Insight
Axiom Birmingham property lunch hits record attendance
Axiom DWFM held its second face to face Birmingham Property lunch on Wednesday, 23rd March 2023.
In excess of 60 guests attended Axiom’s new prestigious offices at 103 Colmore Row Birmingham for the event.
The event was chaired by Guy Barnett, the Midlands Regional Head of Axiom DWFM, and external speakers included Angela Soong, Property Developer, Kalvinderjit Nahal, State Bank of India and David Francis, Grant Thornton.
Sabina Kauser (Head of Global Mobility) of Axiom DWFM spoke about the impact of UK migration on the real estate market.
In introducing the event and speakers, Guy Barnett gave an insightful overview of Axiom’s rapid growth strategy which has over the last 4 years seen the firm’s turnover increase from £3.7m to over £20m and that the firm had ambitious plans to grow to be a £100m turnover operation within 4 years and to be placed within the Legal Top 50 UK Law firms. Guy went on to explain that market forces surrounding succession planning, regulation and professional indemnity insurance meant that many firms sought merger and acquisition as a route to protect their interests and that Axiom intended to capitalise upon this to fuel its growth strategy.
Angela Soong, who has been a property investor for over 10 years gave an insight into the factors which still made Birmingham and the Midlands region in general an attractive area to invest. In particular she commented upon the regions strong infrastructure and the future impact of HS2.
Kalvinderjit Nahal spoke about the current UK economic outlook and the impact that interest rates, taxation and property prices was having upon investors looking to expand their property portfolios uncertainty in the market. Having said that, he was of the view that the country would more than likely come out of recession at the end of the year at which point he anticipated movement in the property market would increase.
David Francis, gave a sobering update as to HMRC’s evolving approach to tax avoidance particularly relating to the buy-to-let market. Insight was given as to how HMRC’s computer systems linked with other government systems to provide intelligence to HMRC investigators to trigger investigations into firm and individuals tax affairs. Sound advice was given as to how to deal with such enquiries and the approach that need to be taken including taking professional advice at an early stage to avoid heavy fines and potential criminal proceedings.
Sabina Kauser (Head of Global Mobility) of Axiom DWFM spoke about the impact of UK migration on the real estate market. She expanded upon this by giving an in depth presentation on Global Mobility Visas, pathways to citizenship and right to work and right to vent checks.
The Chairman, Guy Barnett, made some closing remarks promoting a positive line and approach and Agnes Gay thanked everyone for attending and supporting the firm, as well as all the speakers both external and internal.
It is intended that the next Birmingham Real Estate lunch will be held on the 7th of September 2023.
CONTACTS
Guy Barnett – Midlands Regional Head ([email protected])
Pragnesh Modhwadia – Managing Partner ([email protected])
Idnan Liaqat – Head of Real Estate ([email protected])
Agnes Gay –Midlands Regional Head of Real Estate ([email protected])
Sabina Kauser – Head of Mobility Services ([email protected])
Mikesh Nandha – Marketing Team ([email protected])