Category Archives: Press Releases

Hoowla’s conveyancing platform in the news

Case Study: LPL

December 21, 2017Customer Stories, Press ReleasesCase Study, conveyancing, success storyEmma Coles

Hoowla Review LPL Case Study

Background

Launched in August 2017, LPL are a division of established Manchester law firm Read Roper & Read.

With a strong commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and speeding up the conveyancing process, LPL offers a fresh approach to conveyancing.

Challenge

With the focus on providing outstanding customer service by delivering an accessible conveyancing service, customer communication is a key factor for LPL.

Offering clients the ability to interact with the team at a time to suit them means the client is in control of their property transaction.

With this in mind LPL also wanted to offer clients the option to login to view the progress of their case online, request updates, fill in client questionnaires and sign and submit forms securely to improve the transaction time.

Solution

Hoowla and LPL worked closely to tailor a bespoke version of Hoowla’s case management software, built to LPL’s specifications. They also designed and built LPL’s website and installed the conveyancing quote calculator, fully branded to LPL.

A modern approach to conveyancing was the focus, with clients being able to interact with LPL at a time convenient to them, and view and request case updates.

LPL use Quill for their accounting, so a full integration between Quill and LPL’s case management software was a requirement.

Solutions Implemented:

– Tailored Case Management System

– Conveyancing Quote Calculator

Results

The case tracking allows LPL’s clients to log in and view the progress of their case and request updates at any time.

The ability to fill in client questionnaires, digitally sign documents and submit forms securely means the transaction time is greatly reduced, eliminates the chances of lost mail and saves on the cost of posting information back and forth.

The average completion time for LPL is less that 4 weeks and 5 star reviews show clients value the ability to login to the system to see updates, estimated completion dates of each stage and add notes to their case.

About Hoowla

Hoowla promotes a modern approach to conveyancing case management software.

The fully cloud based system includes full accounts, precedents and letters, search ordering, online SDLT submissions, dashboard reporting and more.

Request A Demo

To see how we can improve your firm’s efficiency and help you keep up to date with industry changes call us on 01792 687146 or visit hoowla.com

Roland Robinsons Fenton Use Hoowla’s Bespoke Case Management Software to Streamline Conveyancing Process

July 21, 2017Customer Stories, News, Press ReleasesCase Study, success storyEmma Coles

One of the largest legal practices in the North West, Roland Robinsons and Fenton are proud to be a modern law firm who embrace technology to improve client experience. The expert team covers a variety of work areas, including conveyancing, litigation, commercial, private client and family law.

In keeping with their modern approach Roland Robinsons and Fenton use Hoowla’s bespoke Case Management software within their conveyancing department, making it easy to generate quotes, reducing the time spent on each case, retaining client information for future transactions and analyses matters such as sources of work, average transaction time and monitor how many files are handled during a specific timescale.

Solicitor Alastair Finn explains “We were looking for a more modern, user-friendly system to help us streamline the conveyancing process and compete with other firms in the area, particularly in relation to speed of transactions and management of larger caseloads.
We also wanted something cloud-based so that we could access the system from anywhere. We reviewed a wide range of systems, which were greatly varied in cost, and overall Hoowla offered great value for money. We were also greatly impressed with the willingness of Hoowla to tailor their system in order to suit our firm, rather than providing a finished product to which we had to adapt.”

This willingness to tailor our case management system to the needs of the client is one of the aspects of the business that Hoowla pride themselves on.
We believe that technology should make modern life easier and work closely with the client on set up and going forward to create a system bespoke to them and how their firm works.

Hoowla managing director Adam Curtis says “It’s an absolute pleasure working with the team at Roland Robinsons Fenton. They are a forward thinking firm that place efficiency, a modern approach and great client care at the top of their list. We’ve worked along side the team customising their Hoowla experience so that it fits the way they want to work.”

Alastair says that he would not hesitate to recommend Hoowla to other law firms; “Every aspect of the conveyancing process has been tied together and located in one place, from quotation to closure of a file Hoowla is able to cover the entire transaction and keep everything we need in one place.
Hoowla is an incredibly cost effective approach to case management, incredible user friendly and easy for any member of the team to carry out work on any file at any time, but perhaps the biggest asset to Hoowla is the helpfulness and willingness of the staff to ensure that the firm gets a case management system which suits their needs perfectly.”

Hoowla Opens Office in Northern Ireland

January 31, 2017Press ReleasesTom O'brien

Jim O’Connor

We are delighted to announce that Hoowla has expanded to Northern Ireland with the opening of a new office in Newry, Co Down.

Hoowla’s Northern Ireland office has been set up by local entrepreneur Jim O’Connor. The move means that Hoowla is able to expand within Northern Ireland with a local expert’s knowledge and expertise.

Specialising in providing a completely cloud-based case management software solution, Hoowla is used by law firms and introducers of all sizes throughout England and Wales. Hoowla works closely with all it’s users to provide a constantly evolving platform that can be tailored to each firm’s specific needs.

Hoowla managing director Adam Curtis says that this approach to providing a modern, frequently updated software solution is at the heart of what Hoowla does. “More and more firms are moving away from the traditional, installed systems which are expensive to setup and are limited on updates.
Hoowla is based in the cloud, which means that new features are added on a regular basis and, for the majority of firms, set up is free. Users want the ability to access and update information from anywhere and Hoowla can be securely accessed on any device.”

Hoowla’s panel management part of the system means that solicitors can develop and build relationships with mortgage brokers, estate agents and other local introducers.

Jim O’Connor adds “At a time when social media and online shopping create an expectation of instant access to information and 24/7 service, the Hoowla system allows solicitors to meet those expectations for their clients.
We are excited by the possibilities offered in improving client service, and also by the opportunities for the development of professional networks. Not only does this technology facilitate more effective communication between users, the time saving features of the system allow firms to become more competitive and more profitable.

The initial response from solicitors, estate agents and mortgage brokers has been very enthusiastic and we look forward to working with Hoowla in ongoing development across the province.”

The launch of Hoowla’s Northern Ireland office has resulted in a number of firms that are keen to use the software to improve client services and increase work efficiency. A multi branch solicitors in Northern Ireland is currently in setup and a growing number of mortgage brokers and estate agents already using the platform.

If you are interested in receiving a demo of Hoowla, ring the team on 01792 687146.

Hoowla Wins LawTech Award

October 24, 2016News, Press ReleasesEmma Coles

Hoowla are delighted to be named as the winner of the Operations LawTech Startup Award at this year’s Legal Geek Conference.

The inaugural LawTech Startup Awards, run by the organisers of Legal Geek, acknowledges and celebrates the hard work and innovation of startups within the legal industry.

Adam Curtis, Hoowla founder and managing director, said: “We are all delighted to have won this award. There are some exciting new companies within the legal startup world and the competition for this award was very high, with Hoowla competing against 21 other startups in our category.

Our team are passionate about what we do and this award recognises the impact we are starting to have on the legal industry.”

Adam Curtis, Edd Turtle & Tom O’Brien

Winners of the LawTech Startup Awards were determined by an independent panel of judges from leading legal companies, international law firm Freshfields, Thomson Reuters and The Law Society.

Founder of Legal Geek, Jimmy Vestbirk says, “Legal Geek bridges the gap between the legal profession and startup innovation. We always strive to create structure around the unstructured startup climate and this conference facilitates the continuous development and advancements currently taking place in the startup world. The awards recognise the best and brightest companies making waves within the legal industry.“

Hoowla Integrates PSG Connect Into Conveyancing Case Management Software

June 29, 2016News, Press Releasesconveyancing, search provider, success storyTom O'brien

Hoowla are delighted to announce their partnership with leading conveyancing search provider PSG. The Property Search Group’s ordering platform, PSG Connect, is now fully integrated with Hoowla’s conveyancing case management software.

The Benefits of PSG Connect and Hoowla

Automatically create your letters and legal forms. Send your client care pack in seconds
Integrate with Outlook. Add incoming emails and attachments to the system in two click
Integrated Land Registry and HMRC portals
You are logged into PSG Connect automatically and your searches are returned to your Case Management dashboard
No more double entering clients details

PSG launched their new property search ordering platform in January, receiving fantastic feedback from clients. The new search ordering software has been built with integration and collaboration in mind to bring further efficiencies and additional benefits to clients wherever possible.

Hoowla user and PSG customer Leona Bulmer, solicitor at Roland Robinsons and Fentons LLP said “The integration with PSG is excellent and will prove to be invaluable to us. Many of the systems we looked at were extremely expensive, Hoowla is not. The team (at both PSG & Hoowla) are very willing to alter the system to meet our needs and work in a way that is better for me and my team.”

The integration with Hoowla enables conveyancing solicitors to seamlessly order Title Insurance, Conveyancing Searches and risk management products such as Lawyer Checker and AML Checks without the need for double keying client and property details. All reports are delivered directly back to Hoowla’s conveyancing software and immediately accessible by the client.

Richard Dawson, Group Managing Director for PSG, commented: “We talk to our clients regularly to ensure we are meeting their needs and we identified integration with case management as a common requirement for many. Hoowla share a common objective with PSG; putting the client first and focusing on excellent customer service. We are delighted to now be fully integrated with the Hoowla system.”

Hoowla provides cloud software to the legal industry, developed in the UK using the latest technology. We help law firms of all shapes and sizes around the country to modernise their conveyancing offering, process more matters, improve communication and collaboration, reduce risk and manage compliance whilst providing a great customer experience along the way.

To find out more, call us on 01792 687146 or email.

Hoowla Updates Legal Software for Scottish Conveyancing Market

December 11, 2015Press Releasesconveyancing, conveyancing calculatorTom O'brien

Hoowla have enhanced our case management software for the legal property market in Scotland. Hoowla’s conveyancing calculator automatically calculates Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) and Land Registration fees when generating conveyancing estimates and quotes for clients.

The Scottish legal system differs to England and Wales by applying different charging structures to conveyancing transactions via the Registers of Scotland. Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) replaced UK Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) in Scotland earlier this year.

Hoowla’s conveyancing calculator lets you create compliant, professional conveyancing fee estimations, all in under a minute. It fit’s around your firm’s charging structure and your messaging and brand sits front and centre in all your quotes.

There are no setup costs and the tiny annual fee makes it a no brainer if you’re looking to empower staff, save them time and increase business through your website. The calculator is free for customers using Hoowla’s full Legal Software.

To find out more, arrange a demo of the calculator, or simply get it setup today, call 01792 687146 or email tom@hoowla.com

Hopkins Solicitors save staff so much time with Hoowla

October 27, 2015Customer Stories, News, Press ReleasesTom O'brien

Hopkins Solicitors chose Hoowla’s legal software to save their conveyancing team time while increasing business through customer acquisition. They installed Hoowla’s conveyancing calculator empowering their team to deliver instant estimates to clients and setup the calculator on their website to convert customers looking for conveyancing services.

Since we installed the Hoowla Conveyancing calculator on to our website it has saved our staff so much time! We no longer have to manually reply to quote requests. Customers can all get their quotes instantly saving them time. The tool was so easy to install and the team at Hoowla are always very helpful if you have a question or problem. I would definitely recommend installing the Hoowla Conveyancing calculator on your website. Lisa Williams, Marketing Manager, Hopkins Solicitors LLP

Hoowla’s conveyancing calculator lets you create compliant, professional conveyancing fee estimations, all in a matter of minutes. It fit’s around your firm’s charging structure and your messaging and brand sits front and centre in your quotes.

There are no setup costs and the tiny annual fee makes it a no brainer if you’re looking to empower staff, save them time and increase business through your website. It even comes free for customers using Hoowla’s full legal software.

To find out more, arrange a quick 5 minute demo of the calculator, or simply get it setup today, call 01792 687146 or email tom@hoowla.com

The modern approach to launching a conveyancing firm in 2015

October 19, 2015Customer Stories, News, Press ReleasesTom O'brien

A customer success story by Lincoln Licensed Conveyancer Adam Cheal, Owner of Fletcher Longstaff

There are few things more exciting and daunting than starting your own business. With just shy of a decade of experience specialising in residential conveyancing and property law, along with a wealth of local knowledge in Lincoln, I felt the time was right and the doors to Fletcher Longstaff opened in June 2015. There were many important decisions to make leading up to the launch and choosing the right Legal Software was one of them. A decision that has helped me lay the foundations of my firm.

adam-cheal-fletcher-longstaff-lincoln-conveyancing

“Hoowla’s business model was a perfect fit for me”

The costs associated with installing most case management systems on the market are eye watering. It’s risky being locked into lengthy contracts and I wasn’t looking forward to spending thousands of pounds in upfront costs. Hoowla has no setup costs and is pay per case. I didn’t pay them a penny until my first cases were completing. By that time I was up and running and had generated a healthy case pipeline. This really helped with cash flow and was something I simply didn’t have to worry about. An added bonus with Hoowla’s pricing model is their mantra ‘we only get paid when you do’. If a case falls through, Hoowla doesn’t charge me.

“I wanted software that just worked when and where I needed it”

I wanted a case management system that didn’t require me to have any unnecessary technical knowledge, purchase servers that gather dust and hire IT consultants. Hoowla’s legal software’s delivered completely online, with nothing to install ergo nothing for me to worry about. Their team helped me get setup and trained me for free. I view Hoowla as an extension to my team, available to answer any questions and always happy to help. Hoowla doesn’t stand still. They regularly add new features and are always ready to listen to my suggestions.

“I don’t know how firms still manage without case management software, especially when caseloads rise and the pressure starts to mount”

My time is precious and a lot of you will appreciate that running your firm and managing a pipeline of files requires supreme organisation. Now I’m running on full steam, I can safely say I would not be handling the volume of cases I have without Hoowla. From the point I open a case, all my letters are prepared ready to send and the workflow, tasks and to-do lists mean I always know how files are progressing. They’ve linked up with most of the services I rely on so they can be performed right from within the software. I can order searches in a few button presses and have them upload to the case automatically, do AML checks of which I get one free with every case, order Land Registry searches and submit Stamp Duty. Efficiency is key and Hoowla is continually helping me to shave time off every case.

“Hoowla’s software has helped me form strong partnerships with my local estate agents”

Using Hoowla’s built in conveyancing calculator I can provide local estate agents with a facility to create instant estimates for clients which in turn refers those clients to me. This process takes seconds. By removing all of the barriers involved in providing estimates we all save so much time, it empowers my partnered agents and the client gets what they want instantly. This has proved a real winner all around!

We absolutely love Hoowla. It assists both agents and solicitor’s alike cutting down on the amount of calls between the two. Updates can be seen at a glance, clients also have commented on the ease of using the site which allows them to check progress even when the office for agents/solicitors are closed. Messages can also be sent direct from your own file allowing an almost instant reply. Angela Powell MNAEA, Sales Progressor, Starkey & Brown

“Hoowla helps me deliver on my brands promise”

It was important for my brand, Fletcher Longstaff, to have a professional modern look and feel and a clear brand message. My offer centres on proactive communication, something that’s so important in conveyancing. I needed a case management system that would support this approach. Built into the heart of Hoowla is their online case tracking facility which hasn’t been an afterthought. The experience I get using Hoowla is the same experience that my clients, introducers and anyone else involved in the case gets.

Hoowla is very useful and saves us a lot of time. I can clearly see what Adam’s been doing and where we are at with each property. We both have more time to talk to our clients instead of chasing each other, especially on Fridays! Valda Mardle, Lovelle Estate Agency, Lincoln

My introducers know when I have won the work, they are instantly invited to track the progress of cases. They can see exactly where in the process we are. This isn’t something I have to actively remember to update, it is the system I use. By me simply working I am keeping everyone updated. They don’t chase me for updates, they get all they need from Hoowla. It saves no end of time. Our clients get exactly the same experience as well! I am delivering on my brand promise.

For more information about Hoowla and to arrange a demo, email tom@hoowla.com or call 01792 687146.

Hoowla and SearchFlow team up to deliver an integrated conveyancing search ordering experience for solicitors

September 8, 2015News, Press ReleasesTom O'brien

Hoowla’s teamed up with SearchFlow to provide an integrated conveyancing search ordering experience for solicitors using their case management software. Both Hoowla and SearchFlow are dedicated to making conveyancers lives easier and understand the need for speed and efficiency in the conveyancing process. The partnership with SearchFlow provides even more choice for conveyancing firms already using Hoowla’s case management software.

“We have a growing number of search partners tightly integrated within Hoowla now and are delighted that SearchFlow have teamed up with us”. Comments Adam Curtis, CEO of Hoowla. “It’s important to us that we are able to provide choice for our customers and we’ve focused on ensuring the ordering experience in our case management software is consistent whichever provider our customers choose”.

Hoowla is recognised as the alternative to the Law Society’s Veyo platform and is modernising conveyancing for law firms. Developed in the UK and using the latest cloud technology, Hoowla promotes a modern approach to legal software is a growing provider for the legal industry. Their case management software covers all areas of law and includes a customisable workflow engine, client relationship management, full accounts and invoicing, precedents and letters, practice performance reporting and more. Specialised features for conveyancers include integrated search ordering and alerts, online SDLT submissions, Land Registry integration with automated PDF form filling and key partnerships within the industry.

Hoowla provides transparent pricing on their website, operating a pay per case model with no setup charges and doesn’t lock customers into lengthy contracts. Hoowla offers 24 hour support and works closely with customers, quickly integrating feature requests into the system at no extra cost.

For further details on Hoowla and to arrange a demo contact 01792 687146 or email tom@hoowla.com

Leading Estate Agency Edward Mellor Adopt New Conveyancing Panel Management Software

August 18, 2015Article, Customer Stories, News, Press ReleasesTom O'brien

Edward Mellor sought to provide an enhanced and tailored conveyancing experience for their clients, strengthen relationships with their panel of local conveyancing solicitors and improve business intelligence around the large volume of transactions their agency generates. They embedded Hoowla’s cloud based conveyancing panel management software at the start of 2015 to achieve just that.

Hoowla’s panel management software is used by over 70 members of Edward Mellor’s team along with their panel of conveyancing solicitors and their clients. Hoowla generates instant conveyancing quotes for home-movers and refers them directly to Edward Mellors panel firms. Edward Mellors team monitor successful instructions and help win work for their solicitors, all supported and streamlined by Hoowla’s conveyancing technology. A suite of business intelligence reports provide detailed insight from quotes right through to completions across the agency. Built in accounts ensure all financial matters linked to referrals are covered too.

Edward Mellor’s panel of conveyancing firms have also embraced Hoowla’s conveyancing technology by adopting their case management software to progress cases from instruction through to post completion. The firms spared no time embedding the software into their practices and quickly familiarised themselves with Hoowla. The intuitively designed software and round the clock support from the Hoowla team ensured the transition went smoothly.

Suzanne Wharton, Operations Manager at Edward Mellor comments; “Our staff and the solicitors in our panel find it easy to use and it has streamlined the process of referring clients to our panel. With complete visibility of the progression of all of our properties we can quickly react to anything that may slow down progress and step in to support our panel firms. Hoowla helps us maintain a great working relationship with our solicitors and provide a fantastic conveyancing experience for all of our clients. The back-office set up is also very easy to use, including setting up users, managing invoicing and reporting. The team at Hoowla have been supporting us every step of the way, listening to our feedback and have been quick to react and enhance their service incorporating our ideas.”

Adam Curtis, CEO of Hoowla, comments; “We’ve worked closely with the team at Edward Mellor, with every member of their panel and most importantly listened to their feedback to ensure Hoowla really delivers results for them. Our customisable workflow technology has allowed Edward Mellor and their panel firms to really tailor the home-moving experience for their clients. Our team thoroughly enjoys working with such a modern, progressive agency and group of conveyancing firms.”

Hoowla now helps to keep Edward Mellor and their clients in the loop on the progress of all their property transactions. The home-moving experience has been enhanced with the team regularly seeing clients log in for updates on their case, to ask questions and provide information. Everyone benefits from access to the online case tracking and collaboration tools and an improved level of transparency Hoowla brings.

Hoowla, an online conveyancing case management provider and recognised alternative to the Law Society’s Veyo platform, also provides panel management software which allows estate agents and mortgage brokers to manage their own private panel of solicitors. Hoowla keeps everyone in the loop throughout the conveyancing process through a modern, professional interface. Hoowla offers 24 hour support and works closely with customers, quickly integrating feature requests into the system at no extra cost.