iad UK flies flag for self-employed agency at EA Masters 2023

iad UK took to the stage twice at EA Masters 2023, first to discuss the virtues of self-employed agency with other industry leaders, and then to collect an excellence award, presented by television’s very own Rachel Riley.

Hosted at Evolution London in Battersea Park on 7th November EA Masters 2023 saw Lee O’Brien, Managing Director of iad UK, appear alongside Nicky Oliver (nee Stevenson), MD of Fine & Country, and James Du Pavey, owner of James Du Pavey, to discuss what the future of residential estate agency looks like.

O’Brien championed self-employment as the clear preference in the UK, a sentiment that seemed to be mirrored in discourse and events across the day which all very much spoke towards a future of self-driven entrepreneurship in agency, using technology to maximise efficiency and reduce costs, and agents freeing themselves from the trammels of corporate estate agency.

O’Brien spoke passionately about agents choosing to back themselves and take advantage of the autonomy provided by self-employment, and how iad’s continuous support, training, and direct mentorship are the secret to their success around the world to date.

Entrepreneurship and mentorship were both front and centre of another fascinating presentation on stage, in which billionaire Richard Harpin, Founder of Homeserve and current Chairman of Checkatrade.com, described them both as two of his eight secrets to building a billion-pound business.

To top off an already great day, iad UK was then presented with an award for excellence in lettings, taking its place among other superb businesses in the Best Estate Agent Guide, 2024.

Lee O’Brien, Managing Director of iad UK, says:

“We’ve come away from EA Masters 2023 with a real spring in our step. Not only was it a great day with tonnes of learning, reflection, and fun, but we were especially excited to see, probably for the very first time at EA Masters, a real excitement for the theme of self-employment and entrepreneurship.”

“Above everything, today has shown us how passionate agents are, and how aspirational they want to be, with a belief that, when you back yourself, the sky’s the limit. These are all things that we agree with and embrace and it feels great to be playing our part in this agency evolution. Bring on next year!”