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Written by rosalind renshaw

Trevor Kent, arguably the UK’s best known estate agent and a former President of the NAEA, has resigned from the organisation.

He said: “I’m afraid NFoPP has taken its eye off the ball and is losing its way as a trade association that once pledged to support its members before all else.”

The veteran Kent, who joined the NAEA more than 35 years ago, has also resigned with immediate effect from ARLA and from NAVA, the auctioneer’s association that comes under the NFoPP umbrella.

Kent says that his resignation was as the result of the ‘cumulative’ effect of a load of straw.

These included both the NAEA and ARLA advising the public only to use Licensed members – although many NAEA and ARLA members are not licensed. Kent said he found this strategy extremely divisive.

But the last straw that finally decided Kent to quit was the requirement to pay £432 contribution for Client Money Protection plus around £1,000 for the mandatory Clients Account Report to NFoPP.

His decision not to pay prompted the threat of a ‘random spot check’ of his accounts by ARLA.

Kent said that he declined to pay on a point of principle, since the lettings operation in his single-office operation in Gerrards Cross is extremely modest. He holds no tenants’ deposits, collects no rents and manages no property, offering a ‘find only’ service, with multi-million pound sales being his main activity.  

He said: “It is not that I have an inability to pay, simply that I am unwilling. This is the final straw that has cracked my spine.”

In his resignation letter to Peter Bolton King, NFoPP’s chief executive, Kent said: “Naturally I knew the Association office would soon notice I had not submitted my Clients Account Report within the required six months after my year end, so I expected termination discussions in due course.  

“However, I must say to be hit with a letter today (only three weeks after the last due date for the accountant’s report) that you are to conduct a ‘random spot check’ by ARLA’s Operations Manager Ian Potter in my office and that I must ‘make my accountant’s report and details of my last reconciliation and relevant paperwork available for inspection at 10am on 29th November’ a rather sledgehammer approach to my inevitable departure from membership.”

Of the ‘divisive’ stance on Licensed agents, Kent told Bolton King: “As you are more than aware, I have been critical of NFoPP’s stance of late with regard to many matters, particularly the divisiveness of the two levels of membership in both NAEA and ARLA and the recent press releasing of advice to the public to only use ‘Licensed Members’ to the detriment of my non-licensed subscription-paying fellow members.

“I have also had difficulty with the similar stance of  NFoPP in advising the public to only use ARLA members for rentals when NFoPP is well aware that there are many members of the NAEA who either couldn’t or wouldn’t ‘grandfather’ to ARLA, yet are perfectly reliable rental agents.”

Kent concluded his resignation letter to Bolton King by saying: “I will arrange removal of all mention of membership of the Associations from my practice as soon as practical (although in the case of the NAEA logo, it is my understanding I would have been forced to remove it soon anyway as I didn’t go for licensing, even if I had retained my membership).”

Kent, a President of the NAEA in the early 90s who has continued to maintain a high media profile, says he was initially going to keep quiet about his resignation out of a continued loyalty to the organisation.

His mind changed, however, when he read a suggestion from NFoPP that he was ‘unable’ to provide the Clients’ Accountant report rather than, of course, his being ‘unwilling’ to, primarily due to cost.

Peter Bolton King, chief executive of NFoPP, said: "It is obviously regrettable when any member resigns, especially someone who has contributed so much to the NAEA over many years. We are all very grateful to Trevor for all the time he has given. As Trevor himself mentions, he felt unwilling to supply an accountant's report and as a result was not able to comply with the rules of membership.

"Any member who has a client account and handles clients' money has to provide an accountant's report. This requirement is a very important fundamental principle, for obvious reasons. Trevor and I had discussed the various other options open to him which would have negated this need."

Tributes have already been paid to Kent by long-standing members.

These include former NAEA President Stewart Lilly, who resigned from the NFoPP board two years ago, also in protest. Lilly said that Kent had resigned because he holds ‘strong principles’.

He said: “One has to respect this decision – it is not one he would have taken lightly.”

Hugh Dunsmore-Hardy, former CEO of the NAEA, said: “Whatever we had disagreed in the past did not detract from the significant contribution that Trevor made in raising the NAEA’s profile when it represented the interests of its members in whatever discipline they functioned. He always tried to represent the grassroots, even if, on some issues, that made life uncomfortable for me when I was the CEO."

 

Comments

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    Me too, I have just resigned from NFLOPP formerly known as NFOPP. The benefits are nil and they take great pleasure in levying fines for the small misdemeanour's.

    TPOS is all the registration that you need

    • 09 May 2013 15:23 PM
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    Sadly, from speaking to a number of fellow agents, most are not bothering to renew memberships and are leaving in droves, especially due to the increase in subs. Why be a member? No benefits. Joe Public never heard of them. Run, in my opinion, purely to line their own pockets rather than look after the members. Can anyone on here let me know what the benefits are?

    • 05 January 2013 11:54 AM
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    I joined the NAEA because I thought it was a positive step in my career. I joined ARLA because I was given the chance to and jumped at it when someone other than me was paying for it. Now many tears later with my own firm I am stuck with a large subscription and an extortionate CMP insurance premium. As EW says I thought it would be a good thing to do if regulation was ever introduced but I seem to be approaching retirement quicker than the government is approaching regulation.

    • 08 November 2011 18:01 PM
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    Puzzled...: "Yeah right. Good one! Every agent I have spoken to (and for reasons I won't bore you with - this is actually quite a lot) have said they joined to 'get the sticker in the window' and the 'logo on the letterhead'."

    Sorry - but I can't accept that. Okay - in passing ONE Agent might well say that - but EVERY ONE of "quite a lot"??

    I don't think so. Either that, or you've purposefully been speaking to a VERY selective bunch to make your point with...

    Wonder if any NAEA Members/Fellows would like to comment? After all - it's THEM you are casting aspersions toward...

    • 08 November 2011 14:28 PM
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    PeeBee "That they did NOT join the NAEA to 'win instructions' - but did so because they actually believed that it was a positive step towards making the industry better?"

    Yeah right. Good one! Every agent I have spoken to (and for reasons I won't bore you with - this is actually quite a lot) have said they joined to 'get the sticker in the window' and the 'logo on the letterhead'.

    They weren't daft enough to think that a trade association with no power could ever drive up standards in an unregulated industry.

    • 08 November 2011 13:18 PM
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    I was once at a free val and the client said to me

    "you cannot spell area, can you?"

    Puzzled, I looked again at my business card that said

    Mr Burglar, Naea, Director

    on it

    I smiled and said, of course sir, glad you noticed, will have it changed immediatley.

    True story.

    Burglar

    • 07 November 2011 16:14 PM
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    Don't forget Gala dinners at expensive venues when many cant pay their VAT bills.... or conferences.... spiralling CMP because of members claims

    • 07 November 2011 15:15 PM
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    Dear All

    I feel that there is a place for NAEA and ARLA if they focussed more on members interests, consumer awareness and lobbying and less on cross selling their wares. If its not courses, its "Earn money from Lease Extensions and Conveyancing"

    From speaking to a number of NFoPP members who may not be enthusiastic supporters, it appears that they maintain their membership as they believe that should the Government ever regulate, they will have their foot firmly in the door. Many whose companies pay their fees certainly wouldn't want to resign then find that they have to re-apply and sit exams and undertake CPD.

    Not my opinion - just that which I have heard.

    I remain an ARLA and NAEA member as I feel change can only happen from within!

    Regards

    EW

    • 07 November 2011 14:55 PM
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    Puzzled...: "Are there any of you who actually think you have ever won an instruction because you represented yourself as an NAEA member?

    Do any of you think this has any influence, at all, in the decision making process when selecting an agent?"

    Can you possibly comprehend that there are many who wouldn't care less? That they did NOT join the NAEA to 'win instructions' - but did so because they actually believed that it was a positive step towards making the industry better? That they did it for THEMSELVES, not simply to "look good against the competition"?

    No - I didn't think you would, somehow...

    • 07 November 2011 12:17 PM
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    NAEA and ARLA Member: Okay - I read what you say and take your word for it. But may I suggest that you are one of a minority. I was a Member for over seven years. During that time I saw apathy from the vast majority of NAEA Members. A handful of faithfuls and a few keen newbies turned up at Branch Meetings - but many of the newbies stopped coming after a couple. I read Richard Copus below saying that newcomers like the direction the NAEA is heading in - I seriously doubt that (I actually doubt if they have the foggiest idea which way it is heading - as many long-standing Members don't...) - but of course that is what they are going to say if asked, isn't it? I also agree with the comment posted in response to Mr Copus. Rather than focus on the thirty-two that came to the meeting, perhaps Mr Copus would care to advise how many ACTUAL Members reside in his Branch area?

    THERE lies the problem. The 'never-shows'; the 'can't be bothereds'; the 'don't give a stuffs'. Enjoying the letters on their business cards, but giving nothing to the cause in return. THEY are the problem with the NAEA. Make it a mandatory Membership condition to TURN UP at meetings - at least 50% during the year or face expulsion.

    Now THAT will sort out the wheat from the chaff... and I will bet here and now that many 'licensed' Members will be looking for a new logo to display...

    • 07 November 2011 12:12 PM
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    Dear Pee Bee

    "And more to the point - what have you done or are going to do about bringing the changes you want to see?"

    I have done a great deal. The only reason I haven't used my real name is so as not to upset the work I have put in to changing mindsets. Trust me - the NFoPP board is about as unified as the Greek Parliament.

    The problem lies with the 'employed' NFoPP members - not the voluntary ones. PBK and Potter run the show.

    Whilst they are still there not much will change.

    • 06 November 2011 17:04 PM
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    I am more puzzled than usual.

    Are there any of you who actually think you have ever won an instruction because you represented yourself as an NAEA member?

    Do any of you think this has any influence, at all, in the decision making process when selecting an agent?

    When I have selected an agent in the past, I have almost viewed the 'flashing' of a trade association logo as a negative thing. Certainly there was a time when any builder could pay £20 a year and become a member of some organisation or other designed to make members of the public feel comfortable using them.

    Surely the whole 'trade association' thing is discredited and irrelevant in this day and age.

    I would suggest, in order of importance, the factors that influence the decision are:

    Valuation provided - 50%
    Dominance of agent in local market - 25%
    Fee - 20%
    Reputation (from previous dealings or things people say) - 5%
    Likeability/credibility of person doing the valuation - 4.95%

    0.05%???? Membership of trade association members of the public have never heard of and do not care about.

    • 06 November 2011 14:22 PM
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    'NAEA and ARLA Member': "They have devalued the ARLA & NAEA logo by allowing unlicensed members to retain use of it whilst not having the minimum standards one should expect - CMP - PI Insurance - accountants audit. This is utterly astonishing."

    No, Sir/Madam/Prefer-not-to-disclose... what IS utterly astonishing is that you seem to think that PREVIOUSLY there was a value to the logo which has suddenly changed! A Member is a Member. Licensing simply costs them more money to STILL be mistrusted and ridiculed by the public! NOTHING will change on that front - and those few bad apples will STILL practice - whether licensed or not!

    "I am now very seriously considering whether to renew and unless I see some significant changes, I see little point in doing so."

    Why? What 'point' did you see when you joined? What 'point' have you seen throughout your Membership? And more to the point - what have you done or are going to do about bringing the changes you want to see?

    • 06 November 2011 11:25 AM
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    You have new mega region which stretches some 236 +miles end to end and you attracted 32 members! Enough said?
    Here is a request from one of the Fellows on your patch, please call for a vote of confidence in the executive board.

    • 05 November 2011 17:25 PM
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    To NFoPP board:

    Practical comment: We have a few licensed offices a few unlicensed. That means some are effectively saying dont use others......

    If my company resigns - which is looking likely - then you will lose 12 NAEA members and 14 MARLA members.

    That's £4680 in lost fees each year PLUS courses - PLUS new members which we recruit when we employ new staff.

    You can't afford to ignore your members.

    • 05 November 2011 12:46 PM
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    Bobby Singh

    The Estate Agents Act 1979 (as amended by The Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress (CEAR) Act 2007) on 1 July 2008. This requires those engaging in estate agency work in respect of residential property to join an approved estate agents redress scheme by the time the Order comes into force on 1 October 2008.

    I have checked, and for whatever reason, The OFT dont consider God to be a recognised redress scheme- I believe this is because "forgiveness" and telling complainants to "turn the other cheek" is not deemed fair and equitable.

    Expect another visit from Trading Standards.

    • 05 November 2011 12:38 PM
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    This whole anti NFoPP thing is unnecessary. Either be a member or resign. Vote with feet - that will be the only message they hear.

    Their biggest mistake is the new two tier membership - one which undermines the other. They have devalued the ARLA & NAEA logo by allowing unlicensed members to retain use of it whilst not having the minimum standards one should expect - CMP - PI Insurance - accountants audit. This is utterly astonishing.

    This can only be resolved by removing the use of this right which will cause more members to leave.

    It also seems like Ian Potter and PBK are the decision makers of the whole of NFoPP. This is based on a number of issues, but most notably the fact that ARLA released a leaflet effectively saying 'don't use NAEA' members.

    I sincerely believe that NFoPP was created due to PBKs fixation on overseas fact finding trips. It really is NOT a Federation - its a trade body which exists because of members, not in spite of them.

    Without their support - it cannot survive and support is waning. Be honest loyal members - what commercial benefit is there?

    All I get from NAEA / ARLA is sales emails trying to flog something. Mortgages, leaflets, courses, gala dinners - and an invisible, useless website.

    I am now very seriously considering whether to renew and unless I see some significant changes, I see little point in doing so

    The amount of bad press is so bad, membership is almost a liability

    Change - or die.

    • 05 November 2011 12:32 PM
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    I sat the exams the other day. Thought I'd just wing it without study as I've been an agent for 9 years and know what I'm doing. Multiple choice (4 options) on all answers. If there had been a 5th option that said "this question is totally stupid and has no relevance whatsoever to what I do for a living" I would have opted for that answer on most of the questions and would clearly have passed with flying colours! Reality was I didn't pass all the papers, surprise,

    • 05 November 2011 11:53 AM
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    What a ridiculous and offensive statement. Beggars belief - but then knowing the history, maybe it doesn't...

    No Mr Singh - your business is 'regulated' only by you.

    I only hope for the sake of your customers and for the Estate Agency industry that you represent to them that your morals are within a million miles of the height of your ego...

    • 05 November 2011 10:42 AM
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    Lol. I told the TPOS to xxxx xxx this summer.

    All a bunch of cowboys... IMO

    My business has never been stronger or better... Regulated by only GOD.

    WLI baby

    • 05 November 2011 00:38 AM
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    First there was ANAEA ,then FNAEA, now there's XNAEA, great letters to put after your name to show you've seen through the two tier strategy and to expose the fact that most people join to get credibility.

    If you have integrity and credibility put XNAEA after your name and save the subscription and stop funding a campaign against the members, which helps PBK hob-nob with Government Ministers to his job more important by bringing in licensing.

    Best wishes to Trevor Kent XNAEA

    • 04 November 2011 20:25 PM
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    Ray- So all those running around with FNAEA on theior cards have studied and sat a testing exam then? Hardly silly me dear.

    Even now what standard is the entrance exam? Name, DofB, how to con the public? Pass.

    Richard.

    • 04 November 2011 16:53 PM
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    Richard Copus:
    "Misinformation" being spread around about branches being abolished???????
    You know where the information came from: NFoPP high command. That was the cunning plan. (And to have regional conferences.)
    Please explain how this became "misinformation".
    I can answer part of it: some branches managed to evade the firing squad ... and good for them.
    And please accept my apologies if you are not the real Richard Copus: I agree you don't sound like him.

    • 04 November 2011 16:05 PM
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    so, farewell then, Trevor. Seems you've been leaving forever........

    • 04 November 2011 16:00 PM
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    @Richard Copus

    A bit 'ageist' are you not? You also miss one of the main points made by Trevor Kent and your 'new' members may still have much to learn.
    I repeat some of my previous....
    ...One should remember that the NAEA and ARLA are an individual MEMBERS organisation, not an OFFICE organsiation or indeed a COMSUMER organisation.
    (although consumer protection is a major consideration of both associations)
    If the NFoPP wish to change the criteria etc. etc. of membership then it should be done officially and properly with the members consent?

    • 04 November 2011 15:00 PM
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    If the post below is from the real and unfaillingly courteous Richard Copus, I will eat my hat.

    • 04 November 2011 14:36 PM
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    It is very sad that Trevor has resigned, but this compliments his inflated ego.
    It's great hitting out at the NAEA, and it's great seeing the quality of some of the members who are doing it. We had a branch meeting last night (Yes - a BRANCH meeting. Didn't all the misinformation being spread around say branches were being abolished?). We were expecting 20 or so attendees, we had 32 and a third of those were new members who actually joined because they LIKE the way the NAEA is going.
    If you are aged over 65 and have been an NAEA member for a couple of generations, of course you are not going to like the changes, and of course you can cause as much trouble as you like because you are retired on a fattish pension.
    Nobody likes change, but we live in 2011 not 1911.

    • 04 November 2011 14:30 PM
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    @ Richard

    20+ years ago you may have had a point, even then one had to have had a certain amount of experience.. Have you tried recently to just buy them? Or are you just being rather silly?

    • 04 November 2011 14:12 PM
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    Are they all as bad as each other?

    A woman has twins, and gives them up for adoption. One of them goes to a family in Egypt and is named "Amal." The other goes to a family in Spain,they name him Juan". Years later, Juan sends a picture of himself to his mum. Upon receiving the picture, she tells her husband that she wished she also had a picture of Amal. Her husband responds, "But they are twins. If you've seen Juan, you've seen Amal."

    • 04 November 2011 14:11 PM
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    While sitting at your desk make clockwise circles with your right foot.

    While doing this, draw the number "6" in the air with your right hand.

    Your foot will change direction.

    It's a new NAEA test

    • 04 November 2011 13:57 PM
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    Leave the NAEA alone, where else can I buy initials to pretend I am qualified to fool the public?

    The "shock" would be if you all became honest and stopped the con.

    • 04 November 2011 13:55 PM
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    Having re read Mr Bolton Kings reaction to B Ts' decision to resign - when will he address the actual REASONS he gave for his resignation and the probability of many more like it?.
    So far he has just used " polik-speak"

    • 04 November 2011 13:09 PM
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    Daniel Arthurs, nail on head.

    It's only visiting this site that i've even come across the vast majority of these organisations.

    Seems like a license to print money from where i'm sitting.

    • 04 November 2011 13:08 PM
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    Am shocked

    Burglar

    • 04 November 2011 12:47 PM
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    RICS is the way to go.

    Left NAEA 2004

    • 04 November 2011 12:18 PM
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    The NAEA, ARLA, TPO and NALS are of no use to anyone either public or members in my humble opinion. I have been an agent for 10 years, we have to pay 4 membership fees and produce 2 seperate client account audits each year (at at cost of £600 each). Member agents will still go bust stealing £100's of thousands of pounds of client money and get no jail time due to the fact that none of these organisations have any teeth what so ever. These bodies spend no money on advertsing and in the 10 years we have been trading, there has been zero benefit from being members. THE PUBLIC HAVE EVERY HEARD OF THE NAEA, ARLA, TPO and NALS. I think that on average we receive 1 phone call a year from clients who ask if we are members of any of the above, awful ROI. What a waste of time!!!!!! The only solution is for the government to ditch all of the above and introduce an official licence whereby an agent cannot operate unless being a member, if they do not comply then have some form of serious punishment (rather than the threat of being ejected or a £50 fine).

    • 04 November 2011 12:09 PM
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    Hmmm... divided we fall, it appears!

    Firstly, to Big T (one of the few blokes who can match me pound for pound... ;o) ), sincere condolences. And yes - I believe that is the right word to use in this situation. Mr Kent has lived, worked and breathed the NAEA for most if not all of his working life. He helped to shape it. And now he sees bad in what he fought to make good.

    As a former Member I would like to say "Thanks, Trevor, for all you did".

    Sean McMahon: You say "Move with the times and do not fight the waves, it is easier to go with the flow." Might be easier - but what if 'easier' is not 'RIGHT'? It seems to me that many of your colleagues in industry do not think so - but it has never been put to a show of hands. The NAEA was always an organisation for its' MEMBERS - what happened - and how was it allowed to happen?

    You then go on to state "Unfortunately this industry is full of rogue independent agents and quite frankly muppets who work for large corporates and just do what they are told and have no common sense of ethics." There are PLENTY of 'independent muppets' as well, and 'rogue corporates'. Please do not insult the intrelligence of the readers by suggesting that a bit of poorly-implemented and more-poorly policed 'licensing' will be a cure for all ills, Sir - for it will not and you know it.

    In my humble, unbiased opinion, the NAEA should be standing for its Members, NOT dividing them and driving them away.

    Light blue touch-paper... stand back...

    • 04 November 2011 12:00 PM
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    out of interest how many instructions would you lose if you are not a NAEA member?

    how many potential vendors ask?

    • 04 November 2011 11:58 AM
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    I have never seen any benefit in being a member of NAEA and watching the hate for them unfold over the past weeks has just reinforced my thouhgts that theyre not looking after their members best interest. Well done Trev!

    • 04 November 2011 11:43 AM
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    Its so sad that a man who has done so much for the NAEA in his spare time has had to resign.But Im afraid he is so right in all what he says . Im a retired Estate Agent but still try to keep up on whats going on .The NAEA was originally set up as an association to get estate agents together who where willing to work to sensible rules and try to keep estate agecy clean The fees set where not to high so they did not cripple the small agents who really are the backbone of the business .
    But it seems over the years its the public they look after in front of the agent and worry more over their own solvency and making a profit.I can remember when we needed them in the early days of the HIP`s being mentioned and remember working with Trevor to try and block it [ which Im sure Rosalind can remember] but the NAEA just sat back and watched it grow and be born into the estate agency business and nearly cripple some but the powers to be eventually put a stop to it, another organisation feeding off the back of the estate agency business and we all now know why it got off the ground.
    Maybe some of ypu are right maybe another non profit making association is needed to be set up by some of the original and traditional estate agents and run for the better of the estate agency .It seems there are quite a few estate agents that have resigned from the NAEA which does prove there is something very wrong in the way it is run today .
    So Trevor I bet there are a lot of people out there sorry to see you go despite some of the silly remarks made on here . What I say to them is when you put as much time as Trevor has to estate agency then you can shout your mouth off but even then you dont have to be spitefull as your supposed to be in an ethical business is that not what the NAEA has taught you or have you missed the point there too get your heads out of the sand..... Good luck Trevor Im with you all the way ......Terry Moxley Retired

    • 04 November 2011 11:09 AM
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    @ Stephen Ward:

    Please can you resign.

    • 04 November 2011 11:01 AM
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    I can only agree with many of the comments below. I joined ARLA many years ago when it properly represented its members and the letting industry. Sadly I watched ARLA evolve into a self-serving and elitist organisation that was later subsumed into the NFofPP. The current magazine is quite frankly extremely dull when compared with the 'Landlord & Buy-to -let Magazine' or 'The Property Drum' and is full of self congratulatory articles. I remain a member of ARLA but squirm when Ian Potter jumps into print or speaks on the radio without recourse to the true feelings of the letting industry or its members. The recent advice for Landlords and Tenants to use only regulated agents precludes any new businesses entering the market place. ARLA should remeber we all had to start somewhere! Along with many of my colleagues, we all want to return to the ARLA that we joined in the early ‘nineties’ when it was a true members voice. I am sure I will get asked to resign now I have set out my thoughts in print.
    Stephen Ward

    • 04 November 2011 10:49 AM
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    @Sean McMahon

    One should remember that the NAEA and ARLA are an individual MEMBERS organisation, not an OFFICE organsiation or indeed a COMSUMER organisation.
    (although consumer protection is a major consideration of both associations)
    If they wish to change the criteria etc. etc. of membership then it should be done officially and properly with the members consent?

    • 04 November 2011 10:31 AM
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    Ohh hot topic!

    I believe the NAEA are right and the licensing is a first step in the right direction.

    If a multi branch office only has qualified staff in one branch then surely how can they expect for both offices to be licensed? It makes sense to train your staff and get them qualified in each office, no matter how many years experience they have. Move with the times and do not fight the waves, it is easier to go with the flow.

    Clients expect to be dealing with professionals, and the licensing scheme highlights professionalism in our business. Unfortunately this industry is full of rogue independent agents and quite frankly muppets who work for large corporates and just do what they are told and have no common sense of ethics. So yes, this licensing scheme should be taken up by all NAEA members.

    We have been given enough time and opportunity to get our staff trained and qualified so I do not see the issue.

    Fine, don't pay for Client Money Protection, I am sure your clients will thank you for it.

    As far as an accountants report costing a grand, change accountant! I can recommend Mazuma as they do this as part of their service.

    • 04 November 2011 09:59 AM
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    You only have to have witnessed the embarassment that was last years ARLA conference to see how hugely pathetic both PBK and Ian Potter have become.
    That these individuals are supposed to represent our industry is sadly not a joke but actually both demeaning and offensive.

    • 04 November 2011 09:57 AM
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    I resigned 6 years ago when the NAEA failed to back me in a dispute when an applicant lied about an offers proceedure when they didn't get the property after a formal tender.
    The tender was carried out in line with the RICS guidelines and once the evidence was looked at and found to be wholly in my favour they apologised to the applicant ...... not to me.....Far too quick to back the public rather than professional membership.Whatever happened to innocent until proven.
    Another nail in this out of date organisations coffin.
    RICS is the only proffessional organisation in this industry.

    • 04 November 2011 09:55 AM
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    Regulation is a good thing and all agents should be licensed to practice. But we only need one regulator not

    NAEA rules
    Licensed NAEA rules
    TPOS rules
    RICS rules

    which one next will change their name or amalgamate

    • 04 November 2011 09:55 AM
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    @absolman

    You are right, we are better off without prats like yourself making comments like that.

    • 04 November 2011 09:47 AM
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    Are we bothered? This man was a fun President, but has done nothing in recent years other than puff up his over inflated ego. He clearly can't afford to be a member, so stuff him! We are better off without prats.

    • 04 November 2011 09:35 AM
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    and who actually cares, who will it effect? No one, but he can concentrate on getting free plugs for his new organisation for the worst agents in the UK.

    If he were not after cheap publicity how did this shock horror become public? very like the church lot that shout about Christianity rather than practice it.

    • 04 November 2011 09:35 AM
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    Now, I'm neither for or against the NAEA but this is a "shock"? You really think so? There's no shock in the continuation of your anti-NAEA stance, which for someone who can look at your reporting objectively is plain to see, but I guess complaining is easy, isn't it?

    • 04 November 2011 09:34 AM
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    I'm also on that list. Same reasons.

    • 04 November 2011 09:28 AM
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    A sledgehammer to crack a nut is excessive, that's true.

    However, a nut is always a nut.

    • 04 November 2011 09:14 AM
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    Well done Trev !!

    PBK = George Papandreou
    (except there has been no vote of confidence...yet)

    • 04 November 2011 09:12 AM
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    I resigned too.

    The move to a US style Federation was the beginning of the end, along with removing power from the Council if members so the executive board could effectively do what they like.

    The NAEA Council would never have allowed two tier membership. Who would belong to an organisation that discriminated against its own members and spend association funds, raised from the mass of members, to tell the public not to use most of the members.

    A campaign to say you can't trust most members of the NAEA!!! It is like Ratner saying his jewellery was rubbish, and look where that went.

    The shock isn't dear Trevor resigning, it is that more members haven't voted with their feet too!!!

    It was a tough decision when I left, but it has made no diference to me, in fact this will be a record year for my business, the best ever since I opened 15 years ago.

    Best wishes Trevor, how about starting a new association for estate agents? We could set up our own licensing scheme to benefit from NAEA's slogan to 'use a licensed agent'. How about it? Is that maverick enough for you?

    Lance Trendall, Premier Move, The Land Office, The Letting Office and Probate Sales Office

    • 04 November 2011 09:12 AM
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    ...NFoPP...NFoPP...that doesn't exactly trip of the tongue does it? Sounds more like N Flop. Who on earth thought up that ridiculous set of initials to promote our industry?

    • 04 November 2011 09:07 AM
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    As a member of the NAEA since 1975 I remember you well and it is indeed tragic that you have been forced by the stupidity of todays 'leaders' to resign.

    I too will not renew my membership.

    The statement in your resignation letter.......

    “I’m afraid NFoPP has taken its eye off the ball and is losing its way as a trade association that once pledged to support its members before all else.”

    Note: 'members' not 'offices'. This is truly the fundemental failing of the current 'organisation'.

    I also rememer Arbon & Upton in Hertfordshire, what on earth would these Founders think now!

    • 04 November 2011 09:04 AM
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    A shame, but I think the way froward for credible agents is the RICS licensing scheme.

    • 04 November 2011 08:42 AM
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    Morning Trevor
    Welcome to the ever growing club of resigned past presidents (or, in my case; president-elect).

    We haven't always agreed, but we both held the NAEA and what it stood for, highly. This decision could not have been easy for you.
    Good luck
    Chris Wood

    • 04 November 2011 08:37 AM
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    Tragic !

    • 04 November 2011 08:24 AM
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    Respect to Trevor. Must have been a huge decision.

    N - flop are in terminal decline. Logos and initials have little value these days.

    Time for a change. Whilst Ian potter, Bolton- king, and a couple of their chronies run the show - it won't go anywhere but down. Sad really.

    • 04 November 2011 08:24 AM
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    Well done for standing up and being counted mr Kent.

    This will be a catalyst and unless PBK et al listen - there will be many many more.

    I agree with Dave - 2 tier membership is a big big mistake

    • 04 November 2011 08:15 AM
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    Well done Trevor. Potter and PBK are too arrogant to see they are destroying a once good organisation.

    Licensing is an insane idea. Two tier membership can't work.

    I will be resigning in due course also - as will many others.

    • 04 November 2011 08:12 AM
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    Hats off to you Trevor, im sure many will follow your example.

    • 04 November 2011 08:04 AM
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    A true legend of the industry, well done Trevor i did the same thing a couple of years ago to me the NAEA were once great but the plot seems to have been lost.

    • 04 November 2011 07:10 AM
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