Bringing a vision to life
When I stepped into the role of Marketing Manager at Ashtons in September 2024, one of the first projects I was tasked with was bringing a new magazine to life, a first for the company and a publication that would go beyond property listings to truly inspire our Hertfordshire community. We wanted to create something packed with interesting content, expert insights and stories that reflect the lifestyle we help people achieve every day.
The power of a name
All of the great publications have iconic names: Vogue, National Geographic, Time, Wired, GQ, Radio Times… and perhaps not so highbrow, my personal favourite from my ’80s childhood, Smash Hits! (Who remembers the pull-out posters?). You need a brand that stands the test of time (unlike the dearly departed Smash Hits! who didn't survive into the digital era!), becomes recognisable and represents something bigger than just the pages within. We wanted ours to have that same sense of identity and longevity. A publication people would want to revisit.
To find the perfect title, we turned to our team, running an internal competition to come up with something that captured the heart and essence of Ashtons. Who better to define our vision than the people who live and breathe it every day? From there, Aspire was born, thanks to Alf (Associate Director, Lettings) and Michelle (St Albans Office Co-ordinator), who both suggested the winning moniker. They each took home a £100 John Lewis voucher to celebrate their creative thinking!
To aspire is to direct one’s hopes and ambitions towards achieving something great. It’s about aiming beyond the ordinary and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. That’s exactly what we do at Ashtons, helping people find not just a home, but a lifestyle they love in the county we all call home.
The joy of print in a digital era
Aspire is available to peruse online, whether you choose to read on a device on your commute or from the comfort of your sofa. But in an age of AI and endless digital content consumption, there’s nothing quite like holding the tangible in your hands. The printed edition of Aspire is available from our offices and is designed to be more than just a read, it’s something to keep on your coffee table, a perfect companion for quiet moments and a little time away from a screen.
What’s inside?
Inside Aspire, you’ll find a mix of beautiful property listings, delicious recipes from Tom Kerridge, our personal restaurant highlights from across the county and an inside look at what makes Ashtons the business it is, from our Academy to Q&As with industry experts. Hertfordshire is such a dynamic county and we couldn’t possibly fit everything into one edition, but watch this space for the autumn issue, where we’ll continue to inspire with Aspire!
Experience the first edition for yourself
I’m incredibly proud to share this first edition and hugely grateful to everyone who played a part to make it happen, from colleagues, our publishers and to local businesses who supported through advertising. It’s been a real team effort and I hope it becomes a source of inspiration. Pick up your copy today in one of our offices or read our online version here.
With thanks to the companies below for your contributions:
