Japanese knotweed on the agenda at Amenity Forum

Stephen Hodgson, chief executive of the Property Care Association, (PCA) - which represents the invasive weed control industry in the UK - will be a guest speaker at the event, which take place on Thursday 13th October at the Pirelli Stadium in Burton-on-Trent (you can book your place here).

He will be taking to the stage with a talk entitled "Invasive Plants and the Property Management Business."

The discussion will focus on how invasive weeds affect the built environment, through a loss of amenity and other impacts.

Details of the damage they can cause to structures, as well as the impact on property values and blight will also be outlined, together with an update on the latest legal factors for vendors and landowners.

Stephen said: "Invasive weeds such as Japanese knotweed continue to dominate media headlines and are often sensationalised."

"Speaking at the Amenity Forum conference gives an opportunity to present a clear and level-headed overview of the key issues involved and share current best practice."

In 2012, The Property Care Association worked with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) - supported by the Council of Mortgage Lenders and The Building Societies Association - together with Japanese knotweed control companies currently operating within the UK, to set up the Invasive Weed Control Group, to signpost consumers to professional treatment companies.

As well as the discussion at the Amenity Forum, more details on invasive weeds can also be gained at a forthcoming event.

The PCA's second annual Invasive Weed Conference, entitled 'Risk, Roots and Research' takes place on 22 November at the Institution of Engineering Technology (IET) Savoy Place, London.

The event features informed speakers with expertise in areas including law, academia, ecology and technology.

Last year's inaugural conference, held by the PCA's specialist Invasive Weed Control Group, attracted a full house.

Based on this success, the PCA has continued the formula for this year's event, with a three session format offering an up-to-date insight into some of the main issues impacting the management of key invasive weeds across the UK due to changes in legislation, technology and expectations.

A full programme and booking form for the PCA conference can be downloaded at http://www.property-care.org/conferencespca-invasive-weed-conference/