Nick Cheshire and Dan Kirby, founding members of the Ethical Agent Network (EAN), have acquired a majority stake in the organisation. The pair, who run Nest estate agency in Essex, have purchased the controlling interest in the industry body.
The EAN, launched in March 2024, brings together independent estate and letting agencies committed to specific standards. Cheshire and Kirby will now assume control of day-to-day operations and future development of the network.
Founder Jerry Lyons will remain with the EAN as head of PR and Community Consultancy. Lyons stated he received two offers for the business, with one exceeding the amount accepted from Cheshire and Kirby, but chose them due to trust and their understanding of estate agency.
The new owners have indicated plans to expand membership and work on the public perception of agents. This ownership change occurs as estate agencies face evolving technological demands and economic pressures in the UK property market.