In this episode of the Today's Conveyancer Podcast, host David Opie is joined by Richard Flemmings, CEO and founder of Map Impact, and Oliver Baldock, Director at Ashfield Solutions. Together, they unpack the Wennington wildfire of July 2022—an event that triggered the London Fire Brigade’s busiest day since World War II—and explore its implications for the property sector.

Richard and Ollie bring specialist insight into climate risk and environmental consultancy, offering a detailed account of how the fire unfolded, why it caught experts off guard, and what it signals about the UK’s increasing exposure to climate-related hazards.

The discussion moves beyond the immediate damage to examine the long-term consequences—from land contamination and insurance gaps to the emotional toll on affected homeowners. The panel also considers the evolving role of conveyancers, the expectations set out in the Law Society’s climate guidance, and how lenders and insurers are responding to the challenge.

With climate events becoming more frequent and severe, this episode highlights the need for joined-up thinking across the property lifecycle. It’s a timely and thought-provoking conversation for professionals navigating the future of home ownership in a changing climate.

The Today's Conveyancer podcast can be found on your preferred podcast provider and also at www.todaysconveyancer.co.uk. Subscribe and listen in for all the latest conveyancing industry news and views.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors PEXA, and VacantC Legal Recruitment.

In this episode of the Today’s Conveyancer Podcast, host David Opie sits down with Louise Wise of Relatus to shed light on the complex world of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) and how proactive advice can transform outcomes for conveyancers and clients alike.

Drawing on her transition from family law solicitor to specialist in property taxation, Louise shares the journey that led her to become a leading voice in SDLT advisory. She explains how Relatus evolved from assisting consumers with business rate relief to specialising in SDLT and partnering more closely with legal professionals.

The conversation tackles the practical risks conveyancers face, especially around compliance checks, liability, and the nuances of under- or overpaying stamp duty. Louise outlines the importance of correctly identifying property types, assessing client circumstances, and understanding legislative grey areas.

They also explore overlooked considerations such as incentives on new-build properties, purchaser characteristics, and the implications of developer contributions.

With a clear focus on risk mitigation, collaboration, and accuracy, this episode is an essential listen for conveyancers seeking clarity, protection, and a more robust approach to SDLT reporting. Louise’s insights reveal why outsourcing tax advice could soon become as routine as ordering searches.

The Today's Conveyancer podcast can be found on your preferred podcast provider and also at www.todaysconveyancer.co.uk. Subscribe and listen in for all the latest conveyancing industry news and views.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors PEXA, and VacantC Legal Recruitment.

In this episode of the Today's Conveyancer Podcast, host David Opie is joined by Thomas Mieszkowski, a partner in the corporate team at Walker Morris LLP. The conversation takes a deep dive into mergers and acquisitions in the legal sector, with a special focus on private equity’s increasing interest in law firms.

Thomas shares insights from his recent experience advising on the sale of two mixed-practice firms to private equity-backed consolidators. He explains what makes law firms appealing to investors—from their recurring revenue and low overheads to the potential for market consolidation in a highly fragmented sector.

The discussion also explores why firms are pursuing investment in the first place. Key drivers include the need for capital to fund tech innovation, evolving succession planning pressures, and the desire to reduce financial risk while enabling growth.

David and Thomas consider what private equity is looking for in a prospective acquisition: strong financial fundamentals, cultural fit, a capable management team, and scalable operations. They touch on deal structures, talent retention strategies, and how firms are positioning themselves for potential sale.

This episode offers a timely and practical look at how private equity is reshaping law firm ownership—and what the future might hold for the sector.

The Today's Conveyancer podcast can be found on your preferred podcast provider and also at www.todaysconveyancer.co.uk. Subscribe and listen in for all the latest conveyancing industry news and views.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors PEXA, and VacantC Legal Recruitment.