The Association of Residential Managing Agents and The Institute of Residential Property Management have informed their respective memberships that they are pondering combining forces.

The two bodies have worked closely together in recent times and a joint statement by their chief executives –  Nigel Glen and Andrew Bulmer – says: “Combining our resources, data and expertise allows us to more effectively support our membership through guidance and business support, raise standards through enhanced professional qualifications, multi-channel training and ongoing professional development opportunities, and provide a more influential and representative voice to our ongoing government and stakeholder engagement.”

If the memberships back the move, the combined trade body should be in place by Christmas, although both identities will be kept for an introductory period.

It’s proposed that IRPM chief executive Bulmer will become chief executive of the new organisation.

Nigel Glen, currently chief executive of ARMA, would be made executive chairman of the new body’s board.