CIELA – the would-be new trade body for estate and letting agents – has made some bold announcements in its latest email to supporters.

The Charter for Independent Estate and Letting Agents, founded by software supplier Charlie Wright, says that it plans to float on the stock market.

Early joiners will receive discounted shares at flotation, it says.

Discounts of up to 90% would only be available to those who join CIELA pre-launch.

The fledgling organisation also claims that “when members combine their collective data, CIELA will amass and create the most powerful housing market database of all, far surpassing that of the Land Registry.

“It will become the de-facto authority on housing market movements for the press and media.”

It goes on to claim: “The combined power of all independents is enormous. Not merely financially, but also from an industry information point of view.

“CIELA will dwarf even the largest corporate agency players, bringing the benefit of corporate resources to every member, no matter how small

As of this month, CIELA has embarked on a six-month pre-launch consultation with its members.

Pre-launch membership costs £35 per month plus VAT.

CIELA says benefits of joining early include a “one-off opportunity to be part of the community which will shape the direction of the biggest organisation the industry has ever seen”.