A Plymouth estate agency says it has improved profitability and reduced operational pressures after adopting a new business model that shifts many of the costs and administrative responsibilities associated with running an independent agency.
Glad Stones iad joined the iad UK network in December 2025, retaining its local brand and high street presence while moving to a self-employed structure supported by the wider iad platform.
The move comes as many independent agents face mounting pressures from rising business costs, longer transaction times and elevated fall-through rates, all of which continue to squeeze margins across the sector.
According to iad UK, smaller agencies can face fixed operating costs exceeding £45,000 a year before staffing costs are taken into account. These include property portal subscriptions, office premises, utilities and CRM systems.
EFFORT AND REWARD
Glad Stones reckons the transition has enabled the business to focus more heavily on growth and customer service, while reducing the operational burden that often distracts agency owners from revenue-generating activity.
Leah Flanagan of Glad Stones iad says: “For us, the biggest change has been the balance between effort and reward.
“We have not stepped back from the work – if anything, we are more committed than ever.
“But now we are seeing more return for that work, our self-employed agents are building something meaningful for themselves, and our clients are getting the benefit of a team that is happier, more focused and able to give them a better experience. iad has helped us fall back in love with the industry.”
STRONGER MARGINS
Lee O’Brien (main picture), Managing Director of iad UK, reckons many traditional agencies were carrying significant financial burdens that could restrict growth.
“Leah and Helen’s story is exactly why the iad model exists. Traditional high street agency can place a huge financial burden on brilliant agents and small business owners, with costs that often restrict growth rather than enable it.
“By giving agents access to the infrastructure, technology, training and support of a global network of more than 21,000 agents, iad helps people build businesses with greater freedom, stronger margins and a better experience for their customers.”
