With only five weeks to go, The Empty Homes Network are excited to announce our Exhibitor+ and Awards Sponsors for this year's National Conference, to be held on Wednesday 22nd May in Birmingham.
Having supported the Network and our events for a number of years, Estate Research, No Use Empty: Kent, Finders International, Grafton Empty Homes and NPLaw all return join us for 2024, and all will be on hand throughout the day to answer any questions you have and demonstrate how their teams can support you in the work you do.
The Empty Homes Network is extremely proud to have partnered with these five fantastic organisations again for this year’s event, and would highly recommend exploring how they can help your empty homes service, and support the work you do in offering options to owners in your respective areas.
Estate Research
Estate Research are a firm of genealogists established in 2001, who have a built a reputation assisting the public sector. With offices based in Wigan and London, employing over 67 members of staff, our company has evolved significantly over the years, meaning we provide a range of services. In recognition to the ongoing issues faced by local authorities dealing with long term empty properties, we have developed our Empty Property Solutions service. Our specialist tracing skills can assist with identifying and tracing missing property owners, as well as assisting with properties whereby the property owner has sadly passed away.
Our website www.estateresearchemptyproperties.co.uk offers a range of information on enforcement and advice on how to deal with delays once probate has been granted. Our distinction as a company has been built on professionalism and our policy of full transparency; we offer simple solutions to help bring empty properties back into public use. Our Empty Property Solutions service is completely FREE to local authorities, and we are committed to achieving a resolution beneficial to all parties involved.
No Use Empty
Delivered by Kent County Council (KCC) in partnership with all 12 district councils since 2005 and Medway Council (2021) , No Use Empty (NUE) provides an exemplar model which can be replicated across the Country. NUE remains committed to reducing the numbers of long-term empty properties through a range of interventions, returning an average of 480 per year back into use. Planning, dedicating resources, monitoring outcomes, adjusting delivery models to reflect current market conditions, and above all continuity are the ingredients to their success. Providing financial assistance to owners by offering secured short-term loans with repayments recycled for new loans is hugely popular. KCC have committed £7.5m (Financial Year 24/25) to help return even more properties back into use. In addition to this due to demand NUE continue to provide short-term finance to those wanting to bring derelict sites into use for new homes. Some of our projects are being acquired by our districts to meet their housing needs. This will further support the Kent economy as well as allowing us to regenerate local communities. Strategic Programme Manager, Steve Grimshaw, said: “No Use Empty: Kent are once again very proud to be sponsoring the annual Conference for the 11th consecutive year.”
Finders International
Finders International are award winning probate genealogists. We trace missing heirs to property estates, funds and assets worldwide and offer this service FREE of charge to Empty Homes Officers. We have experience in swiftly locating and engaging with owners of vacant or derelict property and can assist in resolving disputes. Whether the owner is living or deceased, we aim to provide prompt solutions every time. A full list and further details of our public-sector services can be found on our website. If you would like to get in touch with any further questions, please contact us on Freephone 0800 085 8796, public@findersinternational.co.uk or visit our website www.findersinternational.co.uk.
Grafton Empty Homes
At Grafton Empty Homes, we provide specialist empty homes services. From securing a property, to tracing missing beneficiaries, we are with you every step of the way. Instead of following old methods of dealing with empty property, we will tailor our service to your preference. We can create conversations and find solutions, where previous attempts have failed.
At Grafton, we believe in looking after everyone that is part of the chain. From your housing officer to your hard-to-trace owner, we will treat everyone with the same care and respect. With great customer service and an ethical approach, everyone’s experience is transformed. We will ensure that you are dealt with transparently every step of the way, enabling you to make the right decisions for your community and all of those involved. We understand how complex and challenging empty homes are; we will always look for the solution that helps you unlock your hardest cases. We are part of the Grafton Family of Companies, which encompasses Empty Home services and solutions, asset tracing, missing beneficiaries research, genealogy and more. Our clients include several local councils, public sector organisations and private individuals. Contact us today on 020 8875 1230 for a no obligations conversation with one of our experts.
NP Law
NPLaw is a public sector shared legal service based at Norfolk County Council. We have a wealth of experience gained through many years of advising our clients in local government, the public sector and charities. Our public service ethos sets us apart from private legal practices, but we are run and approach our work in the same commercial manner, working hard to offer excellent value for money whilst at the same time delivering a high quality, efficient legal service. Our lawyers are themselves council employees and understand the context in which you operate: particularly council decision-making processes, the vulnerabilities of the people you work with and the importance of communities. We know that empty properties can have a serious impact on local communities, and we can support you in choosing the best legal option to deal with the problem whether that is by way of compulsory purchase or an enforced sale. If you would like to talk to us about legal solutions for empty homes, please contact: nplaw-cpo@norfolk.gov.uk.
EHN Conference 2024: Delegate Places Still Available!
Speakers and Sessions
The full line up of speakers, sessions and their content can be viewed on our dedicated Conference page here.
We are also delighted to be able to offer 1-2-1 surgery sessions on your CPO and Enforced Sale cases, where you will be able to discuss your case specifics with legal experts in conjunction with our partners at NPLaw and Bevan Brittan LLP.
Delegate Rates
With delegate prices starting from £95 for not-for-profit and charitable organisations, our Corporate Delegate Rate (£150) includes refreshments, a two-course hot buffet lunch, and the opportunity to network with like-minded colleagues working in the field of empty homes. Our Corporate Members also benefit from our discounted delegate rate (£105) for any additional delegate places booked.
This year we are again offering our corporate members the chance to pay for their 2023/24 membership at the same time, ensuring that your access to the Network runs uninterrupted through to April 2024.
As a subscriber member of the Empty Homes Network, it has never been easier to upgrade your membership level and take advantage of our fantastic delegate rates, as well as increasing your access to all of our information resources online.
Booking Form
Our booking form can be found on our dedicated Conference webpage here, and bookings are now being taken. All you need to do to secure your place at the event, is complete the booking form with all of the required information, and send to admin@ehnetwork.org.uk