Portal expert takes senior role in new FIA Independent Agents’ group

Estate Agent Today can reveal that the new Federation of Independent Agents has recruited an expert from the two leading portals and a range of PropTech platforms to become its membership chief.

Neil Comper will be joining the FIA next month to lead the nationwide rollout of the group, launching in the coming weeks and seeking to establish a network of like-minded independent agents who can collectively enjoy some of the commercial advantages of corporates.

Graham Lock, founder and chairman of the FIA, told Estate Agent Today over the weekend: “I’m absolutely delighted to bring Neil to the FIA, his experience and knowledge together with a vast network of industry connections will further add to the professionalism and credibility.”

Comper comes most recently from his role as head of sales at TwentyEA, the property consultancy arm of TwentyCi; prior to that he was head of sales at PropTech platform View My Chain and a regional sales manager at SearchFlow. Between 2004 and 2012 he worked in sales roles firstly at ZPG and then Rightmove.

He says of his new appointment: “With my 15 years working within the estate agent supplier sector I am convinced that the many services, supplier arrangements and business improvement tools the FIA offer will be welcomed as a unique opportunity to many of the leading independent agents across the country.

“The launch of the FIA is perfectly timed given some industry uncertainties and as such I am extremely excited about the chance to be able to share the huge advantages of becoming an FIA member.”

The FIA - which is still canvassing interest via its website www.thefia.co.uk - is a member only organisation that has attracted over 150 estate agency brands who have pre-registered their interest in joining the group.

A statement from the association says: ”Only one member agent per town will be invited to join but membership will not be easy, agents will be expected to be top performers in their area and conduct their business in a professional and compliant manner.”

You can see more details here: www.thefia.co.uk.