eXp UK, which operates a self-employed agent business model, has revealed the first three recipients of its new ICON Awards programme, which recognises agents who achieve certain production goals and represent a good cultural and community fit for the estate agency.

Agents Kirsty Hodgson, Aaron Tonks, and Claire Bilton have all been announced as recipients of the coveted status in recognition of their performance and potential for community contributions, which have been assessed over a 12-month period.

To earn the production goal, the trio either ‘capped’ on their commission and then delivered a further 40 transactions, or achieved a gross commission income of at least £400,000 involving a minimum of 10 transactions, within the allotted time period.

The ICON Awards package includes £16,000 of gifted shares to the agent, at eXp World Holdings, eXp UK’s holding company. Of the total, £8,000 is first awarded in stock and vests for three years, with the other £8,000 being awarded upon the successful agent taking part in various cultural events, including training others in the art of becoming an ICON agent, and attending in-person events.

eXp UK’s Estate Agency Growth Leader, Adam Day, said: “I can think of no better way to recognise the outstanding performance of these three agents, each of whom has taken full ownership of their careers and given it their all.

“Our recent growth means that it is crucial to continually find ways to celebrate the achievements of our agents, now more than 300 strong. By doing this, our goal is to showcase just how far self-employed individuals can go once they have the right tools and resources at hand. I have no doubt this list of ICON agents will quickly grow in the coming months and years.”

Kirsty Hodgson

Kirsty Hodgson from a rural town in Northumberland called Prudhoe and has been working under the eXp UK banner for almost three years. In that time, she has sold over 100 properties this year alone and has become the market leader in her town. Kirsty was also named the eXp UK agent of the year in 2021.

She said: “When I started out with eXp UK I never dreamt I’d become the UK’s first ICON agent. It’s completely mind-blowing but just goes to show where hard work and dedication can get you.

“Partnering with eXp UK has completely changed my life, not just financially but in so many other ways. For the first time in almost 30 years, I’m entirely debt-free and just this year I was able to take my family on our dream holiday to Disneyland Florida.”

Aaron Tonks

Aaron Tonks, known as “The Property Guy”, is based in the Birmingham market town of Halesowen.

He said: “This is the ultimate reward as an eXp UK agent, but it’s not just about the financial gain, the recognition is important as well.

“All of us at eXp UK work extremely hard as we’re all very motivated but I can’t really put into words the level of freedom we have to build our own businesses from the ground up and be entirely responsible for it. You can’t underestimate the earning potential either – I earn more in most months than I used to in a year in my previous roles.

“Working at eXp UK has changed my mental health for the better.”

Claire Bilton

Claire Bilton started her eXp UK journey two years ago, shortly after she sadly lost her father to cancer – a factor in her deciding to make the step to self-employed.

Bilson said: “Losing my dad was a big motivation for me to make a change in life and my career, and it’s thanks to him I’ve been able to achieve what I have.

“I used to work on the high street, but since working independently with the support of eXp UK for the last two years, my life has changed massively both professionally and personally.

“I’ve been able to buy my dream home for me and my family, and even purchase my first investment property.”