PRESS RELEASE
24thOctober 2013
George Clarke challenges government on affordable homes and repairing empty properties at the 2013 SearchFlow Property Forum Dinner
Speaking at the 18th Property Forum Dinner in Central London, sponsored by SearchFlow keynote speaker architect and TV property expert George Clarke spoke out about the slow pace, poor quality and lack of imagination used by house builders on developments around the country.
In a call to government, he pressed the point that with 240,000 long term empty homes in the UK, a massive refurbishment programme and a simplified and faster planning regime was needed to address a worsening housing crisis. His manifesto called for housing policy and budgets to be ring-fenced, like the NHS, due to the additional social costs of homelessness, economic deprivation and educational poverty.
In reference to his upcoming new series of Amazing Spaces and latest filming on Restoration Man, he entertained diners about the varied planning, site and environmental challenges that his clients had faced and how they had affected the projects, with sage advice for attending lenders, agents and solicitors.
Marshall King, CEO of SearchFlow said: "We were delighted with the positive feedback from guests at this year's dinner. It has underlined what has been a stronger year for many and was a real opportunity for attendees to consider future developments in this constantly evolving market. George Clarke gave us plenty of food for thought aboutsustaininghousing need and the ongoing vitality of the property industry."
NOTES TO EDITORS
About The Property Forum Dinner
The Property Forum Dinner was formed originally as an intimate debating forum among peers. It has grown in popularity each year for networking and engagement in a convivial atmosphere. In recent years, the forum has taken on a "Question Time" style panel debate with often lively exchanges with the diners.
Previous Chairs have included Paul Lewis, presenter of BBC Money Box, and Property TV presenter Melissa Porter. Past speakers and panellists include senior figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders, Law Society, Land Registry, Nationwide Building Society, Deutsche Bank and Members of Parliament.
About SearchFlow
Property search provider SearchFlow, part of Decision Insight Information Group, is an electronic conveyancing search service. With direct connections to every Local Authority in England and Wales, it offers over 80 due diligence searches straight to the desktop providing a one-stop shop for legal professionals in the residential and commercial markets who conduct property and other financial transactions. It also provides a range of insurance services from the country's most respected providers.
For more information, please contact David Kempster on 01732 750577 or Chaz Brooks on 01483 537890