Our business continuity planning has proven successful, and we’re excited to announce the introduction of virtual AGMs. The first virtual AGM was held for residents at Union Park, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Hosting AGMs online is not only easy but also increases attendance, as residents can join from the comfort of their homes. If you’re considering making the switch, we can facilitate this for you using Zoom.

Virtual AGMs are simple and user-friendly. We invite all residents to the meeting via email, and they can join by downloading the Zoom app or clicking on the web link provided. Once in the virtual room, participants can choose to enable or disable their video. Everyone joins on mute, and if they wish to speak, they can “raise their virtual hand.” The moderator (Ringley) will then unmute them. For smaller meetings, we can also arrange conference calls. Let your property manager know if you’d like us to set this up for your block.

We’ve received several inquiries about deferring service charge payments, especially as many residents face financial uncertainty during the lockdown. Unfortunately, deferment isn’t possible because service charges are calculated based on the budget and are essential for covering costs like insurance, electricity, cleaning, and other bills. These expenses cannot be postponed. If service charges aren’t paid, it could jeopardize the security, health, and safety of everyone in the building. We recommend exploring the government’s 3-month mortgage repayment holiday and using some of those funds to cover your service charges.

For properties with community halls that are subject to business rates, we’re here to help. Unless instructed otherwise, we’ll work with Alistair McGill of Ringley Survey & Valuation Limited to submit a business rates claim on your behalf. If you need assistance with business rates rebates for your premises, Alistair can also provide support. Reach out to him at alistair.mcgill@ringley.co.uk for more information.

We understand that the ongoing pandemic raises many questions about how it impacts your block and community. If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly. We’ll share your questions (anonymously) and our answers in our next client update and via this blog.

At Ringley, we’re committed to keeping you informed and ensuring your block runs smoothly, even during challenging times. Whether it’s transitioning to virtual AGMs, managing service charges, or assisting with business rates, we’re here to support you. Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.