Time to move on.
The time has come for me to step down as Chairman of IPSA – Association of Independent Personal Search Agents has been a privilege to lead this army of independent, enthusiastic and determined smaller search firms as we continue to have a presence in a search market dominated by high tech, high investment, multinational firms taking a large portion of our business.
Not only that but to try and make those voices heard in a period of such huge changes to the market itself, with the HMLR project and many groups setting up to radically change how property information is included within the conveyancing process.
I am leaving for a variety of reasons, one of which is that, after 7 years, I think it’s time for a new head at the helm to look at all the challenges with a fresh pair of eyes and a different angle.
I am certain that I have moved IPSA forward a great deal in my time and improved things. Members now need to take a live exam to get in just one, but also get IPSA to be at the right tables including the Conveyancing Association, various HMLR groups and in close contact with our regulators and other industry bodies.
It’s been a great 7 years, a lot of challenges, a lot of new experiences for me and many new connections and friendships made. But one of the greatest changes over the last 7 years is the evolution of a new Executive Board, which means that I can leave it in very safe hands indeed.
I feel that the place of the smaller independent search firm has never been more exciting. Yes, the big firms have lots of appealing processes and products, but thanks to all of the new tech firms over the last couple of years, one of which I was delighted to ask to join the Exec. , we can all offer exactly the same things, now it’s over to us how well we run the business and deal with customers because all of the tools and contacts are there.
I will now have more time to focus on my amazing team at HW Conveyancing Searches and make use of these opportunities.
So I am still very much in this industry, and I won’t be saying goodbye to anybody.
Just moving on…
