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NEWSFLASH: Peter Bolton King resigns

Friday 16th March 2012

Peter Bolton King, chief executive of NFoPP, has resigned.

He is to leave in early April. This morning, he said that an announcement about his next move is likely within the next ten to 14 days.

Bolton King has been in his current role for nine years.

Mark Hayward, chairman of NFoPP, is to step into the breach as acting CEO of NFoPP.

Hayward this morning paid tribute to Bolton King, saying: "His departure is amicable, and we wish him all the very best for the future."

Bolton King said: "The last nine years have been the most enjoyable of my career to date, and I have had the pleasure of working with many excellent members of staff, volunteers, and of course most importantly our members. However, the time is right to consider the next nine years of my career and to move on to new challenges.”

Hayward added: “Peter’s continued contribution to the Federation and the industry as a whole has been immense and, as the architect of NFoPP, invaluable. I am sure that the directors, staff at Warwick, and the members join me in wishing him the very best for the future.

“As chairman of the Board, I will be handling the chief executive responsibilities from April whilst it is decided how the role should look in the long term.”

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Added by No future federation PP on 2012-03-20 13:52:54

have a look at the comments section on this EAT article regarding a NFOPP board member- the board is the future of NFOPP -

http://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/news_features/NFoPP-ddirectors-to-thrash-out-issues-surrounding-its-future

Added by Northern Agent on 2012-03-16 20:14:24

Here Here Big T.

Added by XFNAEA on 2012-03-16 19:12:40

@Chris Wood
the cabal that, in my opinion, controlled the board;

Who would that be Chris? your resignation along with Stewart's were indicators that all was not well.
If Peter is a victim of the Cabal, us outsiders would quite like to know who exactly is calling the shots.

Added by chris wood on 2012-03-16 17:56:27

I don't know the story behind Peters departure but I am surprised he did not walk a long time ago and I wish Peter well in whatever he chooses to do.

As Nick has already said, Peter often had to be the front man and fall guy for some occasionally insanely stupid, self-interested and short sighted (if , usually, democratic) decisions by members - board and general.

Regrettably the cabal that, in my opinion, controlled the board; did irreparable damage before it too self destructed. I hope that I am ultimately proved wrong in this assessment.

I now worry for my friends and the remainder of the staff at Arbon house as I see Peter's departure as a catalyst for what may well be the end of a once worthy institution.

The Property Ombudsman Scheme is now fulfilling much of the role that the NFoPP wished to achieve since the NAEA's inception, albeit with negative licensing.

The NFoPP now needs to re-invent itself as a genuine asset to its members. Licensing was a complete farce but the person I believe was the chief architect of that farce left a little while ago. Badly thought out but bullied through with a combination of sleight of hand and dirty politics; and again, too many people voting for what suited them/ their firm rather than what would have been the best solution for agent and consumer alike.

If the Federation is to survive and thrive it needs to urgently recruit and accept a strong leader with visionary ideas and, give them the authority to act. Finding another excellent CEO like Peter will not be enough; it also needs a board and membership who have the courage and vision to support some tough choices and changes.

This board also needs to be paid and accountable, elected professionals who are up to the job of running, building and driving forward a multi million pound organisation rather than a bunch of usually well-meaning amateurs of which I was one.

Added by One of the Anons on 2012-03-16 17:12:44

Mark Hayward has made it very clear that PBK was the architect of NFoPP, that is either pure blame for something that "they " have decided isn't working or the imminent demise of his creation is too much for him to stomach.

Added by Jonnie on 2012-03-16 17:00:39

Ive tried to decide how I feel about this but its like when one of those chinless politicians that runs some daft quango few people care about jacks his / her job in none is really bothered and nothing changes………………………in fact the odd bearded fella that runs the church resigned today I care more about that and I class my self as a non practising atheist.

However, as a former NAEA chap that cancelled the direct debit ages ago I think he seems to have taken over an institution that had a clear position / image and purpose and sort of muddled it all up with god knows what and, well, sort of made it a bit of a donkey

Jonnie

Added by Next to the bloke at the back on 2012-03-16 16:42:16

You know what? I think we should clap now!

Added by Smile on 2012-03-16 16:26:47

**STOP PRESS - PBK NEW JUDGE OF BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT**

PBK has taken over from Piers Morgan as a BGT judge. Producers have explained that he will need to press the buzzer whilst the performer is still on stage and not appoint a committee and sub committee to report to him before offering his verdict mid way through the following series and p*ssing off all members of the audience by unleashing an as yet unnamed spokes person who has a very Scottish accent.

Peter said "I am delighted at this appointment and look forward to discovering some talent as after 9 years in my last job I had to concede there simply wasn't any"

Piers Morgan was unavailable to comment, but a spokesman says he is showing a keen interest in Evening Standards Homes and Property.

Added by Disbelief on 2012-03-16 16:14:35

@ Jack C - or maybe, they could be combining roles to save money - ARLA Bishop of Financial Worry?

Added by Mike Fenton on 2012-03-16 16:13:31

New England manager?

Added by Jack C on 2012-03-16 15:55:58

Hector Sants and The Archbishop of Canterbury have also resigned today - I wonder if they are all about to swap jobs?

Added by Old agent on 2012-03-16 15:34:59

PBK really should have resigned before the ARLA conference if that was his plan rather than front it with a vision of a happy future.

Either that, or something has happened in the last 2 weeks which changed his opinion.

The latter seems more likely

Added by Paul Reynolds on 2012-03-16 15:21:54

Nice of Mark to offer his services free of charge.

Added by We all know curiosity killed the cat on 2012-03-16 15:19:07

but I can't help thinking speculation had something to do with it too.

“We would also encourage prospective tenants to ensure the agent they enter into agreement with is a member of The Property Ombudsman Scheme, which provides an additional layer of protection.”

Was a quote from Ian Potter in respect of letting agents being regulated. Now I can't help but wonder if the creeping dry rot of the ombudsman's agenda might have something to do with Peter's resignation.

Added by XFNAEA on 2012-03-16 14:49:43

Unlucky for NFoPP, PBK will be a tough act to follow.

But what a silly move to put the previously well known brands, ARLA & NAEA under such an awful umbrella!

NFoPP is a rediculous brand, don't you agree? The brands we see flourishing make it easy and obvious to see what they do and easy to remember.

Such as moneysupermarket, easyjet, comparethemarket, lastminute.com, rightmove, u-switch to name a few.

Was anyone awake at NAEA when they came up with NFoPP? It hardly slips off the tongue does it? Who the blazes has heard of it, would recognise it or want to belong to it?

Best wishes PBK

Added by RichardE71 on 2012-03-16 14:28:39

"3 weeks notice?" + no one to take his place = BOMBSHELL

I just hope to GOD they get some new blood in and don't choose from the existing mob.

Personally, I would get one of the SAFE Group in - they at least get things done. Or perhaps someone like Chris Hamer who has the diplomatic skills, but rules with a rod of iron.

Failing that, how about Ann Widdicombe?

Added by on 2012-03-16 14:13:13

"amicable" ! Three weeks notice?

Added by Mark on 2012-03-16 14:03:04

I have found the NAEA a profoundly bureacratic organisation with little or no accountability to its members. It strikes me as particularly political and not in touch with what is going on in the real world.

Added by Trevor Mealham INEA on 2012-03-16 13:58:58

Good Luck Peter with your next chapters in property

Trevor INEAmls

Added by LondonAgent on 2012-03-16 13:58:45

Interesting stuff. The anonymous board members who run (or ruin) NFoPP should be very worried.

The only good things about the whole set up is Tim Hyatt and PBK. Ok, the President elect and VP are good people - but PBK's departure is a real shock.

He is indeed a very enthusiastic man with strong principles. He is always very personable. I always felt him too diplomatic and perhaps needed to be stronger and tougher in trying to drag ARLA et al into the real world.

The board needs to sit up, take not and change. They need to start listening and engaging with members and actually make decisions swiftly.

At the ARLA conference, I felt there was a sense of real frustration with some of the younger senior members. I imagine PBK's frustrations simply made his position not worth the hassle.

In fairness, he did a good job under difficult circumstances and was simply in the firing line whatever he did.

Good luck Peter. You had a thankless task but you did it well.

Added by EW on 2012-03-16 13:47:18

This is a time to simply wish Peter all the best for the future. A nice man with sincere passion for the industry.

Added by Rip Off Rightmove on 2012-03-16 13:17:40

Please can someone name names? Who are the board members responsible for the current state of affairs? Can anyone now name a single board member? Are they voted for, or there for life?

Added by London JOe on 2012-03-16 12:58:17

I have always said it - NFOPP is about to go NFLOPP and good riddance!

Putrid organisation with all the pigs at the trough!

PBK all the best! Good man to get out before the ship sinks.

Added by Ray Evans (member for 37 yrs until this year) on 2012-03-16 12:48:17

@TREVOR KENT on 2012-03-16 09:58:59

I concur fully with your sentiments.

@ XFNAEA on 2012-03-16 10:29:07

"........ RICS to look after Surveying, ARLA to take care of management and lettings, NAEA Sales......"
Absolutely right - everyone would know what is what.

I believe the problem was the mixing of the various, utterly different, disciplines under the one umbrella called the NFoPP. The main reason given was more efficient administration and more 'clout'. The opposite has happened. Since its formation there has been a dilution of focus and confusion within and without the profession. Nomatter what Warwick has published, the public do not know who is really individually qualified, responsible, experienced, and knowledgeable in sales or lettings & management or building surveys. "Jack Of All Trades" organisations never produce excellence at the sharp end.

I wish all of those in Arbon House success in the future but to remember that they represent the individual members interests and are not just a consumer protection organization.

The above is my personal view .

Added by Another XFNAEA on 2012-03-16 12:21:30

Perhaps the Directors will work out that when the CEO throws in the towel and long standing members forego their membership of an association they have supported throughout their careers that things need to change.

Such has been the quality of communication out of Arbon House I can not name any of the current NFoPP Directors now that Peter has gone.

Added by Nick Salmon FNAEA (Honoured) on 2012-03-16 12:09:34

@Another XFNAEA.

I cannot speak for what is happening at Arbon House now because I am no longer a member of the board but I can tell you that what is not generally understood is that the CEO is not the ultimate boss of NFOPP. They run the admin of the organisation day to day and they advise and give opinions to the directors but ultimately they act under the direction of the Board - for better or worse in the eyes of members. From the three years I served on the board I am well aware that there are times when that means the CEO has to grit their teeth and do as they have been instructed. A new CEO may bring a different style of management to Arbon House but until the board decides otherwise the policies and strategies of the organisation - and how the CEO handles these in public - are most unlikely to change.

Added by Another XFNAEA on 2012-03-16 11:51:32

I will rejoin NAEA if Peter's resignation means that NFoPP learns and acts on what must has been a difficult and stressfull time for all , Peter, the Executive board and the very frustrated membership.

The press release says nothing of substance other than Peter has gone. Perhaps Nick can give us an indication of whether it is business as usual at NFoPP albeit under a new boss or whether Arbon House is prepared to re-think some un-popular decisions and practices.

P.S Let Peter have the "La, La, La, I'm not listening ears" Hopefully they won't be needed any more

Added by 1DDR on 2012-03-16 11:24:04

Good luck to PBK, he was full of enthusiasm, but then so was TK....etc Seems that it gets beaten out of them in the end! I was a member for 25 years, such a shame to see the joke that is now NFOPP in this state, they should concentrate more on the UK and its members and less on jetting off around the world promoting NFOPP. It used to be something to be proud of being a member, now its an embarassment, and an expensive one at that.

Added by Patricia on 2012-03-16 11:20:28

Not unexpected news, it was only a matter of time before this happened. I have a lot of respect for PBK a genuinely nice man and very supportive of agents and the industry in general. Too many noses in the trough now, as evidenced by the fiasco over licensing, they have completely lost their way and I for one unfortunately won't be renewing my membership this year. All the best Peter.

Added by BiffaBacon on 2012-03-16 10:45:02

Good riddance.

NFoPP became a stupid quango.

Lost my respect years ago.

Added by XFNAEA on 2012-03-16 10:29:07

Nice chap, sad news and all that, time to move on. Me thinks, time to wind the clock back.

RICS to look after Surveying
ARLA to take care of management and lettings
NAEA Sales

Do away with NALS, bring TPO and SAFE in house and lets have an efficient not for profit organisation where member's opinions matter and we regulate ourselve rather than have ill-informed civil servants doing our job for us.

Allow the protest resignations to be reinstated and lets get this thing happening.

Added by Nick Salmon FNAEA (Honoured) on 2012-03-16 10:25:17

PBK has been a first class CEO for the NAEA and for NFOPP and I never been in any doubt that he has always acted in the best interest of the organisation and its members. Having to walk the tightrope of all the competing interests and factions within and without NFOPP, government, consumer groups, etc, would test the endurance of strongest and he's had to endure some very hurtful slanders along the way. I'm not surprised he is leaving. My only surprise is that he stuck it so long. The NFOPP is going to have a tough time finding a replacement willing to pick up the poisoned chalice. Good luck in the future Peter. It has been a pleasure working with you.

Added by Odd on 2012-03-16 10:24:19

Does anyone remember Not the 9 O'clock News?

There was a sketch where 2 MP's were viciously insulting each other, and one had a heart attack. The other MP then waxed lyrical about the demise of his respected and much loved friend.

Ring any bells?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T17VzztS60M

Added by Concerned paying member on 2012-03-16 10:23:56

Hopefully this will encourage other commitee members to fall on their swords and do us all a favour.

Despite Peter's valiant efforts NFoPP has gone backwards over the last nine years to a point where subscibers now get virtually no benefit form being part of the organisation. What a shame.

Added by Disappointed on 2012-03-16 10:18:10

Personally, I like PBK and his energy will be missed.

I suspected differences at executive level and wonder whether there is more to this than a change of career, especially with no new job planned.

Best wishes to Peter. I now worry about NFoPP's future in the hands of the remaining dinosaurs.

Added by Red on 2012-03-16 10:16:55

Well I for one will miss PBK. Lets hope he has a well earned rest before getting back in the saddle - will be interesting to see what horse he gets back on though !!!
I wouldnt fancy being the fall guy for the NFOPP

Added by Bloke at the back on 2012-03-16 10:16:41

Who else is going?

Added by Anonymous Coward on 2012-03-16 10:13:05

I think that NFoPP have a big problem, really big.

The public don't really care about them and TPO is a better place to complain.

Agents have found that they have changed from being a support tool for members to a money pit with no benefits AND a place for the public to complain.

As an agent, what I would want from my professional body is a support mechanism that gives me advice and upholds standards - not something that issues draconian (and pointless?) bylaws and charges huge sums to keep up with them.

PBK may have been the head of the organisation, but I am sure that there are several whole committees that will need to be changed if anything positive is going to happen there.

Added by Disbelief on 2012-03-16 10:01:19

Very odd. At the ARLA conference he was Mr NFoPP and talking about the future with him at the helm

Anyone who states "His departure is amicable" usually means something very different.

Added by TREVOR KENT on 2012-03-16 09:58:59

Well I never! The poor chap has worked himself to a frazzle over the years in a job which must have been intellectually and physically draining. How can one represent the wishes
and directions of so disparate a group of 'employers' many of whom have no idea any more about estate agency at the coal face?

Despite our many 'discussions' over the years concerning the direction of NAEA, the 'licencing debacle' and the car crash of NFoPP, I always retained respect for him and wish you well Peter. Big T

Added by Rebel on 2012-03-16 09:44:43

I am not surprised. Best wishes for his future career.

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