We are delighted to announce that Howard & Co. Solicitors LLP has achieved Platinum status in the 2026 Digital Conveyancing Maturity Index, recognising our approach to using technology effectively throughout the conveyancing process.

Howard & Co. achieved an impressive Digital Maturity Score of 76.6%, placing us among the top 10% of firms taking part in this year's assessment.

Even more significantly, InfoTrack's published results place Howard & Co. 9th in its national ranking of the highest-scoring firms in the 2026 Index. The average score across the conveyancing sector was 59.8%, making our 76.6% result a particularly strong achievement.

For a firm that has been helping people buy, sell and manage property since 1976, we are proud to demonstrate that our long-standing commitment to personal service is being supported by modern, efficient ways of working.

What is the Digital Conveyancing Maturity Index?

The Digital Conveyancing Maturity Index, or DCMI, is produced by InfoTrack, a major provider of digital conveyancing technology to law firms across England and Wales.

The assessment is designed to measure not simply whether a law firm uses technology, but how effectively digital systems are embedded into its day-to-day conveyancing processes.

The 2026 assessment looks at areas throughout the property transaction, including client onboarding, pre-completion work, post-completion processes, new business and client communications, integration between IT systems and digital records, as well as the use and governance of artificial intelligence.

InfoTrack describes the Index as a way for conveyancing firms to benchmark their digital capability against the wider profession and identify whether disconnected systems, manual processes or gaps in technology could be creating unnecessary work or risk.

What does Platinum status mean for our clients?

Buying or selling a property involves a considerable amount of information, documentation, checking and communication. There are also important legal, financial and regulatory requirements that need to be dealt with correctly at different stages of the transaction.

Good use of technology can help make those processes more efficient and consistent.

The areas examined by the Digital Conveyancing Maturity Index include processes such as digital identity verification, source of funds checks, transaction forms, document handling, enquiries, monitoring lender requirements, electronic signatures, Stamp Duty Land Tax submissions and applications to HM Land Registry.

For clients, greater digital maturity can help a conveyancing team to:

• Reduce repetitive administration and unnecessary manual data entry.
• Manage information and documentation more efficiently.
• Maintain clearer oversight of the different stages of a transaction.
• Reduce the risk of errors associated with repeatedly entering the same information.
• Deal with important processes and submissions more efficiently.
• Spend more time focusing on the legal work, communication and professional judgement that clients need.

Technology does not replace the role of an experienced conveyancer. Instead, when it is used properly, it gives legal professionals better tools to manage the administrative and procedural parts of a transaction while continuing to provide clear advice and personal support.

Standing out in an increasingly digital conveyancing sector

The achievement is particularly important because digital capability across the conveyancing profession continues to improve.

InfoTrack's 2026 findings show that the industry's average Digital Maturity Score has increased from 54.4% in 2024 to 59.8% in 2026. Howard & Co.'s score of 76.6% therefore places the firm substantially above the current industry average.

The research also highlights areas where many firms continue to rely heavily on manual processes. For example, InfoTrack found that many conveyancers still use email for sharing documents, manually manage important deadlines and rely on disconnected systems at different stages of a transaction.

Against this background, achieving Platinum status and a place amongst the highest-scoring firms is an important recognition of the progress we have made.

Modern conveyancing with a personal approach

Although this award is about technology, for us the purpose of technology is ultimately very simple: to help us provide a better service to our clients.

Property transactions can sometimes feel complicated and stressful. Our job is to make the legal process as clear and manageable as possible while protecting your interests and helping your transaction progress.

That means combining efficient systems with something that technology cannot replace: having an experienced legal professional available to explain what is happening, answer your questions and guide you through the process.

As a local firm established in 1976, that personal approach remains central to Howard & Co.

Our Platinum status demonstrates that we can combine the values and personal service of an established local solicitors' practice with the digital processes expected of a modern conveyancing firm.

Buying or selling a property?

If you are buying or selling a home, remortgaging, transferring ownership or dealing with another property transaction, our conveyancing team can guide you through the process.

Howard & Co. is also a member of the Law Society's Conveyancing Quality Scheme, providing further reassurance that our residential conveyancing work follows recognised standards of good practice.

Find out more about our conveyancing and property legal services, or contact our team to discuss your requirements.

Call 01226 215 215 or email law@howardandco.co.uk.

You can also visit us at one of our Barnsley or Penistone offices.

Howard & Co. Solicitors LLP - established in 1976. Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, Firm No. 8000040.

Further reading: InfoTrack's 2026 Digital Conveyancing Maturity Index findings.