On Friday, October 25th, the Property Managers Association Scotland (PMAS) held its annual conference in Glasgow, a much-anticipated event for those in the Property Factoring sector. Hosted by the lovely Jennifer Reoch from Heart Radio, the theme this year— “Moving Back, Looking Forward”—set the tone for a day filled with learning, networking, and inspiration.
A Warm Welcome
The day kicked off with a coffee reception, providing attendees with the perfect opportunity to connect and engage with peers from various organisations within the sector. This warm atmosphere was enhanced by the support of numerous sponsors, with Indigo Swan proudly serving as the headline sponsor for the event. There were a variety of pop-up stalls hosted by the event sponsors, allowing attendees to make connections and build relationships with professionals who can support them deliver excellent factoring services. A delicious lunch, sponsored by The Property Institute, as well as coffee breaks throughout the day ensured that everyone was energised and ready for each of the sessions.
Engaging Sessions
The conference featured a diverse lineup of speakers and topics designed to equip property managers with the latest knowledge and skills in the Property Factoring world.
Session One: An informative discussion on “The Work of the TMWG” (Tenement Maintenance Working Group). Our chairman, Neil Watt, joined forces with Mike Heffron from Under One Roof to delve into this exciting planned Scottish legislation surrounding property maintenance. Their insights provided clarity on the ongoing efforts and developments within the TMWG, shedding light on how these changes will affect our industry.
Session Two: Malcolm Perryman from The Property Institute and Stephen Kelly from Under One Roof conducted a session titled “Education and Training.” They discussed the various resources available, highlighting how Under One Roof, a Scottish charity dedicated to supporting housing professionals, landlords, and owner-occupiers, has been instrumental in educating and assisting property factors. HPMS has actively participated in this initiative to strengthen our partnership with the charity and support our staff with up-to-date training and knowledge on tenement management, housing repairs and legislation. Malcolm elaborated on the pathways to obtaining the Property Factoring Diploma, emphasising its benefits for Property Factors and what the process entails to gain the Diploma. Many of our staff members have already achieved this qualification, demonstrating our dedication to professional development.
Session Three: One of the highlights was the Factoring Panel Q&A, featuring esteemed panel members including our Managing Director, David Doran, alongside past and current PMAS board members David Reid, Paul McDermott, and Paula Roberts from Trinity Factors. The session encouraged lively discussions, with attendees posing questions about managing client workloads, current cladding issues, and strategies for improving the public’s perception of property factors. David Doran emphasised the importance of having pride in our work, reminding us to celebrate the crucial role we play in caring for people’s homes.
Session Four: Thomas Beswick from CPL Software captivated the audience with a presentation on the future of IT in factoring. His exploration of AI’s potential impact on the industry was fascinating, providing us with a glimpse into how technology can shape our practices moving forward.
Wellbeing Session: To conclude the day, Julie Griffin from the Wellbeing Centre led a mindful session focused on personal wellbeing. This calming experience encouraged participants to reflect on their health and mindfulness—an essential aspect of maintaining balance in our fast-paced industry.
A Day of Collaboration
Overall, the PMAS Conference 2024 was an enriching experience filled with valuable insights and collaborative spirit. Our team returned inspired and equipped with fresh ideas and knowledge to share with our colleagues. The discussions fostered a sense of community, reminding us that we are all part of a supportive network dedicated to advancing Property factoring throughout Scotland.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the sponsors and speakers who contributed to the success of this event. Here’s to moving forward together, proud of our roles and the difference we make in people’s lives!
Stay tuned for next year’s conference, where we will continue to learn, grow, and inspire each other!
