The Federation of Independent Agents (FIA) has launched a new Gold Membership status, creating an additional recognition tier within its network.

The new grade is automatically awarded to members who have completed at least 12 months within the FIA and have met the organisation’s required professional and service standards during that period. The FIA states that Gold Membership is intended to acknowledge consistent adherence to its criteria.

The tier also provides members with the option to reference their Gold status in their marketing materials.

According to the FIA, the designation is designed to offer clearer differentiation within its membership and to identify agencies that meet its long-term standards.

Graham Lock, CEO of The FIA, said: “Our independent members are of the highest quality in the industry, week in week out they provide brilliant customer service and results across all areas of their businesses. It’s important for us to recognise this ongoing commitment to customer service delivery and is well-deserved for all that qualify, both now and in the future.”

“Agents, in particular independents are in an ultra-competitive market so having the advantage of exclusive FIA membership and in particular the new gold status can make a meaningful difference to how they market themselves over their local competitors.”

“Our new dedicated pages on the website explains what it takes to become an FIA member and the standards we expect our members to adhere to, the general public can now also search for their local member to validate their FIA association.”