Independent agents’ group names another top industry firm as partner

The fledgling independent agents’ trade group, the Federation of Independent Agents, has signed another partnership deal with a high-profile industry supplier - this time it’s the Mortgage Advice Bureau. 

The arrangement will see MAB become the official mortgage broker partner for the FIA, which describes itself as “a network of like-minded independent estate agents who work together to enjoy commercial advantages.”

Peter Brodnicki, chief executive of the Mortgage Advice Bureau, says: “FIA members benefit from a whole host of tailored solutions with MAB … It’s a great fit in terms of values and culture in that the FIA works to achieve the best outcomes for its member businesses and acts as a strategic partner. We’re looking forward to what the partnership can bring as we continue to evolve our proposition to ensure we deliver the choices consumers expect in how they research, receive advice, and transact.”

The FIA, which charges agents £295 plus VAT per branch per month, is a member-only organisation with the objectives of giving independents the scale and quality of supplier access that is often reserved for bulk-buying corporates.

Founder Graham Lock says it has so far attracted over 200 agency brands with some 400 branches; it allows only one member agent per town.

Other high profile suppliers with which it has forged previously-announced partnerships include outsourced viewing service Viewber and reviews platform Feefo.

Lock says: “There are some great mortgage brokers out there and many options were available to FIA but ultimately I chose MAB due to their diversity, national coverage and ability for my members to benefit from the best referral rates possible.”