Our property departments are decimated by the effects of a global recession created by causes totally beyond our control and yet for which we still suffer. Our sole practitioner colleagues are being threatened with expulsion from conveyancing panels, as a result of which many could lose their livelihoods.

And just to add insult to injury, we heard this week that our firm’s professional indemnity insurance premium is to rise by 120%. Is this because of a poor claims history? On the contrary. Apparently it is because we work hard to scrape part of our living from the ruins of a once-thriving conveyancing market. It seems we are among the lucky ones. Some firms are being declined cover and others face premium increases in excess of 200%.

Do we feel lucky? You bet we don’t! Sick and frustrated might be a better description. Anyone else feel like kicking us all while we’re down?

Gaynor Hill, Sanderson McCreath & Edney, Berwick-upon-Tweed