Conveyancing firms have been invited to sign up to a new action group geared towards helping solicitors seize control of the home information pack revolution before it is too late.

Residential conveyancer Rob Hailstone is hoping to get more than 1,000 members involved with the Home Information Pack Action Group (HIPAG) before the scheme is launched in 2007, with the aim of informing the public that conveyancers can prepare the packs speedily and at competitive prices.

Mr Hailstone - previously conveyancing manager at Devon firm Mann Jenkins - said the packs presented an opportunity for solicitors to regain some of the ground they had lost through the increasing bureaucracy and falling fees associated with conveyancing.

He predicted conveyancers were likely to be edged out of the market further if they rested on their laurels and allowed lenders, estate agents and other players to gain total control of the packs.

'As I see it, there are two choices - sit back and do nothing, but don't complain later on, or join forces and take action now,' he urged.

Interested firms can write to Mr Hailstone at 81 Fore Street, Bovey Tracey, Devon TQ13 9AB.

Paula Rohan