Rival property centre groups in discussions

THE TWO rival groups which are planning to establish national networks of solicitors property centres have held "constructive talks" on a possible collaboration.

But, while negotiations are afoot between the Law Society-backed Solicitors Property Network (SPN) and Conquest Legal Marketing's Solicitors Property Centres (SPC), the two rivals are continuing to promote their separate schemes.

Last week the SPC announced a mailshot to 14,000 conveyancing solicitors to publicise its plans at conferences in Manchester, York, Birmingham, Bristol and London between 24 June and 2 July.

Despite the apparent determination of both sides to push their projects, they both agree a single national brand of property centre is vital to ensure success and public support.

SPN director and Law Society council member Anthony Bogan said a portion of an £80,000 fund established by the Law Society to pay for a blueprint for a model property centre would go towards developing a national brand.

"We need to pay a professional consultant to come up with a national brand and marketing strategy," he said.

Leslie Dubow, another SPN director, met Conquest chair Richard Berenson last week to discuss his group's plans.

Both sides said the meeting was "constructive", although they refused to give details.