Independent agents' group carrying on - for now at least

The group seeking to represent independent agents says a recruitment meeting scheduled for tomorrow is carrying on despite growing doubts about the future of the organisation.

The event - described as an opportunity to see how the group “plans to fix your industry’s reputation” - is being held at a central Birmingham hotel between 9.30am and 11.30am. It is billed as a debate with other agents shaping the industry’s future and a chance to grill Charlie Wright, founder of the Charter for Independent Estate and Letting Agents. 

Last week the organisation admitted that it is now unlikely to launch this autumn after all, despite a high-profile campaign to recruit members since the start of 2017.

A statement posted on the group’s website says that its drive to recruit agents who pay £35 a month has failed to attract sufficient support to launch as planned on October 1.

“While we have received very strong vocal support, thousands of agents visiting our website and much encouragement from agents and suppliers we meet, this is not translating into membership sign-ups” admits Wright.

“Less than five per cent of the hundreds of agents who pre-registered with us declaring their support when we first announced our intention to form have actually proceeded to join. It seems to be a case of chicken and egg. Everyone agrees the independent industry needs a collective voice to improve its national reputation, but hardly anyone seems willing to risk even £35 per month to support it” he admits.

The CIELA website lists the venue and timing of tomorrow’s Birmingham event - which is free to enter for owners of independent agencies - but there are no details listed for others scheduled for July in Bristol and London. 

In September there are events scheduled for Leeds, Liverpool, the Midlands, East Anglia, Exeter, Bournemouth, Gatwick and again in London.