Strengthening connections and maximising opportunities for Members across the UK
The Guild of Property Professionals, one of the UK’s largest networks of independent estate agents, celebrates the success of its powerful referral system. Through this platform, Guild Members have generated 2,086 referrals within the network since the start of the year, establishing the referral system as an indispensable lead generation tool that fosters collaborative success and enhances business growth for Guild Members across the UK.
Estate agents often face limitations when clients have properties outside their main trading area. The Guild’s referral platform provides a seamless solution to this challenge, enabling Members to refer clients to trusted Guild agents in other regions. This approach not only keeps business within the network but also offers clients peace of mind, knowing they will work with vetted professionals who adhere to The Guild’s high standards of service, ethics, and expertise.
Iain McKenzie, CEO of The Guild of Property Professionals, emphasises the value of this platform, stating, “The Guild’s referral system is a prime example of how being part of a network empowers independent agents to be in business for themselves, but not by themselves. The network provides agents with allies across the country that they can work with to increase their revenue stream. The revenue generated from the referral system alone has paid for many of our Members’ annual fees and more. Every successful referral strengthens the bond between Members and demonstrates the power of collective growth within our network. For our clients, it offers reassurance that they’ll receive consistent, high-quality service across regions.”
Guild Members sending a referral receive a fee upon successful completion, while the receiving agent benefits from a new commission opportunity that may not have arisen otherwise. A prime example is a referral received by Willmotts Real Estate Agents, the Guild Member in Hammersmith, West London that received a referral from James Estate Agents in Coxley Green. William Taper, MRICS, BSc (Hons) Director of Willmotts, comments: “The fee for the sale was £14,000, £10,000 which came to us and £4,000 that went to The Guild and the referring agent. We would have never got this vendor if it wasn’t for the referral as they were based in Singapore and we had no contact details or relationship with them before receiving the referral. The property had been on the market with another agent for two years who had not done a very good job of marketing it and didn’t know the local market at all. Harnessing The Guild resources, our local knowledge and excellent staff, we managed to get a great result for the vendor who was delighted. It really showcased the power of the network.”
Peter Lawrence, Director at Lawrence Rand, has also seen the benefits of partnering with another Member agency, commenting: “Through a partnership with another Member agency, we were able to secure a successful referral, earning a substantial fee of £4,000. This achievement not only highlights the effectiveness of the platform but also underscores the value of being part of this highly respected network.”
Ailsa Mather, Director of Andrew Coulson, adds: “Our most successful referral was a couple who hadn’t moved for over 30 years relocating to our area, who needed lots of reassurance about the process. We registered them on our mailing list and then put them in touch with their local Guild Agent. This resulted in the Guild Agent being successful with the listing and agreeing a sale very quickly. This enabled the couple then to have an offer accepted on a property that we were marketing. We achieved a £5,000 fee which was amazing, but we also had a very happy couple who with the help of the Guild Referral Scheme found the transaction of buying and selling seamless as the line of communication flowed between all parties.”
According to Katie Griffin, Director at Sawdye and Harris, in March her office connected clients who owned a second property in an area outside their coverage with the local Guild agent. “The property was listed in June, and thanks to the expert handling of our Guild partner, swiftly found a buyer, completing the sale in October,” she adds. “For our clients, this meant a seamless and efficient sale process, while we earned a referral fee of £669 for a simple phone call and email introduction. It’s a prime example of how our network extends value beyond our immediate area, delivering excellent results for clients wherever they may own property.”
Angi Cooney, Director of C residential, the Guild Member in Staffordshire, comments: “One of the many advantages of being part of a network of exceptional agents is the support and collaboration it offers. For instance, Townbridge, an agency based in Middlewich, recently referred one of their clients to us. This client’s family was looking to sell a property in our area, and after an initial meeting a few months ago, we are pleased to have signed the contract today to handle their sale. The clients have been delighted with the seamless communication between all parties, and we are optimistic about achieving a successful sale for them soon.”
McKenzie adds: “The Guild’s referral system exemplifies the value of collaboration within our network. With every referral, our Members strengthen their businesses and enrich the client experience. This is the essence of The Guild - empowering independent agents with the resources, reach, and revenue opportunities of a much larger network.”
Moreover, The Guild of Property Professionals’ commitment to giving back is reflected in its charitable partnership with Agents Giving. For every successful referral, The Guild donates £50 to Agents Giving’s grant fund, a cause The Guild has proudly supported for many years. This initiative underscores the network’s dedication to both its Members and the wider community, supporting charitable work while generating new business for independent agencies.
