Swindon June 2026 Meeting 

How Japanese knotweed can make you money! Jason Harker

Through hard work and determination, Jason has been identifying and eradicating Japanese knotweed for over 20 years and Japanese Knotweed Expert is a top 5 company in the UK for weed remediation and is PCA accredited to the highest standard. Jason has a passion for helping others to come up with solutions and has a wide knowledge of invasive plants, including Japanese knotweed.

Often, when Japanese knotweed is mentioned or seen when enquiring about a property, there can be a mixture of responses and emotions from potential buyers.

During Jason's talk, he would like to enlighten you about the benefits of investing in a property with Japanese knotweed and how this can offer you financial gain rather than a potential loss. 

During the presentation you will learn: 

• How much Japanese knotweed can reduce the value of a property.
• Legislation relating to Japanese knotweed on a property whether selling, developing or buying.
• Financial benefits if you are developing a site with Japanese knotweed.
• The five things solicitors/surveyors need on all reports to ensure mortgages are approved for a property with Japanese knotweed and how homebuyers can get a mortgage with Japanese knotweed present on the property.
  
  

ALSO...2030 Is Closer Than You Think. Don't Get Caught Out — Get Clued Up. - Jon Reynolds 

With the government's deadline for mandatory Band C EPC ratings fast approaching, landlords across the UK face some of the most significant regulatory changes in a generation. In this talk, Jon Reynolds — a qualified Energy Assessor and Retrofit Assessor with over 20,000 assessments to his name — cuts through the noise to explain exactly what is changing, when it is happening, and what landlords need to do now to stay compliant and avoid costly penalties.

Jon will guide attendees through the transition from the current EPC system to the new Home Energy Model (HEM), unpacking what the reformed assessment methodology means in practice and how it will affect property valuations, lettings compliance, and landlord spend. Whether you own one rental property or fifty, this is essential knowledge for anyone operating in the private rented sector in the years ahead.

What you will learn on the evening: 

• What the Home Energy Model (HEM) is and how it fundamentally differs from the current SAP-based EPC system
• The new MEES standards taking effect in October 2030, including fines of up to £30,000 per property for non-compliance
• Which exemptions are available, how long they last, and how to use them legitimately to protect your portfolio
• How the £15 billion Warm Homes Plan and available government funding can help offset the cost of required improvements
• Practical steps to take now — including how to engage a qualified assessor, understand your options, and prepare your properties ahead of the deadline