Welcome to the online edition of January's News on the Block

publication date: Feb 1, 2008

Well, what a busy year 2007 was. News on the Block launched its first property conference on Commonhold, a group of us visited MIPIM in the south of France – the world’s most audacious and socially exhausting real estate event. (You can read a preview of this year’s event in this issue’s business pages). And we spent a few pleasant days in Cardiff at the newly launched RESI conference. It didn’t stop there: we published a new book for leaseholders, see page 30 to obtain your copy, and we teamed up with Brethertons Solicitors to launch a number of live, interactive webinars where more than a 900 people tuned in to receive the latest legal advice for managing agents and RMC directors. Finally see www.yourblockonline.com, a new and free website for residents.

This year, I trust, will be equally busy as we launch more webinars, refresh our website www.newsontheblock.com, publish informative supplements, special features and regional showcases and continue streaming quality industry analyses via our free e-alert service – you may sign up to these free alerts today at our website (address above).

This issue is once again packed to the gunnels. We interviewed two charming Anthonys: a Mr Essien, the new chief executive of LEASE and a Mr Pidgley, the MD of Berkeley Group.

Also in this issue Kerry Glanville, partner at Pemberton Greenish asks whether Section 20 is working and how the system could be improved. Mira Bar-Hillel asks why the government is not supporting build-to-let and John Peartree of the Federation of Private Residents’ Associations still awaits a full answer from government about the sheer weight of legislation strangling leaseholders.

Along with our regular features we hope you enjoy this issue. Why not kick-start your new year with a subscription to News on the Block magazine and receive a free gift? See page 54 for details.