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Simply HIP set to go into liquidation

Wednesday 9th June 2010
Simply HIP has started liquidation proceedings and a meeting of creditors has been called for June 24 at 12.30pm.

It will be held at the offices of liquidation specialists David Rubin & Partners, Assurance House, 319 Ballards Lane, London N12 8LY.

Insolvency practitioner David Rubin says he will answer creditors’ questions about the company’s affairs in the period before the meeting. He, or his colleague Michelle Sheffield, are contactable on 020 8343 5900.

Simply HIP was one of the HIP industry’s most high profile providers and was founded by Ashley King, chairman of AHIPP.

King’s sister company, Simply Conveyancing, is unaffected. AHIPP itself is winding down and due to cease operations at the end of this month.

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(33) Comments | Report Abuse

Added by amanda shaw on 2011-08-03 16:26:55

how do i go about claiming some money back simply hip owe me?

Added by 360 feedback on 2011-08-02 04:58:47

I have read every story on that site it seems that you given a great focus on the word 'idiot', 360 feedback.

Added by 360 degree feedback on 2011-07-21 08:46:54

the 360 degree feedback is a positive addition to your performance management system to 360-degree feedback to be successful there must be the acceptance of employees.

Added by PeeBee on 2010-06-16 10:06:42

My Opinion: Here are the facts -

I comment on SOME stories, not MOST.

It is funny (also very convenient...) that you cannot seem to find any of my posts which relate to the subject matter. If you wish to look closer, I am sure you will find many. On that subject - where is YOUR opinion to anything, other than "I agree with ..."

You target my comments (the ones you have carefully selected...) as "targeting other people's comments", suggesting I "step back and grow up". Hmmm - double standards or what?

If I don't agree with a comment, I say so. It's called an opinion. Last time I checked, I was allowed to have one. Sorry you don't agree - maybe we should ALL just respond "Ditto" to every post.

THAT would make good reading - wouldn't it?

Still - at least I give you all something to do during the day when sales are slow...

Added by My Opinion on 2010-06-15 17:55:39

PeeBee you comment on most posts but never have i seen a comment that actually relates to the subject in question you only target other peoples comments maybe you should step back and grow up.

Added by Agent Smith on 2010-06-15 17:32:26

@PeeBee

Heads it is! You lose (sleep)

Added by PeeBee on 2010-06-15 12:45:18

"Agent_Mother": please read your own post - then may I suggest you practice what you preach.

For what it is worth, I very rarely tear people's opinions to shreads, as you put it. As you say everyone has an opinion, and I would not (as a certain individual suggests) force mine down peoples throats. I would be interested to know, actually, how you can possibly do that just by posting an opinion on a website. Hardly a platform for mass hypnotism, is it?

Funny, though, that the last couple of comments are from new, anonymous posters who all seem to have the same beef about me. Yet virtually none in 12 months previous?

Hmmm - methinks I've wet on someone's firework...

Shall I lose sleep? Heads yes; tails no.

Added by PeeBee on 2010-06-15 12:25:45

Agent Observer: I, too, read every story and post on this site. You seem to have a great affinity to the word 'idiot'.

Obviously you heard it often in your formative years...

Added by Agent_Mother on 2010-06-14 17:37:49

PeeBee, I like the way you comment on others opinions and tear them to shreds.... They are opinions for a reson and no one has to agree, otherwise they would not be opinions would they?? - eveyone has been affected by this in different ways and personally I feel sorry for all who have lost jobs in all parts of all industries, some of the Team that I had regular contact with at our HIP providers were wonderful people and just earning a living like everyone else, so I will be sad to see that partnership end.. But in general, there is way too much slang matching on here - its not a forum to have personal diggs! Please have your comment on the Topic but dont try and preach..

Added by Agent Observer on 2010-06-14 17:34:53

PeeBee,
You wrote:
Agent Observer made the his opinion.

What did you say to me?
People in glass houses shouldn't throw sticks, stones - or badly picked words...

Why dont you get it right yourself, before correcting other people and getting involved in debates that you are not involved in, or indeed welcome.
Keep your nose out!!

Added by Agent Observer on 2010-06-14 17:27:27

PeeBee, I read all comments on different stories, and your name comes up again and again, forcing your opinions down peoples throats with your egocentric, biased views. You also seem to get involved in other peoples comments and conversations. Maybe in life you can bully folk around, however I tend to avoid pompous folk like you, however here I can just ignore officious arrogant idiots.
Go throw your weight around where someone takes you seriously!!!

Added by PeeBee on 2010-06-14 16:47:35

My Opinion: tell me - was this your opinion before Agent Observer made the his opinion known; or is it, in fact, purely Agent Observer's opinion and you actually have no opinion of your own to offer?

What do you think?

DO you think?

Added by PeeBee on 2010-06-14 16:42:57

Got one, thank you. A very nice one.

You, on the other hand...

You really need to see someone about your "issues".

Best of luck. I hear they are reasonably successful these days - but you need to WANT help for it to work.

Somehow, I think not...

Added by My Opinion on 2010-06-14 16:41:12

Couldn't Agree More Agent Observer!

Added by Agent Observer on 2010-06-14 16:20:53

What a bunch of childish idiots. Get a life!

Added by PeeBee on 2010-06-14 12:03:21

Agent Observer: I think you will find that the actual words Agent Orange used were 'entire profession'.

Who's laughing now?

People in glass houses shouldn't throw sticks, stones - or badly picked words...

Added by Agent Observer on 2010-06-14 10:29:09

Agent Orange, "Entire professional?" I am laughing as we speak.

I would love to sit and answer all your ill made points, but I really cant be bothered. Wouldnt waste my time!

Idoit!

Added by Agent Orange on 2010-06-11 18:01:03

Agent Observer: If I am not mistaken, you said "made me realise the lack of humanity Estate Agents have". I'm sorry but to write something so deeply offensive, particularly in a forum primarily read by estate agents confirms my assertion that you are a tool. I don't see why pointing that out is any more or less childish than your original statement.

Unless you concede that your comment was a rude and infantile generalisation, there's really no point in talking to you.

As for the points raised to justify the animosity felt by some towards Ashley King, I note that you haven't addressed any of them.

And on point of fact, Mr King's financial position is in the public domain courtesy of Companies House. He's a millionaire by virtue of his controlling interesting in Simply Conveyancing, before taking into account any of his other assets.

If you weren't so busy trying to blame estate agents for the death of your industry, you would see that our points of view aren't so different. It makes me sick that King is rich while his creditors may now not have the funds to pay their mortgages and feed their families. How is that "vicious"?

Now I suggest you stop insulting an entire profession just because you don't like some of the comments on here and concentrate on your new job. Best of luck with it.

Added by Agent Observer on 2010-06-11 08:02:31

Agent Orange. Firstly, name calling it utterly childish, what age are you??? Secondly, I was an Estate Agent for 10 years, so never good to assume, and finally my comments (if you read it carefully) are regarding the "utter shambles of the last few weeks," and the negativity and narrow mindedness of the hundreds of Agents comments I have had the misfortune of reading while I was desperatly looking for a job. HIP's are not liked, but there are many industries that are not liked. Have a thought for the people who are just doing their job to comply with a Government legislation. I dont know Ashley King (and again I dont remember mentioning him in my comment.) However I certainly wouldnt feel comfortable making assumptions on his wealth, and unless you know him its another example of the negativity and downright vicious attitude that I am speaking of in my comment, so thank you for proving me right.
What I do know is that Agents mark ups where the Agents decision; they set the price, not the HIP providers and some took almost as much as the HIP cost, (I dont remember writing that I thought HIP's saved money - again another assumption.)
You have your opinion, and I will have mine, however I suggest you actually allow anothers opinion.
Finally, no I dont expect sympathy, and certainly do not welcome it from someone like you.
Again, thanks for proving me right.
Sympathy - you wouldnt know the meaning of the word. And you call me a tool?

Added by Agent Orange on 2010-06-10 19:56:17

Agent Observer, so you think all estate agents lack humanity because one of them on here was critical of Simply HIP and Ashley King? You utter tool.

Besides, I happen to think he has it coming. As the controller of Simply HIP, he continued to solicit new business and therefore ran up his liabilities to suppliers right up to the election. He did so in the full knowledge that there was no balance sheet value in Simply HIP as he had previously made sure any cash was paid out to his other business and/or himself in salary and dividends. One could argue that he had no intention of continuing to trade Simply HIP after the election which is why he so expertly drained the business of cash prior to the scrapping of HIPS. It's not estate agents who are the crooks here. Do you really think the first time King considered liquidation was after HIPS were scrapped?

So while you're busy feigning concern for those without jobs and bashing estate agents (let's face it you obviously never really liked them), remember that Ashley King is a millionaire and the people his business shafted are ordinary bods like me. If you're such a fan of charity, why are you picking fights with agents and not encouraging Mr King to pay his suppliers from the coffers of Simply Conveyancing?

And now you're accusing agents of benefitting from 'ridiculously high markups' whereas you're industry was arguing that the HIP was saving people money? Sounds like you and the HIP industry wants it both ways.

Job losses are sad but I have to say some are sadder than others. If you take a job flogging a high markup product that nobody wants or needs, align yourself with shady trade bodies that routinely twist the truth to serve their narrow interests - and then one day it call comes crashing down - can you really expect much sympathy?

Added by Agent R on 2010-06-10 15:13:28

I know of many people who have lost there jobs because of this farsical mess made by the government and the comments made by some are spiteful and extremely inconsiderate.

The vicious attack on Mr King is also highly hypocritical as for the fact that these agents made mark-up profits and then accusing other parties for this.

To draw a line under this is a lot easier said than done as it has only seemed to cause an awful lot of grief for consumers and employees alike but the only people to blame for this are the inexperienced politicians been given this power.

Rant over.

:)

Added by Happy agent on 2010-06-10 15:05:40

Agent supporter, I couldn't agreed more.

'Evil be to him who evil thinks'!

Have a nice day.

Added by Agent Observer on 2010-06-10 15:04:41

Hey Appreciative Agent, you have restored my faith in humanity a little. So there is one sympathetic Agent out there! Thank you!

Added by Appreciative agent on 2010-06-10 15:00:03

Moan, moan, moan. We've used the Simply team since HIPS started for HIPS and conveyencing. Always found them a good firm to deal with, friendly, helpful and responsive and will certainly go on using there conveyancing service which is shed loads better than many others out there.

I for one am sorry for Mr King. He's offered a very fair arrangment to my firm and our clients. Not sure what any of you lot think they could do under the circumstances or what you would have done in there place??

From my point of view I say 'fair's fair', I don't know many others that would have made the same offer. So if you are reading this Mr King, thankyou for your offers, this must be a very tough time for you and your staff, not all agent think the same way and all good wishes for the future.

Added by Agent Observer Supporter on 2010-06-10 14:47:31

Here here!!

Added by Agent observer on 2010-06-10 14:42:32

I have observed the entire shambles that has been ongoing for the last few weeks,(being involved in the HIP Industry,) and it really has made me realise the lack of humanity Estate Agents have. I remember hearing about Estate Agents going out of business mostly in 2009, and all I felt was pity and upset for the "People" involved, however reading ongoing vicious comments and attacks on people like me who lst their jobs, and an industry where many hundreds more have been made redundant through NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN to be really quite disturbing. My old Mother always used to say, "If you cant say something nice about someone, you should keep your mouth shut!"
In addition, many Estate Agents who took "Dirty money" from many of their Clients for ridiculously high mark ups on their HIP's didnt feel dirty and used then?? I have always vowed never to comment on these stories, (as I dont always trust reporters of any sorts, along with Politicians,) however I feel I need to log on and make my feelings known. Life goes on, stop picking the scab and wishing bad to others as this will come back to haunt you. I have managed to secure another job, so the mortgage will be paid, but I really hope all those who wished the HIP industry individuals badly have the similar bad luck in their future. My advice, do something better with your time!!!

Added by PeeBee on 2010-06-10 11:49:17

@An Agent - "...but I'll go back to referring to my local conveyancer. I won't earn anything but at least I won't feel dirty and used."
So - did the backhanders (sorry...partnership fees...) you earned in the past keep those "dirty and used" feelings at bay then?

Added by An Agent on 2010-06-09 19:53:37

+1 for a boycott of Simply conveyancing and anything this man does in the future. Only three branches but I'll go back to referring to my local conveyancer. I won't earn anything but at least I won't feel dirty and used.

Added by Jon on 2010-06-09 16:11:24

Interesting to see how much of Simply’s conveyancing was sold off the back of a HIP order, - £500,000 at say £20 a pop assembly fee is 25,000 legal cases – work the figures however you like (mine are slightly less accurate than a fag packet sum) but it’s a lot – Live Organisation, movewithus etc will be faced with the same issue, HIP orders have been an opportunity to sell other services and now those opportunities have gone.

Tip of an iceberg?

Added by smoke then fire on 2010-06-09 15:27:29

never touching anything ashley king does again!

Added by Brian on 2010-06-09 13:21:28

Simple- they have no Conveyancing Biz without agents giving them it, support your colleagues and switch there are pleny better managers out there.

Added by Jon on 2010-06-09 11:00:28

Nice job Mr King – ‘ring fence’ the dodgy bit, take the money out and to hell with the creditors – all completely legal of course but I think everyone will agree a bit ‘grubby’ – the dirty reality of the HIPs suspension……………..I presume the Simply Staff that have / are going due to this worked for the bust bit as well?

Added by Morally Bankrupt on 2010-06-09 10:49:21

Before anybody starts feeling sorry for Mr King I suggest they have a look at the latest filed accounts for Simply Hip Limited (Company Reg: 05310443) and Simply Conveyancing Ltd (Company Reg: 04086873) which relate to year ended Jun 2009.
Keeping it simple (sic) Simply Hip's balance sheet shows that it has £1.8million creditors (say bye bye to that money folks) and has a balance sheet value of £2.
Simply Conveyancing shows in its audited accounts that Simply HIP made a profit from providing Home Information Packs of £500,946. So is it possible (obviously I am just speculating here) that Simply Hips made that profit and Mr King then put management charges in to get that money out of the Hip company and into the conveyancing company just in case HIPs were canned and he had to take the HIP company down.
If I was owed money by Simply Hip I would be pretty peeved had this had taken place, take the profit out but keep the debts in, then take the company down . . . . . come on Mr King give us a reply justifying what really went on !

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