Ethical Agent Network launches, promising to be ‘different’

A network uniting so-called ‘ethical agents’ launches today with a promise to be different from the rest of the industry.

The Ethical Agent Network is led by industry figure Jerry Lyons, founder of the Estate Agent Content Club, who says: “The idea for the EAN came about because of our 14 years of experience working with some of the best independent agencies in the UK.

“The one thing they all have in common is they always do the right thing for their clients, colleagues and community.

“There’s a level of ethical excellence that this calibre of agencies always adheres and aspires to and that gave us the idea to build a network of like-minded, non-competing agencies. These are agencies not just with purpose but with a soul and positive cultures.

“The historical model of networks and associations have been driven by groups banding together to help themselves – be that through accessing supplier discounts or referral income. 

“There’s also a sense that some aspects of training within the industry have become tired and that we need to seek fresh ideas from new sources and different voices.

“The EAN wants to change that and is seeking agents more focused on constantly improving, supporting their communities and perpetually improving the experiences their clients have. We need agencies that want to help people change their lives, not just their addresses.”

The EAN has identified six pillars on which it has built its membership offer.

Classes – weekly training on a wide range of topics, including Google Review generation, responsible marketing, prospecting and building strong team cultures;

Content – weekly articles, videos and e-guides from the EA Content Club;

Collaboration – daily access to a forum where ideas, issues and leads are shared;

Community – quarterly campaigns that make it easier for agencies to support good causes;

Connections – bringing like-minded agents together and introducing them to industry partners who share their values - Lyons says “we don’t do kickbacks or commissions”; and

Care – providing agencies with tools to help them care for people, the planet and their profits.

Lyons adds: “We’ve no interest in being a big network for vanity’s sake. We will build a tight-knit, high-quality group of good human beings, exceptional agents and well-run, profitable, ethical businesses.”

To satisfy the entry criteria, agencies will need at least 50 Google Reviews with a 4.5-star rating or higher, evidence of supporting their community at least twice in the past 12 months and a commitment to member promises.

“EAN isn’t a purely pay-to-play network. Our application criteria mean it’s not for everyone, and you can’t simply buy your way in. We’ll turn away more agents than we accept” says Lyons.

The EAN launches with 25 members and features an advisory team consisting of Dave Gibbons of Courtyard Homes; Nick Cheshire of Nest in Essex; Vicky Bibiris and Asad Riaz of Location, Location; Michelle Gallagher of JDG Estate Agents; Spencer Lawrence of Paramount Properties; Abigail Grey of Grey & Co; and Luke St Clair of Knightsbridge Estate Agents & Valuers.

The new network also has a website:  www.ethicalagentnetwork.co.uk.