Conveyancing Matters: Networking, Collaboration, and Why It Pays to Step Outside the Surveying Bubble
The Woodins Shades, Bishopsgate, London / 15 May 2025 🕰️ 6:00 pm–9:00 pm (and well beyond for some…)
After a packed day of professional development—starting at the Property Institute Annual Conference and followed by the Conveyancing Association’s mini-conference—the evening presented a more relaxed but equally valuable opportunity: the Conveyancing Matters networking event in the heart of London.
Hosted upstairs in a lovely City pub near Liverpool Street, this informal evening brought together conveyancers, legal trainers, lenders, tech innovators and, notably, a few familiar faces from the surveying world. And for those of us in the RPSA, events like this are more than just a welcome pint after a long day—they’re strategic. Even better—it was free to attend and included beer!
Mixing with Minds that Matter
Surveyors often focus on engaging with clients or fellow surveyors, but there’s a powerful case for mixing more widely. When we step outside our usual circles and connect with conveyancers, estate agents, and financial advisers, we not only expand our own knowledge but also create valuable pathways for future work. As RPSA Chairman, I’ve attended several of these events, both in London and Essex, and I can say with confidence: some of the best business conversations I’ve had weren’t in a boardroom—they were over a beer or between bites of buffet (well, when I’m not running late!).
These gatherings remind us that collaboration often begins in the simplest of ways—with a handshake, a shared story, or a willingness to listen. And occasionally, they present golden opportunities...
An Unexpected Collaboration?
At this particular event, I had invited RPSA Council members Sean Curtin and Michael Gibber, both of whom understand the value of networking across professions. We were also joined (with a little gentle persuasion) by Alan Milstein, rounding off a day of professional engagement with an excellent opportunity to meet others on the frontlines of the housing industry.
One guest I spoke with owned a large company that makes reservation agreements and was keen to work with the RPSA to explore how neutral survey data could strengthen buyer/seller trust from day one. It's early days, but it's a conversation we’re already exploring—and a perfect example of what happens when you show up. At the RPSA, we’re always looking for new opportunities and work streams for our members; it was a great night, and we encourage our members to explore Conveyancing Matters and similar organisations.
Stu & Lorraine: Champions of Informal Learning
The event was hosted by Stuart Forsdike and Lorraine Richardson, two leading names in the legal training world and co-founders of Conveyancing Matters. Stu, whom I’ve known for over 15 years, has grown PCS Legal from a small practice into one of the UK’s top conveyancing firms, with over 150 staff and national reach. Lorraine, a respected property solicitor and trainer, co-hosted the evening. Her work through Adapt Law and the Conveyancing Matters YouTube channel continues to educate and inspire conveyancers across the country.
This was a bit of a rarity—instead of the usual talks or panel discussions, it was all about mingling, meeting new people, and making connections. There were no PowerPoints, no podiums—just a free-flowing evening of ideas, introductions, and maybe the odd pint or two.
Think Outside the Surveying Box
These events are a reminder to every surveyor: if you want to future-proof your business, start thinking beyond your inbox. Join a breakfast BNI group. Attend a property networking evening. Meet an estate agent or IFA for coffee. These aren’t just “extra activities”—they're often the pipeline to consistent, quality work. As RPSA members, you really should get out there and look out for conveyancing events; they are most welcoming to the surveying community.
You don’t need to meet dozens of people. Sometimes just one meaningful conversation is all it takes to shift your practice forward. At the RPSA, we’re committed to helping members build those bridges—not only through formal industry representation, but by encouraging grassroots connection at the local level.
Final Thoughts
While the event was informal, the takeaway was clear: our influence grows when we turn up, listen, and participate in the wider conversation. And yes—next time, I’ll try to arrive early enough to enjoy the buffet. We left with some exciting conversations in motion, including one about integrating neutral survey data into future reservation agreements.
Huge thanks to Stu, Lorraine, and the Conveyancing Matters team for the warm welcome. We look forward to attending more of these events, and we encourage our members to explore Conveyancing Matters and similar organisations... You never know what opportunity might be waiting at the other end of a handshake.
đź”—Click the link / Learn more about Conveyancing Matters events
Andrew McColl
Chairman, RPSA
