13/12/2011
The Crabtree Group is proud to report on a night of success at the recent News On The Block Prperty Management Awards.09/11/2011
It's Movember, the month formerly known as November, now dedicated to growing moustaches and raising awareness and funds for men's health; specifically prostate and testicular cancer.
03/11/2011
We are proud to announce that our recently appointed company solicitor James Naylor has had a highly informative article published in New Law Journal. The article describes the potential pitfalls involved when the county court transfers a case to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal.27/10/2011
The Crabtree Property Group half-yearly update took place on Friday 14th October 2011 and there was plenty of food for thought with five presentations from various key areas of the organisation.22/09/2011
The Crabtree Property Group hosts a charity golf tournament to raise money for The North London Hospice.26/08/2011
On 18th May 2011 we were delighted to announce that Crabtree Property Management became one of the first carbon neutral residential managing agents in the UK after working with Carbon Footprint Limited and engaging in a carbon offsetting scheme.
Crabtree Property Management believes that accepting the principles of sustainability will be important to our continued growth in the property sector. With this in mind we have set up The Green Committee headed up by George Georgiou, the architect of Crabtree’s carbon neutral status.
15/07/2011
We are proud to announce that eight of our Property Managers sat the exam in April and received results last week confirming that every single one has passed with flying colours!09/06/2011
Over the years we have been asked by potential clients to assist them with Collective Enfranchisement projects. We have always been able to provide practical general advice and direct them to suitably qualified professionals to assist them in the process. Up until now we have lacked the in-house expertise, to manage the, often complicated, enfranchisement process.06/06/2011
The Crabtree Property Group is pleased to announce two important changes of roles within the organisation.27/05/2011
After covering more than 160 miles of ground in training over several months, 21 members of the Crabtree Property Group took part in The Ridge Walk Challenge last weekend of the 14th/15th May. We entered four teams in this annual charity event in which walkers covered a tremendous distance of 52 miles within 24 hours.18/05/2011
In our news post in March 2011 we confirmed our commitment to reduce the impact our business is having on the environment and aimed to become one of the first carbon neutral residential managing agents in the UK. We are pleased to confirm that we have completed a green house gas assessment and, having successfully off-set our emissions, we can proudly announce that we are now a carbon neutral company!12/05/2011
On the weekend of the 14th/15th May the Crabtree Property Group will be taking part in The Ridge Walk.We are entering four teams in this annual charity event in which competitors attempt to cover a distance of 52 miles inside 24 hours.19/04/2011
Recently we sent out a Newsletter which included a reminder of our incentive scheme should any of our existing residents provide us with details of a potential new client and we secure the business - We would like to take this opportunity to thank Ms Marion Garrett, a Leaseholder on one of our existing schemes, who took us up on the offer and has just received her Love To Shop vouchers now that we have commenced management on her recommendation.05/04/2011
It had been almost 1 year since the last competitive outing for the Crabtree boys, losing a third consecutive tie against arch rivals Rendall and Rittner 6-5 in Archway, North London.Crabtree were keen to put the disappointment of that loss behind them as they faced Seddons Solicitors for the second time at their home ground in Mill Hill.
02/03/2011
Over the last decade Crabtree have been looking very closely at what we can do to reduce the environmental impact our business is having on the environment.
From as early as 2001 we were recycling printer toners, batteries, paper, cardboard and cans. In 2004 we introduced an electronic filing system for all documents which has significantly reduced the amount of paper being used and manually filed. In 2007 we introduced a Field Based Site Inspector to reduce the mileage covered by our property management teams. In 2009 we introduced energy efficient pool vehicles which reduce our CO2 output, when travelling to and from properties under our management.
19/01/2011
On the 5th of December 2010 a number of our team attended the annual property awards dinner organised by News on the Block and held at Lords Cricket Ground.
Before the event we had been very pleased to hear that we had been shortlisted for the London Property Management Company of the year award. We were surprised and highly delighted when, during the award ceremony, we were awarded a Highly Commended Certificate in the category of London Property Management Company of the year.
23/11/2010
At Crabtree, all of our Property Managers are required to hold a qualification through the Institute of Residential Property Management (IRPM). In 2004 we launched our own unique training programme to allow unqualified and inexperienced candidates to join our organisation and embark on a two year structured syllabus, which results in a qualification through the IRPM and recognition as a Crabtree trained Property Manager.21/10/2010
After a lot of training and waking up each morning with a new injury, Ben Hopkinson (Director of Moretons) began his journey to climb Mount Kilimanjaro25/08/2010
We are delighted to announce that our VW Golf Blue Motion property management pool car was spotted and photographed by....04/06/2010
Our internal training programme for property managers has been running now for over 6 years.24/05/2010
In our continuing effort to improve efficiency we recently invested in a new pool car for our Finchley office. We purchased a Golf Blue Motion and had it suitably attired with our company logo and contact details.29/01/2010
25/01/2010
On a cold Monday night in January Crabtree and Seddons kicked off a charity encounter that marked an end to over two years of non-competitive football for the Finchley based firm. The proceeds of sponsorship for the match would go towards victims of Hiati earthquake appeal with players from both sides also making donations.19/01/2010
It started as a chance for a bunch of under-exercised Property Managers and Solicitors to have a bit of a kick-around and get active for a change but has now turned into a focal point for a very worthwhile cause indeed.
At the end of last year, after a couple of years in the 5 aside wilderness and countless internal encounters, Crabtree were ready to play some other firms for a chance of glory on the Astroturf. Seddons Solicitors, a law firm from Central London stepped up to the challenge and a date was set for 25th January 2010.
29/07/2009
We started this very difficult challenge several months ago, or at least that's how it felt by the end of the weekend! No, in all seriousness, this event could not have been a success for us without considerable planning.01/07/2009
If you should go down to the woods today you're sure to meet........The Crabtree 3 Peaks Challenge teams!01/06/2009
We are taking part in an organised event, with a number of other teams, in order to raise much needed funding for the British Red Cross. Our challenge will begin at 4.10 pm on Saturday 25th July at the bottom of Ben Nevis and will hopefully end at the bottom of Mount Snowdon before 4.10 on Sunday afternoon. Between Scotland and Wales we will be stopping off in the Lake District to climb the notorious Scafell Pike.17/07/2009
Crabtree Property Management Limited have selected PropertyRisks as our preferred insurance partner for landlord and tenant insurance, because of their wide cover and competitive premiums, within a single policy for letting property.16/04/2009
In January 2009 we completed the largest survey to date of our clients, with over 500 client directors being asked about the service they receive from us. The vast majority of the feedback was very positive, and it was great to see initiatives put in place as a result of previous surveys having such a real effect. One area in particular that saw excellent feedback was the quality of our dedicated property managers and the way in which they communicate with their clients.16/04/2009
Crabtree supported research into prostate cancer www.prostate-cancer.org.uk/ by taking part in Movember (formally known as November). A number of our staff, at Marlborough House, grew mo’s (moustache’s) as part of a national event to raise awareness and funds for The Prostrate Cancer Charity. As you can see from the photo, some were 'mo' successful than others. We had a variety of styles and colours (why was Rob Robertson's 'mo' ginger?) and we had a few of our team unable to cope with the public ridicule that wearing a poor mo can bring. We all now agree that ,if you are going to grow and wear a mo, you need to know what you are doing. Its not a hobby for ARMAtures!!!16/04/2009
At Crabtree we are supporting research into prostate cancer www.prostate-cancer.org.uk/ by taking part in Movember (formally known as November). A number of our staff are growing mo’s (moustache’s) as part of a national event to raise awareness and funds for The Prostrate Cancer Charity. It's early days, but we have attached an artist’s impression of how things might work out if the growing of the mo’s goes according to plan. If you would like to donate to a good cause or to find out more about Movember please follow the link https://www.movember.com/uk/donate/donate-details.php?type=team&team_rego=68241&country=uk More updates and a real mo photo later in the month.16/04/2009
The 7th of October was cause for celebration at our head office as it marked the completion of 10 years service for our Senior Legal Administrator, Pauline Lubrano. Pauline joined Crabtree as an Audio Typist in 1998 when the total number of employees was 8. She has witnessed many changes including a management buy out in 2003 and two office moves. Her hard work and determination are an inspiration to all of her colleagues and everyone at Crabtree congratulates her first 10 years with us and we look forward to many more.16/04/2009
Unfortunately, the 3 peaks challenge for the Crabtree Hillbillies ended a peak short. On Saturday the 26th July 2008 our team of five walkers successfully climbed Ben Nevis in approximately 7 hours, although on their return from this amazing task, we lost Patrick and John due to muscle strains. After driving through the night, we arrived at Scaffel Pike where our team of now three set off for the summit. Unfortunately, on the way back from the summit, David M sustained a knee strain (not serious now that he is down) and the injury was such that he could not complete the task, and had to be assisted down the hill be one of the mountain guides. Thankfully the injury was nothing that a good rest and some ice wouldn't fix.16/04/2009
Noise nuisance has much in common with that other perennial problem in blocks of flats, leaking water – stop it in one place and it breaks out elsewhere. Widespread subletting inevitably brings complaints about loud music and drunken parties. And, since the perpetrator is not the leaseholder of the flat, who may well be in Dubai or Hong Kong, this can bring headaches for managing agents. But at least the local council’s Environmental Team can be called in to deal with persistent offenders. The law can be invoked, fines imposed, sound systems confiscated. The most common and intractable source of noise nuisance – it comes top of the list, for instance, for members of the Federation of Private Residents’ Associations – is impact noise caused by wooden floors.24/06/2008
3 days to go until the 3 Peaks challenge. The support crew start tomorrow by driving the van up to Glasgow, organising the supplies and will be ready to meet the team of walkers at Glasgow airport Saturday morning to head to the first peak of Ben Nevis! For constant updates and pictures throughout the challenge, please visit our blog: http://crabtreehillbillies.blogspot.com/01/01/2008
We wanted to do something memorable to celebrate our 25th year anniversary. A number of ideas were considered before deciding that the 3 Peaks Challenge would be the best option. The main reason for choosing this challenge was that everyone within Crabtree could, if they wished, get involved in some aspect of helping. On 26th July 2008, five people will be climbing up and down the three highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales in 24 hours; and several drivers and support staff will be on hand to get the walkers from mountain to mountain and keep them on their feet, mentally and physically. Larger groups are helping to raise money and arrange sponsorship. This is an organised event run by the Red Cross. More information can be found on their website www.redcross.org.uk. If you would like to sponsor us please go to the website www.justgiving.com/thecrabtreehillbillies.01/01/2008
Crabtree Property Holdings Limited is pleased to announce that it has acquired the entire share capital of Moreton Property Management Services Limited. This is an excellent fit which gives the Crabtree Group a base for expansion in Central London. Also, the sales and letting expertise of Moretons will enable Crabtree to market these services to their existing client portfolio and this will be a valuable addition to the services that it already offers. Terry White, Crabtree's MD, commenting on the aquisition stated: "Crabtree is delighted to have been given the opportunity to acquire Moretons. Moretons has a strong reputation in the Central London area and Crabtree is keen to enhance this further. There is a natural fit between the two companies who both seek to provide an excellent level of service to their existing clients." For further information on Moretons and the services which they offer, please visit their website at http://www.moretons.co.uk.01/01/2008
When Crabtree’s David Goldberg was invited to speak at the recent ARMA Conference it represented a very proud moment for the Company. This was the first time a Crabtree employee has spoken at the conference and was evidence that the company is really beginning to turn industry heads. Something Crabtree prides itself on in all areas is innovation and the importance of sustaining the highest level of service possible. Upon accepting his role of guest speaker, David chose to deliver a presentation that would indeed capture this company ethos.01/01/2008
Last year, following a change in the personal circumstances of the owner of Sable Estates, Sylvia Mutevelian, Crabtree Property Management Limited purchased a small portfolio of residential management contracts from Sable. Sylvia has decided to further wind down the interest of Sable Estates and, as a result, Crabtree are pleased to confirm that they have entered into an agreement to purchase the remaining property management contracts from effect from 1st October 2007. As part of this, all of the staff at Sable Estates Limited, Bella Mutevelian, Jane Cox, Susanne Zaidman and Sylvia have joined Crabtree at Finchley. We at Crabtree are delighted that Sylvia chose to approach us and no one else, and look forward to a long and productive relationship with those clients previous managed by Sable Estates.01/01/2008
As part of our ongoing commitment to lead the way in residential property management, we have been giving careful thought to the requirements of our highly professional property management team. As indicated earlier, we have introduced additional administration support across the management team. We believe this will significantly enhance service levels, communication and the speed with which we can act upon your enquiries.01/01/2008
www.hse.gov.uk The introduction of The Work at Height Regulations 2005 has changed the way in which contractors are expected to carry out their jobs. In 2003/2004 falls from height accounted for 67 fatal accidents at work and nearly 4000 major injuries. They remain the single biggest cause of workplace deaths and one of the main causes of major injury. - HSE 2005. Statistics like the one above are a shocking reminder of the many dangers faced by contractors employed by millions of Residential Management Companies each year.01/01/2008
www.niceic.org.uk With around 10 deaths and 750 injuries per year attributed to domestic electrical accidents, the pressure placed upon the government to introduce new regulations around electrical installations has finally made a telling impact. As from the 1st of January 2005, directors of management company�s and managing agents will be required to comply with the addition of Part P to Building Regulations. This addition will mean all electrical fixed installations in common parts of buildings must comply with regulation BS 7671. By passing this new legislation, the government envisage an increase in the level of safety within the residential sector. In its simplest form, Part P can be broken down into two sections. The first section will consider Design, Installation, Inspection and Testing. This will aim to ensure reasonable provision is made in the design, installation, inspection and testing of electrical installations in order to protect persons from fire or injury. With personal safety being so closely scrutinized, residential management companies are now obliged to seek a competent electrician to install, test and maintain even the simplest of communal light fittings. The second section will be concerned with Provision Information and requires sufficient information to be provided to those operating, maintaining or altering electrical installations. This may come in the form of diagrams or charts and is something managing agents are recommending becomes standard practice across their entire client portfolio. Although it may appear difficult and somewhat costly, Part P requires proof that all electrical works are in accordance with national safety standards. This can be achieved through certification by a building control body or via self-certification by a competent electrician. Failure to comply with the new legislation could be even more costly as it may lead to a £5,000 fine. The National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting, an independent regulatory board, considers themselves a key representative in ensuring Part P is correctly observed. Their NICEIC approved contractor scheme currently includes around 12,000 members who can issue certificates and are considered competent enough to make judgements on electrical safety. With a scheme like this in place, residents, landlords and managing agents can now begin to feel safer in the knowledge that the days of "cowboy" traders could be coming to an end and a new era of electrical safety is starting to emerge. For more information on Part P please contact the NICIEC on 0800 013 0900 or alternatively, click on the following link.01/01/2008
www.the-sia.org.uk In the past, private property residents have been exposed to possible fraudulent, deceptive and unprofessional clamping schemes. However, since the 3rd May 2005, new legislation commissioned by the Security Industry Authority has begun to transform the way in which wheel clampers and vehicle immobilisers are legally able to operate. Clamping organisations are now required to hold a license issued by the SIA in order to enter upon private land and issue a clamp or remove a vehicle. As part of the new SIA initiative, it is now standard legal procedure for wheel clampers to attend and pass a five day training course aimed at assessing whether satisfactory levels of training have been reached, and to ensure clampers have met professional standards. Industry affiliates are also required to undergo a rigorous identity and criminal record check. With these regulatory markers in place, the SIA hope to successfully filter any rogue traders and protect private sector residents. To further protect public interest, the SIA will keep a public register of licensed wheel clampers, their supervisors, managers and directors. Whilst carrying out any works, clamping officers must also hold a copy of their license, be easily identifiable and be accountable for their actions. If you are interested in obtaining further information on the new legislation, you can either contact the Security Industry Authority on 0870 2430 100 or click on the following link:01/01/2008
www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos New asbestos laws have come into force leading to a change in the way asbestos is monitored in non-domestic places . With around 3500 people in Great Britain dying from mesothelioma and asbestos related lung cancer each year, legislation protecting against the use of asbestos in non-domestic environments has now been passed in the form of the Asbestos at Work 2002 Regulations. Since 21st of May 2004, it has become a legal requirement for Residential Management Companies (RMC) to make provisions against the locating and monitoring of Asbestos materials. Although the legislation clearly makes reference to the terms non-domestic and work place , RMCs should not allow themselves to be misled. The legislation also applies to the common parts of residential blocks and protects contractors from working on items such as lifts, stairwells, roof space, boiler rooms and hallways. As part of the legislative structure, RMCs are required to; Make adequate steps toward locating asbestos within the property Presume that asbestos materials are present unless there is evidence to suggest otherwise Hold an asbestos register that states the location and condition of asbestos. The register should also assess risk from these materials whether visibly present or presumed. Plan the management of any risk Confirm the location and condition of asbestos materials to contractors who may be liable to disturb them. As part of the identification process, RMCs are required to instruct a competent person to provide a written report of his/her findings. In relation to the legislation, RMCs taking this action will have taken reasonable steps, however on the occasion that planned major works will possibly disturb asbestos, the Asbestos at Work 2002 Regulations require the duty holder to perform a full survey which should include samples. Whilst Asbestos at Work 2002 requires the duty holder to hold a register, the removal of asbestos materials is not a legal obligation. By taking note of this legislation however, RMCs can now make steps towards making the common parts of their blocks safer places to live and work. For more information on the Asbestos at Work 2002 Regulations, please visit the Health and Safety Executive s website.01/01/2008
Crabtree Managing Director, Terry White, provided some expert advice for the Metro Newspaper recently. The Metro Property pages on Tuesday 24th January featured an article providing information on how leaseholders can take control of their management company and oust unscrupulous or underperforming managing agents. Terry White advised anyone who is considering appointing an agent to ensure that the one they choose is a member of the Association of Residential Managing Agents. He also called for the government to bring in legislation to regulate all managing agents as, at present, anyone could set up as an agent. If you missed the article in the Metro newspaper, we would be happy to forward on an electronic copy to you. You can do this by sending an e-mail request to metroarticle@crabtreeproperty.co.uk.