25 years in the conveyancing industry

This year we are celebrating our 25th anniversary!

When Geodesys launched in 1997, we offered just one search before quickly partnering with Landmark and Jordans to expand the product offering to include environmental reports. In the 2000s, we grew further with flood, planning, and Local Authority reports.

Throughout our time servicing the conveyancing industry, we have been heavily involved in developing the CON29DW through our work with the Drainage and Water Searches Network. This membership organisation sets quality and assurance standards in the production of CON29DW reports.

More recently, Geodesys was one of the founder members of the Conveyancing Information Executive; a membership body setting standards across data services and search providers.

The work of such organisations has seen significant improvements in data accuracy and the availability of due diligence reports for conveyancers, with over 100 search services now available through the Geodesys platform.

Speaking on the role Geodesys has played in shaping the industry, Head of Geodesys Ellie Player says, "The search industry has changed significantly since we launched. One of the most important developments from our point of view was the setting of standards providing assurances across the industry around the quality of the reports provided.  

Conveyancers up and down the country now benefit from the work done ensuring that the data provided is accurate and relevant, and more importantly, interpreted appropriately by the conveyancer to ensure end clients understand any risks associated with the property.  

We know conveyancers aren’t environmental specialists or drainage engineers, so our role is very much to support with helping them understand what it is the data we provide is telling them and their clients."

In 2012, Geodesys delivered its landmark 1 millionth CON29DW and continued to be an innovative player in the market with recognition in the form of the “Supporting the Industry” award at The Modern Law Awards in 2020 for the ground-breaking New Build Drainage and Water report, launched in May 2019, at the time the first report of its kind for new build conveyancers.  

One of the reasons for the success Geodesys has had is the longevity of staff and the internal knowledge and understanding of the conveyancing search market that brings with it. One such individual is Robert Chapman, who has been with Geodesys as a member of the customer services team since day one.

“I have been very lucky to work with amazing people doing the most extraordinary things. The biggest change over the last 25 years has been how technology has enabled us to deliver outstanding levels of service to our customers with minimum fuss” says Robert.

“Today, my greatest enjoyment is being able to pass on my knowledge and understanding of an ever-changing industry to the next generation."

And there are no plans to stop innovating any time soon, says Ellie Player.

"Starting with a head count of 15, we’ve expanded significantly since 1997. We know there is still work to be done on improving the information we provide to conveyancers and home movers.  

We’re excited to see how we can contribute to innovations like home passports and providing data to smooth the progress of the transaction. We very much hope we’re still about for our own Jubilee in another 45 years' time!"

Managing Director at TIDE Services, parent of Geodesys, Tim O’Brien added, “Thank you to all our customers, suppliers and of course our amazing team at Geodesys for all they have done to ensure Geodesys’ success throughout these 25 years.”

"There has been an enormous amount of change in the searches industry over the last quarter century, and the Geodesys team has risen to every challenge that has come their way. I have no doubt they will continue to drive the business forward and provide a fantastic service to all our customers over the years to come."