This year’s ARLA (Association of Residential Letting Agents) Propertymark Conference took place at London’s ExCel centre on Tuesday 28th April 2017.
Oakfield were represented by myself Neil Newstead our CEO, Samantha Hensher our Financial Director and our Branch Managers Hannah Stanbridge, Chloe Fox and Richard Snatt. We braved the heavy early traffic and checked into the ExCel centre ahead of schedule and re-fuelled with some much-required coffee and tea.
The day opened with welcomes and addresses from Julian Worricker the Conference Moderator, Nik Madan who is the president of ARLA Propertymark they were then followed by an industry round-up from David Cox, ARLA Propertymark Chief Executive.
The Head of Lettings at Rightmove, Sam Mitchell gave an excellent market update on the way Rightmove see the current market. He was followed by a debate on ‘Life after lettings fees’ with David Cox, Ross Jezzard the Director of Jezzards, Vicky Spatt the Deputy Editor of The Debrief, Clear Barrett the Editor of FT Money, Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town and Jane Everton (DCLG). The debate welcomed questions from the floor which raised excellent points on the impact of banning Lettings fees and furthermore some members of the panel also made some very valid comments in favour of the ban, the full overview provided was very well balanced.
William Hauge gave a keynote speech before the day ended with a Right to Rent Court case trial followed by a questions and answers session on the Right to Rent. We found this particularly interesting and it highlighted the importance of due diligence as an Agent, as well as featuring some light-hearted and humorous content also.
There was a chance for all of us to meet numerous companies who provide products and services to the lettings industry including software designers, energy suppliers, online marketing portals as well as a few entrepreneurs intent on promoting their services.
An excellent and informative day was had by all and we are already looking forward to next year.
Neil Newstead, FARLA MNAEA
CEO – Oakfield Estate Agents