Tech Jeeves: Serving the Estate Agency Industry

In agency, as a service supplier to a service industry, I take on the role of Tech Jeeves—a discreet, highly capable problem solver who ensures independent agents have the tools, insights, and efficiencies they need to compete. Just as Jeeves was the quiet mastermind behind Bertie Wooster’s escapades, my expertise works behind the scenes to give smaller agents the competitive edge they deserve.

What I provide isn’t just #PropTech—it’s something deeper. It’s a strategic, data-driven advantage that allows independent agents to punch above their weight, competing with corporate giants on a level playing field.

For the largest firms—Connells, Countrywide, Property Franchise Group, LSL, Spicerhaart, and regional multi-office agencies with 15 or more branches—technology is an in-house asset. They have the scale to employ CTOs, analysts, marketing teams, and developers. They build their own systems, integrate conveyancing services, and leverage economies of scale in ways that single-office and small regional agents simply cannot.

The reality is that 20% of agents enjoy financial and operational advantages that allow them to dominate their competition. Whether it’s negotiating deep discounts on Rightmove subscriptions or securing preferential rates on software, their sheer size secures them privileges that smaller agents don’t have. Many branches of large organisations remain profitable purely because of these discounts and the technology they receive as part of the group.

So where does that leave independent agents? Fighting an uphill battle.

You already know the numbers don’t stack up. You’re paying double, maybe even five or six times what some of your competitors are paying in portal fees. That’s not just an inconvenience—it’s a financial stranglehold. It feels like a hostage situation: pay up, or fall behind.

I understand and support the campaign against exploitative Rightmove fees and the coercive tactics used to control smaller agents. I see how account reps—often lacking real industry knowledge—wield aggressive power over businesses just trying to survive. But the way to break free isn’t just by fighting for lower fees—it’s by using better technology. The same technology that the big firms are now exploring but which is already available to you.

This tech was developed and in testing five years ago—roughly seven years ahead of anything currently on the market. No one can take away from me that I build solutions that work. I deliver technology to the very smallest agents in the industry in a way that respects them as customers, acknowledging their needs rather than dictating terms.

Independent agents don’t just need cheaper portal fees—they need the ability to compete.

And that is where I come in.

When Eric needed a bio, he could have sourced a copywriter, gone through the process of finding, briefing, and paying them. Instead, he sent me an email. Within an hour, he had a response—not as polished as a professional copywriter’s work, perhaps, but functional, effective, and at no additional cost or hassle. It was all part of the service. And that’s exactly what I do for single-office and small regional agents.

I am not anti-group or anti-corporate. But I have spent my career building technology that empowers independent agents. In 1986, I was helping Runo test the Team dumb terminal system. In 1994, I began building a career that led to an industry-standard solution that still accounts for over ￡22 billion annually. I have developed tech that outperforms Land Registry on every measurable metric and have insights into this industry that few can even comprehend.

Because of my size, people often struggle to believe what I offer is possible. But I know this industry inside out, and I have the resources to back it up.

A critical part of that is Tristan (Coding Dobby)—an integral force behind everything I build. Tristan isn't just a coder—he's a powerhouse of skill, creativity, and deep industry understanding. For a short time, he was a senior professional developer for one of the world’s largest property technology companies, but his impact on what I do is far greater. His expertise enables me to deliver high-level solutions to the smallest of agents, ensuring they have access to technology that truly levels the playing field.

And this isn’t done in some aloof, high-handed, tech-heavy way. It’s done in a way that works for smaller agents—simple, direct, and efficient. It’s the “Robert, can I ask you a favour?” sort of way.

If you’re a single-office or small regional agent, I am here to help you compete. The advantage you need is available—not as a costly enterprise solution, but as part of a service that understands your business, your challenges, and your opportunities.

I sit here, happy to serve—your Tech Jeeves in estate agency.

And just as this article is delivered before 6:30 AM—while most of the people I serve are still asleep—the solutions I provide are always working in the background, ensuring independent agents have the edge they need to compete.