Spicerhaart has introduced a new employment structure for estate agents that combines elements of traditional salaried positions with self-employed autonomy, the company announced.
The model, called Forge – Empowered by Spicerhaart, will operate alongside the group’s existing employment arrangements and allows agents to manage their local territories while accessing corporate resources.
Employment structure
According to Giles Hart, Managing Director of Forge, the initiative addresses what he describes as a gap in the market. “Agents are often forced to choose between a salaried branch role or going fully self-employed with limited backing. Forge – Empowered by Spicerhaart aims to offer the best of both worlds,” Hart stated.
Under the arrangement, agents will operate within Spicerhaart’s existing brands, either remotely or from branch locations, while utilising the company’s infrastructure and systems.
Compensation and support
Forge Partners will receive a base salary plus commission, along with holiday pay, sick pay, either a car allowance or company car, and pension contributions. The package includes access to technology platforms, marketing resources, and sales tools.
The company stated that partners will have access to its technology systems, digital marketing supported by AI, a management structure, and lead generation from its branch network and contact centre, which operates from 8am to 10pm.
Market positioning
Hart said the model differs from franchise or associate-style self-employed arrangements offered by other agency groups, stating that many such models “have struggled to deliver consistent productivity or meaningful scale.”
Spicerhaart has identified 112 locations for potential partnerships under the new model, which it says will expand its operational reach and service capacity.
The move comes as estate agency employment models continue to evolve, with various groups testing different approaches to attract and retain agents in a competitive recruitment environment.
