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ACE Awards 2024

The Property Institute (TPI) is pleased to announce the winners of the ACE awards 2024

The 2024 ACE Awards winners were unveiled at a spectacular event held at Old Billingsgate in London on Friday, 21st June.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the River Thames, this year’s theme transported attendees back to the roaring 1920s, featuring an evening of live music, exquisite dining, and thrilling entertainment, creating an unforgettable experience.

With over 700 property professionals in attendance—a testament to its growing prominence, the evening also garnered a record-breaking number of entries.

Twenty-one category winners emerged, selected by a panel of 12 independent judges. For a list of winners, see page 7!

A New Chapter for The Housing Sector

As the general election results come to a close, The Property Institute (TPI) extends its congratulations to the Labour Party on their resounding landslide victory.

This pivotal moment marks the beginning of a new chapter for our nation, and we wish our new Government every success. TPI will work with the new Government to advance the property management sector and improve practices and policies for the wider housing market.

The Labour Party's support for key legislation, such as the Building Safety Act 2022 and the Leasehold & Freehold Reform Act 2024, has been instrumental in laying the groundwork for a safer, more transparent, and equitable experience for those living in multi-occupied buildings. However, these legislative endeavours are not without their challenges. Regrettably, important amendments proposed during the opposition were overlooked as the Leasehold & Freehold Reform Act 2024 was hurriedly passed through Parliament just as it was adjourning. Now that our new Government is in power, addressing these issues should be a priority.

Labour's election manifesto pledges reflect an ambitious plan to tackle the critical challenges faced by the housing sector. The headline commitment to deliver 1.5 million new homes over five years is a bold step towards alleviating Britain's housing shortage. Key pledges also include the largest increase of social and affordable housing delivery in a generation, immediate planning reform, enhanced tenant rights, and support for first-time buyers.

As the new Government prepares to introduce an additional 1.5 million homes, it is more critical than ever that the millions of residents in these ‘vertical villages’, regardless of tenure, reside in safe, secure, and well-managed homes, have access to the right information about their home, and are served by competent, ethical, and regulated property managers. Improving the lives of residents in multi-occupancy buildings must be high on the agenda; and following the aftermath of Grenfell, it is imperative that the new Government prioritises our country’s numerous outstanding building safety concerns without delay.

Andrew Bulmer, Chief Executive, TPI said: “We support many of Labour's election manifesto pledges; however, it is time for the Government to demonstrate firm commitment. The housing market has weathered incessant changes in housing ministers, siloed policymaking, and delayed responses to emerging housing market challenges. There is an urgent need for a comprehensive and consistent approach to policymaking, as well as a robust collaboration framework between industry stakeholders, government departments, and ministers.

We urge the new Government to build on the momentum of recent leasehold legislation and introduce practical and proportionate regulation, including the implementation of regulation of property managers and improving transparency for leaseholders. Residential communities and complex buildings deserve competent, professional management, while leaseholders should be fully informed about their rights and responsibilities. Good quality housing and well-connected communities are the foundation of positive societal outcomes.

The Government needs to urgently fund and fix the thousands of unsafe buildings, ensuring leaseholders and residents are safe in their homes, and protected from excessive costs related to remediation and safety defects.”

Click here to read the full statement.

TPI remains dedicated to being the voice of the residential property management sector, and is committed to collaborating closely with the new Government to foster a thriving and secure housing sector that meets the diverse needs of all residents.

TPI's Manifesto, outlines four key asks for the next Government:

1. Introduce regulation of managing agents

This will mean leaseholders and private tenants will all benefit from improved standards in the management of their buildings and communities.

2. Deliver transparency of information for leaseholders

There must be greater transparency for leaseholders at the point of purchase, and

throughout their period of ownership, particularly regarding service charges.

3. Finish the job of fixing unsafe buildings

The implementation issues and slow progress of the remediation programme and the complex leaseholder protections regime must be addressed to fully fix buildings and make residents feel safe and protected from unnecessary costs.

4. Enable blocks of flats to decarbonise to help achieve Net Zero

Leaseholders should be empowered to make energy efficiency improvements to their homes, with support from a government strategy and grant funding options.

Download TPI 2024 Manifesto Here.

Future Group Announces New Division: Future Decarbonise

Future Group is excited to announce the creation of its newest division, Future Decarbonise, dedicated to addressing the urgent need for reducing carbon emissions and providing renewable energy solutions.

The new division represents a strategic initiative designed to tackle the complex energy challenges faced by modern businesses and the property management sector. This move underscores Future Group’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, marking a significant step towards achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050.

Leadership and Vision

Leading this pioneering division is Alexander Iacovides, a seasoned professional who brings a wealth of experience in electrical and gas systems, smart building controls, and specialised energy assessments. Having grown up in both the UK and Spain, Iacovides developed a strong work ethic from a young age, working in family restaurants and businesses before moving into construction as an electrician. Over the past 15 years, he has held various positions, including directorships in electrical testing and multi-skilled engineering companies.

"I’m very excited to be joining Future Group as the director of its newest division, Future Decarbonise," stated Alex. "I believe that the new division offers significant growth opportunities and will contribute to the company's expansion and market presence. I am keen to collaborate with the many talented and experienced colleagues I’m lucky to be working with at Future Group on new projects and initiatives."

Strategic Objectives and Benefits

The establishment of Future Decarbonise is driven by several key objectives:

  1. Responding to Climate Change: The division aims to contribute actively to global efforts to combat climate change by offering sustainable solutions such as solar panel installation, electrical storage batteries, and air source heat pumps.
  2. Supporting Regulatory Compliance: With governments setting stringent targets to reduce carbon emissions, Future Decarbonise will help clients navigate these regulatory landscapes, providing expert advice and practical solutions to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.
  3. Enhancing Client Value: The division will offer solutions that allow clients to forecast energy costs accurately, facilitating better budgeting and operational planning. Electrical energy storage solutions, for example, can offer significant cost savings for residential blocks.
  4. Promoting Innovation and Leadership: Future Decarbonise underscores the company’s commitment to innovation in the energy sector, exploring cutting-edge technologies and practices to drive sustainable growth and set industry standards.
  5. Fostering a Sustainable Future: By supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy, the division aligns with Future Group’s mission to create a positive environmental impact, positioning the company as a leader in sustainability.
  6. Building Resilience and Competitiveness: The division will help clients reduce dependence on fossil fuels, mitigate risks associated with energy price volatility, and build resilience in an increasingly competitive market.
  7. Driving Economic Growth: Investing in decarbonisation and renewable energy technologies can create new business opportunities and jobs, contributing to economic development and positioning Future Group as a key player in the renewable’s economy.

A Supportive and Forward-Thinking Environment

Expressing his enthusiasm for joining Future Group, Alex remarked, "Most of all, I’m thrilled to be able to advance my career within a supportive, forward-thinking, and award-winning organisation such as Future Group, where the company's vision, values, and goals align with my own professional aspirations and personal values, making it an ideal environment to achieve mutual success."

Personal Interests

Outside of work, Alex enjoys spending time in the gym, which he considers a form of meditation away from the fast-paced work environment. His other interests include outdoor activities such as archery, rock climbing, and abseiling.

Conclusion

The creation of Future Decarbonise is a strategic move that reflects Future Group’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and leadership in the energy sector. By focusing on decarbonisation and energy solutions, the company is addressing the critical challenges of climate change, supporting clients' needs, and contributing to a more sustainable future. Together, Future Group believes it can make a meaningful impact and work towards achieving a greener, more resilient world.