand their businesses through new products and services. While networking and meeting sponsors are highlights of our events, we also provide ongoing support and updates through online newsletters.
We had the privilege of hosting VIP guest Kate Faulkner OBE and special guest Edwina Homfray-Davies. Their contributions were invaluable, adding significant value to the conference.
Lorna Bown from the PCCB provided us with a brief reminder of the purpose and structure of the PCCB, updates on compliance changes and bulletins, efforts in promoting the Search Code, and insights into code compliance activities and findings. She also unveiled the new Search Code Logo.
Kate Faulkner OBE was a highlight, sharing a wealth of property market statistics and insights that will be extremely useful for our businesses. Edwina delivered a powerful talk on how search companies can support their clients, especially in the fast-paced, client-chasing conveyancing world where time is always of the essence.
We also received an update on current market threats, and enjoyed a fascinating panel discussion featuring the IPSA Executive Committee, who collectively boast over 140 years of search experience. Their insights and expertise truly contributed to making this the ‘best conference ever,’ as described by several of our members.
A massive thank you to our amazing sponsors—Groundsure, Martello, Landmark, LPG, UKGlobal Broking Group Limited and Elan —who made this event possible. They introduced new products and services beneficial to our members and offered fantastic giveaways. Special congratulations to Sharon Whitney for winning LPG’s card draw and Michelle Poller for winning Martello’s chocolate bouquet.Industry threats were discussed with valuable counter-strategies and insights from experienced members. The panel expertise covered networking, podcasts, and their use in gaining new clients and educating the public about the benefits of using an IPSA member. There were also great ideas from experienced members on growing our client bases.
One special moment was asking our members to nominate their most supportive council. Barnet Council was chosen for their outstanding support when Bharti Bhuva‘s company needed an urgent search. We also took a moment to honour the memory of two members who passed away this year and welcomed Hamish McLay as the new Chairman of IPSA. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Andrew Prismall for his many years of dedicated service as the previous chairman.
The main takeaways from this conference include a revitalised enthusiasm and a fresh perspective from our new Board. We are upbeat and ready for the challenges ahead. The panels and industry expert talks were well-received, especially the insurance panel, which provided immediate financial benefits and a better understanding of run-off cover.
A heartfelt thank you to our long-suffering and invaluable Chief Executive, Heather Poole-Gleed who was presented with a small surprise thank you gift for all of her tireless efforts, whether it be in communicating with members or organising such great conferences as this one.
A special shout out to the band, Encrypted Love, who played on Thursday evening. They were fantastic, and we loved their style and music—even had a few members dancing! Also, a big thank you to the hotel, Sketchley Grange Hotel & Spa, for the excellent food, service, and friendly, helpful staff.
At IPSA, we are here to help, support, educate, and advocate for our members. Each of us on the Board also runs our own search businesses, so we are fully committed to this endeavour. We aspire to make each future conference even better than the last and to increase attendance and grow through IPSA Searches. We will be working on a new strategy to achieve this.
Here’s to continued collaboration, growth, and making a meaningful impact together!
Thank you once again to everyone involved in organising this exceptional event. Your hard work and dedication truly shone through. And to the members who attended and really make the event truly interactive and thoroughly enjoyable for all who attended.
IPSA Members : Elevating Property Searches through Knowledge and Integrity.
