Mark Milner appointed as CEO of Landmark Information Group

DMG Information (DMGI), the business information division of the Daily Mail & General Trust plc, today announces that Mark Milner, formerly Managing Director of Landmark UK Property, has been appointed to the position of CEO Landmark Information Group. He will be based in Landmark’s UK offices, but assumes responsibility for all of Landmark activities in UK and Europe. Milner replaces Stephen Stout who has been appointed to the new role of CEO DMG Information Asia Pacific.

Milner joined Landmark full time in September 2012 from The Digital Property Group where he was CEO, and has been a member of the Landmark Board since 2009.

Landmark is the UK’s leading provider of land and property search information, including digital mapping, environmental risk reports for property professionals and sophisticated property management tools to surveyors, risk and fraud managers and the broader financial markets. It also has operations in Germany in the form of On-Geo, and interests in Holland.

Commenting on his new role, Milner said, “Landmark is truly a great company and I feel privileged to be taking over the reins of such a successful business from Stephen Stout who has steered the business with such great leadership and judgement. Happily I will be able to draw on Stephen’s experience as he will remain on our Board, and I have every confidence our new Landmark will go from strength to strength; we have many exciting plans for new and existing customers, and a great selection of people in the team to deliver against those ambitions.”

Commenting on the appointment, out-going CEO Stephen Stout commented: “Mark has made a big impact on Landmark since his arrival and I have absolute confidence he and the team will continue to have success expanding Landmark’s UK business and developing further in Europe. Landmark is in great hands.”

Milner will report to Suresh Kavan, CEO of DMGI, who commented, “We are delighted to have Mark at the helm at Landmark. He and his team have already restructured the UK business and launched a series of products aimed at the financial risk and environmental markets. I am very confident he will expand our position in the UK market and continue the work to take Landmark further into Europe and build upon our successes in Germany.”

Stephen Stout appointed as CEO DMG Information Asia Pacific

DMG Information (DMGI), the business information division of the Daily Mail & General Trust plc, today announces that Stephen Stout, formerly CEO of Landmark Information Group, has been appointed to a newly formed position of CEO DMGI Asia Pacific. He will be located in Singapore and will be tasked with developing DMGI’s presence in Asia and adjacent markets. Stout will be replaced as CEO of the Landmark Information Group by Mark Milner, who was previously CEO of the Digital Property Group.

Stout is no stranger to the Asia and Australasian markets having previously been based in Singapore for eight years and two years in Australia in previous roles.

Commenting on his new role, Stout said, “After 10 years at Landmark, I am extremely excited to be taking on the challenge of spearheading DMGI’s expansion into Asia, a market in which we already have experience and where we can see enormous opportunities. Landmark has made huge progress over the years and it has been an honour to work with the Landmark team, who, I am certain, will continue to have success expanding Landmark’s UK business and developing further in Europe”.

Stout will continue to report to Suresh Kavan, CEO of DMGI, who commented, “I’d like to thank Stephen for his leadership over the last 10 years and wish him the very best of luck in his new venture; we are all very excited about realising the opportunities we have identified in the Asian markets and Stephen is exactly the person to bring those opportunities to DMGI. In his new pan-DMGI role he also has access to a vast array of DMGI services and he will be instrumental in helping our US and European businesses establish secure footings in the Asian and Australasian markets.”

A follow-up announcement will be released shortly with details of Stout’s successor. 

David Mole introduces Risky Business, discusses changes to the National Planning Policy Framework and government plans to invest in infrastructure

I’ll be speaking to you about our new Risky Business breakfast briefings and the proposed Government changes to planning policies as well and its injection of funds into the country’s infrastructure.

Risky Business

Following our highly successful conference held last November, we are delighted to announce that Landmark will be hosting a series of ‘Risky Business’ breakfast briefings, enabling industry experts to meet and discuss the latest hot industry topics.

The first of three Risky Business conferences in 2013 is taking place on Wednesday 27^th February, 8am – 9.30am at Double Tree by Hilton, One Piccadilly Place, 1 Auburn Street, Manchester, M1 3DG. 

Risky Business breakfast briefings offer a platform for delegates to discuss with leading industry figureheads the latest key issues affecting the industry. Practical guidance and expert advice on contaminated land treatment are offered by key figure heads and delegates are given the opportunity to pose questions and be part of the discussion.

Our speakers include Keith Davidson, founder of ELM Law, a boutique environmental practice that advises law firms, developers, local authorities and the chemicals sector. Keith will be discussing Environmental Law; Understanding the liability rules under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Contaminated Land Statutory Guidance.  He will also provide a summary of the Environmental Damage Regulations 2009 and the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

6 Alpha’s Simon Cooke will provide an insight into the risks of unexploded ordnance, whilst providing delegates with practical guidance to ensure that they are doing all they can to help their clients and protect themselves.

Places for the first breakfast briefing are now fully booked but keep an eye on our website, http://www.landmark.co.uk/page/risky-business-breakfast-briefing , as we will soon be opening registration for forthcoming events in Southampton in May followed by London in July.

Changes to the National Planning Policy Framework

It has been well documented that planning decisions can take an exceptionally long time, slowing down and even preventing many people from building new homes, creating new places and bringing disused or neglected land and buildings back into productive use. The Government recently introduced new planning regulations to simplify planning approval processes and make their policies and guidance simpler and easier to follow, thereby greatly speeding up the planning approval process.

Assisting with the Government’s aim to cut red tape and stimulate the construction market is Envirocheck, which offers the industry a world-class, leading comprehensive search of environmental information, including current and historical mapping for environmental professionals.  Envirocheck uncovers all the evidence, thereby preventing delays further in the process. It ensures that the environmental professional’s advice helps their clients achieve a successful outcome from planning application stage by discharging their requirements under the new planning regime for contaminated land appraisal.

Envirocheck provides unrivalled intelligence in contaminated land appraisal through the extensive collation of the information and mapping provided by the service. This gives the environmental professional confidence that they have identified all potential sources of contamination as part of the desk study process, and thereby avoiding unnecessary delays and cost to the project due to a hidden potentially contaminated features being found later in the development process.

Government’s Plans to Invest in Infrastructure

Last December saw the Chancellor of the Exchequer deliver his Autumn Statement to Parliament, which focused on reducing the deficit, restoring stability, re-balancing the economy and equipping the UK to compete in the global race. Amongst the proposals was the Government’s plan to meet the needs of businesses with a £5.5 billion infrastructure package and support for long-term private investment in new roads, science investment, free schools and academies.

I believe that there can be little doubt that investment in the UK’s infrastructure, particularly our travel network such as a third runway at Heathrow and the new High-Speed 2 rail link, is vital if we are to continue to compete on the world stage as a global leader.  Of course, we do not want to build for buildings’ sake, but we must invest in our country otherwise we run the very real risk of being left behind. The French rail network already puts ours in the shade.

The focus by the Government and the injection of funds into infrastructure is clearly a very positive step for the construction industry and environmental professionals. Envirocheck is already playing a role and has been used for several large infrastructure projects, having supplied information to consultants for projects such as the London 2012 Olympics, High-Speed 2 and Crossrail. As the nation rides high on the unrivalled success of the London Olympics, this is a very exciting time with big plans in place to improve our country’s infrastructure – and Landmark and Envirocheck are set to be at the heart of that.

Andy Lucas, MD of Property Assure, looks at the effect of spring and the largest trigger of subsidence – trees and vegetation.

In his third blog, Andy Lucas, Managing Director of Property Assure, looks at the effect of spring and the largest trigger of subsidence – trees and vegetation.

So spring is on its way (although it appears that winter is not going to go too easily) and nature starts to come alive after its winter sleep.  With the start of the tree growing season not too far away (generally recognised as the end of April) tree roots will then start to absorb water. Moisture uptake varies cross the various species but the high water demand trees such as Willows, Poplars and Oaks can remove in excess of 50,000 litres of water a year!

In the last couple blogs we discussed the main causes of subsidence (soil shrinkage).  Each cause usually has some external influence or trigger.  The largest trigger is the water absorption of trees and vegetation in clay and other cohesive soils – in fact over 60% of all subsidence claims are triggered by trees. 

To understand whether a tree could have an effect on a property the property must sit within the zone of tree root influence, which is the area from which a tree absorbs moisture. The extent of the zone depends upon the type of tree and the location of other trees – as they compete for moisture so they send out further roots.  As mentioned earlier Oak, Poplar, Willow are regarded as the worst offenders.   A general rule of thumb to determine the zone of influence is to imagine cutting the tree at its base and laying it down – ‘imagine’ is the main word here as simply cutting down a tree can cause you significant legal and property issues (which we will go into further in my next blog)

In dry periods (drought or seasonal variance) the roots of the tree will spread in search of moisture from an extended area (indeed moisture removal of up to a depth of 6m can take place) and so although originally thought to be too remote to affect the building the tree can now do so.   

So the first step is to understand the subsidence risk and then take into consideration any trees within the zone of influence.  It is important that such risks are taken into consideration before the onset of any new growing season, so the risk (or associated costs of risk management and repair) is realised and managed from the outset.   If numerous trees exist on a property then specific arboricultural advice may be required.

In the next blog we will explore the effect of trees and vegetation further - particularly tree management approaches and the impact of legislation and ownership.

Visit www.subsidencesupport.co.uk for more guidance and advice on Subsidence.

Andy Lucas, Managing Director at Property Assure Ltd

Understanding subsidence, by Andy Lucas, Managing Director of Property Assure

So what will be the effect of all the rain we have seen – surely subsidence is caused by dry weather!  Well, it is correct that the main cause is clay soil shrinkage from dry weather; however it is a little more complicated than that (as most things are).  

We need to have a look at soil types to illustrate the potential effects of water.  In simple terms there are two types – cohesive soils (such as clay & silt in which water can be absorbed or expelled leading to the soil either shrinking or swelling) and non-cohesive (such as sand and gravel are susceptible for the fine particles in their composition to be washed away)

Leaking drains and pipes are the second highest cause of house subsidence accounting for about 15-20% of subsidence incidents – and so an increase in water flowing through them will obviously have a higher impact!  (Have you had the drainage checked?). There are two ways in which a leaking drain or water main can cause subsidence:

·        Softening the ground and therefore its load bearing capacity, resulting in the downward movement of the foundations;

·         Washing away fine particles in a non-cohesive soil causing erosion / voiding.

A key note here is whether the property actually has a mains drainage system or simply uses a soakaway (a pit, typically filled with hard core into which rainwater is piped so that it slowly drains into the surrounding soil).  If the soakaway is not of the correct distance from the property (5 m is generally considered to be acceptable) or of inadequate construction or excavated within the water table then the rainwater will not be effectively discharged away from the house.  Clearly any chance of water migrating towards the house foundation is a potential risk and we would therefore advise that after period of excessive rainfall the performance of soakaways should be visually assessed (i.e. waterlogged ground, water backing up through gullies).

Cost Saving tip -On a separate note if your rainwater does not get discharged into the main sewer then you may be applicable for a water bill rebate – please let us know if you want more details).

So all the water we’ve had can cause subsidence (along with not enough water!).  The first step is to understand the subsidence risk and the state of the property drainage system, particularly if purchasing a new property.  It is important that such risks are taken into consideration as early in the process as possible, so the risk (or associated costs of risk management and repair) is realised from the outset.

Key issues in 2013, by Mark Milner, Managing Director, Landmark UK Property

January – that time of year to reflect on the past 12 months and consider what lies ahead in 2013.  Whilst I can’t say what the future holds, I believe that three of the key issues facing the market in 2013 will be compliance, flooding and subsidence.

Compliance

1 January 2013 saw individuals at more than 8,800 firms take up their new roles as Compliance Officers for Legal Practice (COLPs) and Compliance Officers for Finance and Administration (COFAs). This, however, represents less than 90% of the nearly 10,000 firms required to appoint individuals to these roles, leaving nearly 1,000 firms unrepresented.

It’s vital that all required firms comply and nominate a COLP and a COFA; they play a pivotal role in ensuring that firms and ABSs throughout England and Wales have appropriate systems and controls in place to enable them to manage risks to their delivery of competent and ethical legal services. If they do not, they run the risk of their authorisation being revoked and even the closure of their firm.

We continue to work closely with our clients and partners in developing affordable, user-friendly and readily accessible tools which not only assist legal practitioners in managing their compliance requirements, but also help remove the burden. Thanks to our ever-evolving data and reports, solicitors don’t need to be hydrologists or experts in contaminated land to interpret the risks.

Flooding

2012 started with hose pipe bans and warnings of drought but ended as the wettest in England since records began. It’s been revealed that the UK as a whole has been getting wetter in recent decades, with four of the top five wettest years occurring since 2000.

With the Statement of Principles coming to an end, from 1 July we are entering a new era in which flood insurance may not be affordable or even available to ‘at risk’ homes.  The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has devised a workable new way to deliver flood insurance to ‘at risk’ properties by adding a small premium, in the region of £5-£8 per policy, to every household’s flood insurance, including those at ‘low risk’. At the time of writing, however, the Government is yet to accept its proposal. If this solution is not agreed and put in place for 1 July, I anticipate that the ABI will revert to ‘risk-based’ pricing – meaning that those at significant risk of flooding may well find their insurance cover is withdrawn whilst others may see their premiums or excesses significantly increase or that certain conditions are imposed on cover.

Whilst the ABI’s proposal seems the most reasonable way forward at present, it is in no way certain that the Government will agree. After all, why should those in low risk areas pay extra to cover those who have chosen to live in high risk areas? Of course, flood risk data hasn’t always been as readily available as it is now so many people will have unwittingly purchased in a high risk area – particularly if the property is not located near a river or the coast – but that doesn’t mean that others should pick up the bill.

It is – and will continue to be – vital for homeowners to obtain an independent, professional risk assessment on both coastal and flash flooding for their property.  It is only when they are in full possession of the facts that they can make an informed and intelligent decision about their next steps, either for a property they already own or are considering purchasing.

For those who already own an ‘at risk’ property’, they shouldn’t think that there is nothing to be done and that they automatically face either hefty insurance payments or clean-up bill. There is a vast array of products out there which help protect properties and mitigate the damage caused by flooding. From door, window and air brick covers to toilet bungs and everything in between, these products will not only help protect a home, but they could make the difference between being able to obtain affordable insurance or not.

It is not only homeowners that need to be aware of the risks in order to cover themselves -  conveyancing professionals must ensure they carry out due diligence and recommend their clients obtain a flood report for any property they are considering purchasing or taking a lease of. This will alert them to any potential problems, enabling them to research whether insurance cover will be available and discuss flood resistance or resilience measures at a stage when it is still possible to renegotiate the price.

It is perfectly plausible that, in the not-too-distant future, a situation could arise whereby a homeowner who is flooded twice in short succession simply walks away from the property because they cannot get it insured or repaired. The lender would then repossess the property and either sell it at a huge loss or is unable to sell it at all. They would then call in the legal file and, on finding that no enquiries were made about flood risks and no report was carried out, they would be highly likely to sue the solicitor to recover their losses.  

Whilst I’ve not yet learned of this happening, 2013 could be the year that a test case is brought against a conveyancing professional for not carrying out due diligence.

Solicitors need not worry unduly however; they are not required to become hydrologists overnight. Professional desktop searches are readily available, easily accessible and extremely cost-effective, thereby removing the onus from the solicitor to conduct their own extensive research. Professional flood search reports provide not only the homeowner with the information they require, but give solicitors peace of mind that they have carried out their due diligence.   

Subsidence

Subsidence is a silent natural disaster and represents the largest ground stability risk in the UK with approximately 6.5 million properties at risk – approximately 1.5 million more than those at risk of flooding.  An average estimated £200-£250 million is spent on insurance claims every year, with the total spend for the past 10 years totalling £3bn. Like flooding, subsidence is not going to go away – in fact, European research predicts a more than 50% increase in subsidence over the next 30 years alone.

Despite these concerning figures, thorough checks of a property’s subsidence risk are not always carried out as standard during the conveyancing process; as a result, many homebuyers may be purchasing a property without realising the dangers or understanding the impact upon value, insurability and saleability. The Council of Mortgage Lenders advises conveyancers that they ‘must carry out any other searches which may be appropriate to the particular property, taking into account its locality and other features’.

If homeowners or potential homeowners are unaware of the potential risks to a property, they may be caught off guard with their property exposed to subsidence. The only way to ensure that this does not happen is to be prepared and obtain a professional assessment. This isn’t as onerous as it sounds; help is at hand. We developed our Subsidence Risk Services precisely to remove the burden from solicitors. These go well beyond the current level of information found in standard searches. Together with Property Assure we now have a unique risk-based data set taking into account previous insurance claims. Our subsidence certificate now offers a very straightforward assessment for clients and provides homeowners and solicitors alike with peace of mind that all necessary checks have been carried out and that no hidden surprises will be uncovered once the buyers have moved in.

In the event that a subsidence risk is identified we also provide a full range of comprehensive follow-on services.

Given the number of homes at risk of subsidence, it is vital that homeowners and solicitors alike are aware of the risks and take steps to protect any ‘at risk’ properties.  If they do not, there is a very real risk that many homeowners may see their home and financial stability disappear.  

www.landmark.co.uk

The new EPC Regulation changes - how do they effect you?

From the 9^th January 2013, some changes came into force regarding Energy Performance Certificates and how they are to be used by property agents.  

Under the new Guidance released by CLG, all estate agents and letting agents will now have to display the EPC rating within property adverts. This doesn’t however include a requirement to publish the associated graphs or to attach the front page of the EPC’s report to marketing literature, as previously required.

The new EPC regulation changes can be summarised as:

1. The responsibility for procuring an EPC has moved from estate agents in so far as the relevant person now is only vendor or landlord. The duties of estate agents are greatly reduced.
2. The front page of the EPC no longer has to be attached to sales particulars.
3. All property advertisements are to include details of energy performance certificate ratings (the letter rather than the full graph) where available.
4. The need to produce an EPC on listed buildings has been removed.
5. EPCs are not now required on lease renewals/extensions only where properties are being let to a new tenant.
6. "First day marketing" remains unchanged in so far as properties can be listed on the basis that an PEC will be produced within 7 days and the 21 day rule takes effect after that.
7. Extension of current requirements for a display energy certificate in large public buildings, to public buildings above 500m². Unlike buildings larger than 1,000m², display energy certificates for smaller public buildings will be valid for 10 years.
   
8. The EPC is to be displayed in commercial premises larger than 500m² where one has been previously issued.
9. Trading standard officers have a duty to enforce the regulations rather than just a power to enforce them.