Article from the June 2026 edition of the Communique newsletter
The introduction of the Renters Rights Act on 1st May saw a lot of the focus amongst my clients revolving around ensuring that they both complied with requirements but also strategically positioned themselves to maximise performance and outcomes following the changes introduced.
For most businesses, the first stage has been successfully completed but many are still developing their strategies and charging structures for life under a new order of things. I am working with several businesses advising on the opportunities and the best ways to implement change.
Here are some of the other key things happening involving Integra and myself.
Independent Agent Collective
Recent weeks have seen me working with Gus Waite from the USA who is an AI expert in the real estate space. At the end of May we ran a joint seminar AI blueprint for estate agency business owners exploring the productive use of AI. It was clear that people felt Alone, Behind and Overwhelmed with the conclusion that the way forward was, as explained in my article here – not going to be solved by another software subscription.
In the US, Gus has systems that analyse key data in real time in order to have the foundations on which businesses can build and operate.
Gus has also set up a group called the Independent Broker Collective which is a peer to peer group where non-competing agents meet twice a month and, sharing agreed experiences on the key “pain points” of their businesses, create a “roadmap” for AI development that they then put into practice.
This is done for a fraction of the cost of the “off the shelf” solutions being sold currently to businesses, many of which don’t tackle the real needs of the business.
The Independent Broker Collective operates on three levels with the aforementioned peer group, a more individual Co-CEO basis which operates on a one to one basis and provides input and plans for the business to develop the required AI tools and processes and thirdly a full turnkey approach where the IBC takes on all aspects of a businesses AI plans and processes. Full tech support is part of the model.
As I write we are finalising our plan to launch a UK version of the Independent Broker Collective called the Independent Agent Collective and we will be introducing this to a select group of my clients and contacts this summer with a view to creating the initial cohort of users.
If you’d like to discuss, please contact me in confidence.
Training & Development
I continue to deliver regular compliance training courses (see here) on Money Laundering Regulation, GDPR and the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act with its requirements for material information etc. Many agents are blissfully unaware that the Consumer Protection From Unfair Trading Regulations no longer apply or that supervisory and policing duties have passed from Trading Standards to the Competition and Marketing Authority.
As well as running “open courses”, I also run sales, management and compliance sessions for individual businesses. You can see the content schedule here
A lot more of my time is now being spent working one to one with individuals (at all levels) as a mentor. These are tailored to the needs of the business and individual but usually this works on the basis of regular (every two to four week) sessions – far enough apart to allow time to implement discussed actions but close enough together to ensure momentum in the development process.
I am currently mentoring a Lettings Director, the owner of an AI proptech business and two sales negotiators.
Podcasts
On July 2nd, I shall be participating in a recording for a podcast with Landmark Estate Agency Services who are long time clients of mine. The subject areas will be around compliance and legislation although with lots of anecdotes and, hopefully, some humorous case studies!
On September 3rd I will be participating in a 24 hour marathon web broadcast with, old friend and AI guru Toby Martin. My half hour slot will probably focus as much on my musical and charitable activities as “hard core” estate agency matters!
Agents Giving Charity Awards 2026
July 3rd will see the Agents Giving Charity Awards take place in Coventry
Integra and myself have been shortlisted in an incredible three categories this year
- Best individual fundraiser
- Best creative fundraiser
- Best social media campaign
The last twelve months saw me raise over £5000 for Diabetes UK and The Propertymark Trust through two main campaigns.
In September I, together with my daughter Carrie, undertook the ten mile London Bridges Wellness Walk for the third time and, later in the year, I recorded and released a Christmas single (Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year) with the monies being split between Diabetes UK and The Propertymark Trust.
Along the way, I secured an incredible amount of publicity with over twenty property trade press articles, a huge social media presence, the playing of the Christmas single video (see here) at the Grosvenor House at The Negotiator Awards as well as thousands of plays on the streaming channels (Spotify, Apple, Amazon etc) and download purchases via Bandcamp.
With two, one million step challenges and three London Bridges walks now completed, I have now raised over £8000 for Diabetes UK and will be undertaking the walk again on September 27th – you can support here:
Finally – “I am delighted to have been shortlisted in three categories at this year’s Agents Giving charity awards amongst a wonderful list of individuals and businesses, all of whom deserve to be winners.”
