I’d be confident in saying that most conveyancers will gladly wave goodbye to 2021.

Written By: Natalie Moore  (Aconveyancing Director)

Making decisions on introducing technology into workflows can be challenging, as many of us are still getting our heads around the paperless processes. We also want to retain a level of personal contact with clients, that’s what builds good relationships and great reputations. Right now, my job is to try and understand new technology as much as possible, to help make an informed decision for the firm. I’m booking in as many demo’s as I can between now and June – so if you’re a tech company looking to trial the best new products, contact me! It’s time consuming, but this is a top priority for us all and we have to make the right choice for our employees. If I get it wrong, it will affect productivity and morale across the business. That requires me to understand the technology, question it’s benefits and trial it in real-time.

Striking the balance between cost efficient technology and maintaining the level of security required in an industry like ours is tough. But security will always trump cost-savings because in the long-run, the most secure platforms are an investment. 

There are many other considerations – we all have concerns about being overcharged for technology we don’t fully understand, tied into long-term contracts with hidden fees and we can’t risk relying on glitchy platforms.

Do your homework and let’s have an open conversation about what’s working. I am keen to share information and best practice with others in the industry, we can only make a positive change if we work together, not against each other.

Change management

The core principles of change management are an effective way to approach the digitisation of conveyancing. Understand the need for change, plan, implement and communicate. Using these four pillars to guide any sort of change is crucial for the success of the project. Last year we reviewed our HR systems and processes and saw this as a good opportunity to get staff thinking about a paperless workplace. After careful consideration, we introduced an online HR portal mid-2021. Making this part of the business paperless it has proved to be an effective way of getting our staff thinking about a digitised work environment.

Make small changes, gradually and don’t fall behind. Beth Rudolf predicted that by 2023, the Land Registry’s AP1 applications will only be taken online – get staff using HMLR’s portal today. 

Never mind the uncertainly around house-prices and lending, let’s focus on what we can control – innovation through digital technology. In the long-run, we all benefit from taking this step forward.  These are just a few of my own considerations and I will keep sharing best-practice for those who are interested. I’d love to hear how other business leaders are approaching this brave new world of paperless conveyancing.