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Congratulations to the ACE Award 2025 Finalists!

A Record Number of Entries, an Epic Shortlist, plus an 80s Party You Won't Want To Miss!

We’re blown away... as this year's ACE Awards saw a record-breaking number of entries! To everyone who took the time to enter, we'd like to say a massive THANK YOU. 👏

Your entries showcased the incredible hard work, talent, and dedication driving the sector forward, and our expert panel of judges were seriously impressed. After much deliberation, we're thrilled to reveal the 2025 Finalists...

CLICK HERE to see if you made the shortlist!

These outstanding entries rose above fierce competition, and now it's time to celebrate in true 80s disco style! 💽⭐

Friday, 20 June | 18:00 - 00:45

Old Billingsgate — a stunning venue on the banks of the River Thames

A huge congratulations to all our 2025 finalists – and heartfelt thanks to every single entrant.

We can't wait to raise a glass with you! 🌟

Empowering Leaseholders and Supporting Managing Agents: Tailored Management Support Ltd Bespoke Solutions

As significant reforms to Right to Manage (RTM) legislation took effect on 3 March 2025, Tailored Management Support Ltd (TMS) highlights its services to support self-managing Right to Manage (RTM) and Resident Management Companies (RMCs), while continuing to assist Managing Agents in delivering high-quality property management solutions.

Legislative Changes Driving New Opportunities

The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 introduces key reforms designed to make the RTM process more accessible, enabling more buildings to take control of their management:

Elimination of the Two-Year Waiting Period – Leaseholders will no longer need to wait two years after purchasing their property before initiating an RTM claim.
Revised Participation Thresholds – The threshold for leaseholder participation has been adjusted from 50% to 25%, allowing buildings with up to 50% non-residential floorspace to qualify for RTM or freehold acquisition.

These changes provide leaseholders with greater control and flexibility in how their buildings are managed, while also influencing the role of Managing Agents who continue to serve a significant portion of the sector.

Tailored Support for Self-Managing Leaseholders and Managing Agents

TMS Ltd offers flexible and bespoke property management solutions tailored to the unique needs of both self-managing RTM/RMC directors and Managing Agents looking for additional support. Our services provide essential administrative and operational assistance, ensuring developments run smoothly while allowing directors and agents to focus on strategic decision-making.

Key services include:

Managing contractor liaison and maintenance coordination
Assisting with compliance and regulatory requirements
Supporting directors and managing agents in fulfilling their responsibilities effectively

TMS Ltd works within clients’ chosen software systems and maintains stringent privacy policies to ensure data security and confidentiality. Whether supporting self-managing leaseholders in their transition to RTM or assisting Managing Agents in delivering efficient services, TMS provides a reliable and cost-effective solution.

Industry Expertise You Can Trust

Tailored Management Support Ltd (TMS) was co-founded by Emma Peach MTPI AssocRICS and Zoe Southwell MREC, bringing together decades of experience in property management and industry recruitment.

Emma Peach has nearly 20 years of industry experience, working directly with Managing Agents and leaseholders to deliver tailored property management solutions. She is also the founder of Peach Property Consultancy.
Zoe Southwell has over a decade of specialist recruitment experience supporting the property sector. She is also the founder of Connectus Recruitment Ltd.

Together, they have developed TMS Ltd to meet the growing demand for flexible, high-quality management solutions, empowering leaseholders while complementing the services offered by Managing Agents.

Meeting an Evolving Industry Need

“Initially, we were instructed by Managing Agents to assist them in bridging gaps in employment, supporting onboarding requirements, and assisting those not yet ready to hire full-time staff,” says Emma Peach, co-founder of TMS Ltd. “However, we are now witnessing a shift, with self-managing leaseholders also seeking support. The new legislation gives leaseholders a real opportunity to take control, and we are here to provide the professional support and expertise required to make self-management a success.”

“TMS Ltd is all about providing choice, flexibility, and control,” adds Zoe Southwell, co-founder. “Many leaseholders still rely on the expertise of full-time Managing Agents, but there is also a growing number choosing to self-manage who require assistance with specific tasks. At TMS, we ensure they have the tools and expertise needed to succeed.”

UK Finance Updates Lender Statement on EWS1

Today, Thursday 24 April, UK Finance has published an update to the current lender statement on cladding. This update covers:

Reliance in the mortgage journey on EWS1 forms more than five years old
The scenario of an EWS1 form in the mortgage journey by an invalid signatory

Leaseholders and prospective buyers will now have more clarity on purchasing homes with building safety issues, following a key update from mortgage lenders and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) regarding EWS1 forms:

EWS1 forms more than 5 years old

When EWS1 was developed in 2019, forms were nominally given a 5-year life as it was anticipated that buildings with defective cladding would have been remediated within this timeframe.

As some early forms are now approaching their five-year anniversary there is a need to ensure the market for flats in affected blocks continues to operate without friction. To ensure this happens, the lender signatories to the original statement further pledge not to require wholesale reviews of EWS1 forms which are more than 5 years old.

EWS1 forms by an invalid signatory

Where there is an invalid signatory of EWS1 forms, the lender signatories to the original statement further pledge not to require wholesale reviews of affected EWS1 forms. This is subject to individual lender policy and risk appetite. Lenders may consider alternative evidence about the remediation status of a building and whether the lease is a qualifying lease under the Building Safety Act 2022, in England.

To read the UK Finance lender statement update in full CLICK HERE

Introducing the New Dream Team in Neighbourly Matters Surveying

We are delighted to announce that EK McQuade Neighbourly Matters is joining forces with the Party Wall team at Archway Building Consultancy to form Akt. Neighbourly Surveyors.

Both firms have pioneered a new approach to Party Wall surveying, combining unrivalled expertise in the Party Wall Act with a dynamic, people-centred, and results-focused attitude. The merger is a logical next step for both teams, bringing together talent and expertise from both sides to provide a better service than ever to clients old and new.

Director of Akt. Party Wall, Abbie Reid said: “This is an exciting time for our team and clients. By combining two highly experienced Party Wall teams, we’re enhancing our ability to deliver a seamless, client-focussed service. Party Wall matters can be complex, but with the right expertise, we streamline the process for property owners, developers, and managers. Our dynamic team ensures clients receive expert guidance every step of the way.”

We share a modern approach to Party Wall and Rights to Light surveying that has been honed by working with architects and developers. Rather than seeing Neighbourly Matters as a bureaucratic hurdle to overcome, we believe in integrating them into the creative process behind any given project. That means taking a joined-up approach, with clear communication with all concerned, and moving fast without compromising on quality.

Recognising their shared vision, both firms saw the opportunity to merge into a stronger, dedicated company. Akt. now has the resources to offer more expertise to clients, including property managers as well as architects and developers.

As Director of Akt. Rights to Light, Dan Wade believes this merger is an exciting opportunity to expand our expertise in both Rights to Light and Party Wall surveying: “Rights to Light and Party Wall are complementary services in neighbourly matters, and this partnership ensures we remain at the forefront of the industry, offering expert guidance while fostering positive neighbourly relations. It’s the perfect time to relaunch, reflect on our growth, and continue delivering the best possible service to our clients.”

With a renewed focus on thinking creatively to meet clients’ needs, Akt. brings much-needed thought leadership to Neighbourly Matters. Our collective experience and expertise in Party Wall and Rights to Light means we can support developers and neighbours to find practical solutions from feasibility to completion.

Abbie Reid is a Senior Party Wall Surveyor with a master’s degree in building surveying and extensive industry experience. A member of both the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors and the Pyramus and Thisbe Society, she transitioned from property sales to surveying, quickly rising through the ranks. She now leads on Party Wall matters, mentoring junior surveyors and ensuring best practices are upheld.

Dan Wade is a leading specialist in natural light assessments, with 25 years of experience covering everything from small domestic projects to major town regenerations and skyscrapers. His expertise spans Rights to Light, Daylight & Sunlight, and Overshadowing matters, ensuring compliance and clarity for developers and affected parties alike. A champion of innovation in the field, he also regularly presents on industry best practices and changes in legislation.

Strangford Management Ltd Strengthens Leadership Team with Strategic Senior Promotions

Strangford Management Ltd, a leading leasehold block management company based in London, is proud to announce the promotion of three outstanding team members to key roles within the company:

Matthew Wheeler-Wade has been appointed Head of Block Management
Charlotte Doogal has been promoted to Property Manager
Adnan Ahmed has been named Finance Director

These appointments mark a major milestone for Strangford Management as the company accelerates its strategic growth plans across London and the South East. With these promotions, Strangford not only deepens its leadership bench but reinforces its reputation for internal development, client-first service, and operational excellence.

Michael Paul, Managing Director, commented:

“Matt, Charlotte, and Adnan represent the very best of Strangford. Their promotions reflect years of hard work, integrity, and a relentless commitment to excellence in the Leasehold industry. This is a huge moment for our company, each of them brings the talent, experience, and leadership we need to continue delivering an exceptional service for our clients while shaping the future of leasehold block management in the UK.”

About the Newly Appointed Leaders:

Matthew Wheeler-Wade, now Head of Block Management, has been with the company for over 5 years, expertly managing some of the most high-profile residential developments in London with calm authority and operational vision.

Charlotte Doogal steps into the Property Manager role less than a year after joining Strangford, having rapidly impressed with her intelligence, client care, and leadership potential.

Adnan Ahmed, now Finance Director, has played a pivotal role in the growth of Strangford since joining as the company’s first full-time employee. A trusted advisor and true pillar of the business, Adnan has helped shape the financial infrastructure of the company from the ground up. His calm presence, sharp analytical mind, and unwavering commitment to excellence have not only earned him several industry accolades but also the deep respect and admiration of colleagues and clients alike.

Together, they will be instrumental in supporting the company’s growing portfolio and upholding its values of transparency, personal service, and innovation.

Principle Estate Management Acquires Pennycuick Collins’ Lettings and Block Management Portfolio

Principle Estate Management has announced the acquisition of the residential lettings and block management portfolio of Pennycuick Collins, a Birmingham-based property consultancy.

The strategic acquisition increases Principle’s managed portfolio to 25,000 leasehold units and 600 lettings managed units, which significantly expands its lettings service and expertise.

The acquisition unites longstanding professional relationships for Principle’s founder and joint managing director Brett Williams.

Brett Williams said: “This deal is particularly special to me, as it brings my career full circle, having worked in this business earlier in my career. It’s now a proud moment being able to integrate it into the business we’ve built here at Principle.

“The acquisition aligns with our mission to blend experienced people, smart systems, and client-focused service. There is real talent in the team, and we’re excited about the opportunities to further enhance service quality with the structures we already have in place.”

Joe Jobson, co-owner and joint managing director at Principle, added: “As part of the acquisition, we’re delighted to welcome Lucy Roberts as our new director – head of residential asset management.

“With over 20 years of industry experience, Lucy brings a wealth of knowledge and a trusted team alongside her. This ensures continuity of service for our existing clients while strengthening our offering for new ones.”

Following the sale, Pennycuick Collins will focus exclusively on its core commercial property and building surveying services. As part of the restructuring, the Pennycuick Collins business has also relocated to Foundry at 6 Brindley Place in Birmingham, B1 2JB.

Pennycuick Collins owners Adrian Roddick and Charles Gillett also expressed their confidence in the transition.

“We’ve been seeking the right home for this part of the business and we’re confident we’ve found it in Principle. Our team is excited about the move, and we know our residential clients will be in great hands.”

Legal advisors for the transaction were Wilkes Partnership, who acted for Principle, and Realty Law, who advised Pennycuick Collins.