ISVA Conference & AGM 2022

It was a very welcome return this year on the 4th October, to the newly refurbished National Self Build & Renovation Centre, Swindon for the much-anticipated ISVA Annual Conference & AGM 2022.

80 plus delegates were able to attend and support the sterling efforts of Alison Plenderleith of CPD Essentials Ltd, in arranging the speakers, ably assisted by Tom Littler, known to many already, sourcing, organising, liaising with potential venues, and in ultimately selecting Swindon. This proved great value for money compared with other locations that the ISVA has patronised before now. A job well done; the ISVA were very warmly welcomed on our return.
The number of delegates attending was down by some 20 percent on previous years pre Covid, but given that, and not ignoring the impact that Covid has had on businesses, and ventures, as well as attitudes, this was still a resounding success. Not least because it is known to Council that many other organisations are seeing over 50% reductions in take up on their seminars, with at least one organisation known to look upon the ISVA, and its members, with very envious eyes on that front. A great deal of thanks goes out to all members who were able to attend, and Council trusts you all found it worthwhile.

Following a brief introduction, delegates were treated to a morning session of detailed and relevant topics such as [insert given topics]. These talks were carefully researched and selected for material content, expertly delivered by each speaker, and generated interesting comments and interaction from the floor. This was briefly interluded by the AGM, expertly chaired by David Hamilton, standing in on the day for Martin Brown who, as announced that morning, was not able to attend in person, and all our thoughts are with him and his family at this time.

Delegates were then let free for lunch, where, judging by appearances, much relevant discussion, grouping, and interaction took place over a warm meal, and convivial atmosphere.

The afternoon session kicked off in a lively fashion, with any thoughts of post lunch drowsiness well and truly doused by Simon Marsh of Fraser Miller delivering updates on PI insurance with his infamous trademark gusto, which given the subject matter, was always going to invite very healthy interest from the floor. The rest of the afternoon session followed that of the morning, with speakers giving excellent, informative, and interesting insights into their areas of expertise [see below for list of subjects]. A special thanks is reserved for Bean Beanland, who had to deliver his session from home, via Zoom, due to testing positive earlier with Covid. We hope you are feeling better now Bean!

Wrapping things up, after refreshments, the Conference was brought to a close, on time and as planned, with closing remarks thanking delegates for attending, and wishing them well for their commutes home, or onward journeys. Mention was made of the work Council is presently undertaking in its continued strides to move the ISVA forward, and to keep it at the forefront of the surveying property profession with a focus on representing experienced, professional surveyors and valuers. Exciting avenues are being looked at to benefit the profession and the organisation. Updates to follow and members will be consulted in due course, in what Council feel are exciting times ahead. Watch this space!!!

In all, a well-planned, well organised, well sourced, and extremely well attended Conference, giving 7.5 hours of relevant CPD to all at a fraction of cost that many other non-members have to pay elsewhere. If you feel that the ISVA speaks to you and your professional standards and ethics, then drop us a line, get in touch, we will be glad to hear from you.

Subjects covered include:

• Current Energy Costs & Trends in Home Survey Reports – Tom Littler
• Red Book & Valuation Update – Paul Batho
• Surveyors & Mediation – Sue O’Brien, The Property Mediators
• Insurance – Simon Marsh, Fraser Miller
• Heat Pumps – Bean Beanland, Heat Pump Federation
• Investigation of Moisture & its Effects in Traditional Buildings – James Berry PCA
• Retrofitting Residential Property with Thermal Insulation – The IAA

Written by Paul Bayliss – ISVA Council