Self-employed agent network The Experts Group wants letting agents to help it achieve ambitious expansion targets by the end of the decade.

Founder and chief executive Sean Newman says: “Our goal is to be the most attractive self-employed model in the UK and grow to 2,500 agents within five years. We have 10 starting this week and we have set our sights on maintaining that level of expansion until December 2029.

Newman says that on the sales side, the government drive to reduce transaction times and cut fall-throughs – announced last week – are important milestones in his growth plans. 

“I have seen evidence of reduced transaction times because of self-employed agents already. They have fewer clients to deal with and so they give every sale their careful, personal attention.

Excellent communication ensures issues are resolved quickly and efficiently.

“On top of that, they have a big financial incentive to make sure sales go through smoothly and completes as quickly as possible. If faster sales times can be achieved, we will see more properties coming to market more regularly and that increased turnover will open the door to more experienced agents deciding to go it alone and start their own business.”

To help achieve Newman’s target, he has appointed Jayne Kerfoot – who has held senior roles at Connells and Strike – as Group Recruitment Director.

She says: “There is a structural shift in the industry as experienced agents see a move to starting their own business as the next logical career step. It allows them to increase their earnings and offers them greater freedom and flexibility, it’s a natural progression.

“We offer so many opportunities for people working in the property sector, whether people want to do sales, lettings, auctions, mortgage advice or recruitment consultancy. And that range of choices will soon get wider when another Experts company launches later this month.

“I’m looking for ambitious entrepreneurs who are coachable and proactive – they have to want to make things happen. And as long as they understand the importance of building their own personal brand, they will fit right in and be in good company.”