WINTER2011
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lesleyDavis Editor
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WarwickSmith ConsultantPublisher
warwick@flat-living.co.uk
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neil@flat-living.co.uk
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TheJournal for Residents’Management Companiessupported byARMA
A fresh start for 2012
Welcometo theWinter issue and a very happy NewYear to you all fromthe teamhere at Flat Living. The economic outlook for the year ahead continues to look gloomybut in the leasehold sector there is plenty happening to keep us all on our toes - including the prospectofanewChiefExecutive
atARMA.InJuly, DavidHewett
announced his intentionto retire fromthe role he has filled so efficiently for the last 15 years.During that timeARMAhas changed out of all recognition and the general consensus is that the development of the organisation is due in nosmall part to David’s dedication and hardwork.Onpages 33-35 of this issuewelookback on David’stimewithARMAand look forwardtosomeofthe newinitiatives that will getunderwayoverthe next fewmonths. Onpage 9 wetake a look at one of these initiatives – the newaccounting guidance
formanaging agents thatARMAhas produced in collaborationwith asmall group of other influential professional bodies.Wegive theARMAperspective on pages 46-47 and accountantWhitley Stimpson explains the key points forRMCs on page 20. Our columnists tackle someenergy issues on pages 30 and 31,withJohnWilliams
taking the utility companies to task and BobSmytherman askingwhether or not the Government’s GreenDeal will reallywork for residential blocks. Also in this issuewelook at the ins and outs of buying your freehold – does your
blockqualify,howmuch will it cost,whatdoyou need to do andwhere canyou go for advice? See pages 51 -57 forour comprehensiveguide to this sometimes daunting subject. At this timeof year,maintenance comes to the fore as the coldweather starts to
take its toll on our properties.Onpage 26 of this issue, building surveyors Cardoe Martin offer somequick wins to help you get throughthe winter without having to make aclaimon your insurancefor leaksorother damage to your
home.Inthe event that you do need tomake a claim, our feature on pages 58-63 talks you throughthe process and provides sometips andwrinkles for reducing your risk and taking the pain out of dealing with your insurer. Aswelook forward to another year of leasehold life, the teamhere at Flat Living is
ToensureyoureceiveeverycopyofFlatLiving magazineandtoreceivenewsupdates,
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always keen to hear fromyousogiveusacallorsendusanemail andlet us know what youwould like to see covered in yourmagazine during themonths to come.
lesleyDavis Editor
Issue 9
flat-living.co.uk
Flat Living Winter 2011
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