The (IPSA) Annual Conference held on 9th November 2023 with a drinks reception the evening before, was a remarkable gathering that showcased the vibrancy and collaborative spirit within our industry. A diversity of perspectives marked the conference, brought to life by lively and enthusiastic speakers. As we reflect on the event, it’s evident that it was not just a meeting of minds but a celebration of shared goals and mutual support.

Word of the day from Jessica Green of Martello was “Collaboration.” This theme resonated throughout the conference, underscoring the importance of working together within our industry to achieve greater heights.

We were fortunate to have the support and insights from a range of distinguished guests.

Henry Crosby Ph.D of Martello, brought his extensive knowledge to the fore and shared his expertise, educating us about the newest (and only!) Independent Environmental Report to be launched in our industry.

Nick Treble and Iryna Minimurzina from Groundsure sponsored and supported us with their knowledge and insights at the Groundsure stand. The dynamic duo from Elan, Adele Sagar and Ryan Hobson, contributed significantly with their forward-thinking perspectives as well as demonstrations at their stand. We also had Neil Walley from the Log Book provider, Chimni and Jonathan Woodcraft from The Legal Protection Group attend with stands and support us as sponsors. Thank you all for your sponsorship and support. 

A special mention goes to Lorna Bown of the PCCB and Charlotte Mawson of the TPO, whose presentation and case study added a unique dimension to our discussions. And, of course, it was a pleasure to see Emma Cook from COPSO, whose contributions are always valued in our circles.

The conference was further elevated by a superb presentation via live link from Lai Wah Co of the Bank of England. Her insights were not only enlightening but also pivotal in understanding the broader economic context in which we operate.

A highlight of the event was the visit from Bhumika Parmar and Reema Patel of BP Legal Solicitors. Bhumika, who is also the esteemed President of Leicestershire Law Society, together with Reema, provided fascinating insights into what conveyancers would like from their search providers. Their talk was not only informative but also instrumental in bridging the gap between our services and the needs of conveyancers.

We were also treated to a great debate on upfront information from Jessica Green of Martello and Nigel Walley of Chimni,  really strong, articulate, and challenging viewpoints! That’s exactly what panel discussions are meant to be like!

These are just some of the exciting highlights from what was an enriching and productive day. The conference reinforced the importance of collaboration, a value that is at the heart of IPSA. It was a day filled with learning, sharing, and growing together, and we are profoundly grateful to all the speakers and attendees who made it such a success. 

As we look forward to future IPSA events, we are inspired by the sense of community and shared purpose that was so palpable at this event. The Association of Independent Personal Search Agents continues to be a beacon of collaboration and excellence, and we are proud to be part of such an inspiring group of professionals.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this conference a very memorable one. We are sure the attendees would agree this was certainly one to remember! 

Here’s to many more years of successful collaboration and growth!

From some of our esteemed sponsors and guests:

Henry Crosby of Martello said:

“Thank you so much to the Association of Independent Personal Search Agents for inviting us to your conference and drinks event over the last few days! It was truly inspiring to meet such knowledgeable and intelligent businesses, all united by a common goal – prioritising the customer’s best interest. The passion and commitment in the room were truly contagious!

I’m excited about the prospect of deepening these connections in the future. Here’s a fun moment captured: making two lawyers, Bhumika Parmar and Reema Patel from the Leicestershire Law Society, share a laugh – quite possibly a rare moment for them! 😀

The discussion on upfront information, led by Jessica Green and Nigel Walley, was also a highlight. Their strong, articulate, and opposing viewpoints made for an engaging and thought-provoking panel discussion – exactly what such forums are meant to inspire!”

Bhumika Parmar of BP Legal Solicitors and President of the Leicestershire Law Society:

“Yesterday, during the IPSA conference, Reema Patel and I had the privilege of giving a talk on ‘The Conveyancers Perspective on Searches’ and how we can benefit from search providers and what we should look out for. It was also an excellent opportunity to hear from the IPSA Chairman, Andrew Prismall, who opened the event and discussed the future of the industry, followed by Henry Crosby Ph.D. and Jessica Green talking about environmental reporting.

We are excited to announce that a date for a future panel discussion hosting an event around Searches will be circulated on our society’s next newsletter.”