BLP rethinks property IT, business processes

Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) is reviewing the business and technology processes used by its real estate practice with a view to eliminating the need for a ‘Mexican Wave’ style of outsourcing.

The firm’s IT department, led by IT chief Janet Day, is conducting the review, which is analysing the profitability of the practice group’s
IT support systems, deal formulation and general business processes.

BLP managing partner Neville Eisenberg explained that the review was being undertaken in a bid to ensure that the real estate group could continue to complete all property matters profitably without the need to outsource smaller matters.

As such, he said the firm was considering implementing a more developed IT system to make the completion of conveyancing and basic property matters more cost-effective.
BLP’s real estate team currently aims to conduct all property matters internally. This is in direct contrast
to Lovells’ widely touted ‘Mexican Wave’ system for outsourcing, which saw BLP lose longstanding client Prudential Property Investment Managers in 2002.

Day said it was too early to judge the outcome of the review, although it was likely that the IT system used by the real estate practice group would need to be adjusted.

The review, which began in September, is forecast for completion before the end of the year, although Day is not expected to announce the outcome until next year.