Former housing minister Mark Prisk and Lord Richard Best, chairman of the Government’s working group on agency regulation are among the big names appearing at The Property Ombudsman’s (TPO) conference this year.

The event, being held at The National Conference Centre in Solihull on July 10th will come weeks before publication of the working group’s report which is expected to recommend minimum entry requirements and a universal code of practice for agents.

Prisk and Lord Best will take part in a panel debate on the day – alongside Savills head of customer services and compliance Theresa Wallace and property analyst Kate Faulkner – and there will also be sector updates from ARLA Propertymark chief executive David Cox and NAEA Propertymark chief executive Mark Hayward, as well as Andrew Bulmer, chief executive of the Institute of Residential Property Management.

There will also be interactive ‘Be the Ombudsman’ workshops where agents will be able to debate real-life complaints.

Delegates will also hear from guest speaker Nick Looby, a communications coach who has worked with big brands such has HSBC and the BBC.

Katrine Sporle, Property Ombudsman, said: “Following the Government’s consultation into strengthening redress in the housing market and the announcement of a Redress Reform Working Group, this year’s conference couldn’t be more timely.

“As the industry as a whole enters a period of evolution, we want to equip agents with the tools and knowledge to not only survive but thrive, and we believe exceptional customer service standards are at the heart of success.”

Early bird ticket prices are £102 for TPO members and £120 for non-TPO members.

Special rates are also available for exhibitor packages for a limited time only.

This year, £5 from the sale of every ticket will also go to Agents Giving, the charity for the property industry.

To book tickets and for further information, visit: https://www.tpos.co.uk/members/tpo-conference