Meet the Land & New Homes team
Our local team of experts are eager to hear from you. Here’s a little about them.
Emily Ward
New Homes Manager Land & New Homes
Emily Ward
Joining Ashtons in 2019, Emily works in our Land & New Homes department as a Senior New Homes Associate. She brings over seven years’ experience of living and breathing the local property market and is an experienced valuer who prides herself on giving honest and detailed advice. She has lived in Welwyn Garden City for the majority of her life, and few know the area better than she does. If you're looking for a new build property across Hertfordshire, she is definitely the person to see! In her spare time, Emily is a self-confessed lover of 80’s and 90’s music and enjoys trying new, exotic cuisines.
Emma Cook
Sales Administrator Land & New Homes
Emma Cook
Emma joined the Ashtons group in 2021 as part of the acquisition of Putterills Land & Development Ltd. Emma has worked in the industry for almost twenty years and has gained a wealth of experience in both sales and lettings during that time. Emma joined the New Homes department in July 2016 and quickly become an integral member of the team. She is highly motivated and takes pride in paying close attention to detail and providing excellent customer service to all our clients. Outside of work, Emma loves holidays and leads a busy life with her family, cats and dogs!
Jason Maresca
Senior New Homes Associate Land & New Homes
Jason Maresca
Jason joined Ashtons in 2022 and has over 22 years’ experience in the industry, including an impressive career as Regional Manager and then Director for a Land and New Homes business in London. Jason has a reputation for exemplary professionalism and discretion and also has experience working at the highest end of the industry, selling luxury homes in Radlett, before deciding to focus on his passion for Land and New Homes. Outside of work, Jason’s two main passions are football and his family (although not in that order!).
Jo Buxton ARB RIBA
Consultant Architect Land & New Homes
Jo Buxton ARB RIBA
Jo excels in delivering technically robust proposals at all stages of the design process. Alongside her residential expertise, she has worked on commercial and mixed-use proposals. Jo has been a Chartered Architect for 20 years and has worked in private practice and as an In-house Design Manager. She brings a unique perspective to project delivery, coordinating planning applications from conception to completion for successful client outcomes. Past success covers many facets of design and build from SMEs to large-scale planning applications for national housebuilders.
Jonathan Searles
Director Land & New Homes
Jonathan Searles
Leading the Land & New Homes team, Jonathan has practiced in the residential sales market for over twenty years now, over half of which have been spent with Ashtons. He has specialised in Hertfordshire for the last fifteen years, building long term relationships with house builders and developers alike. Outside of the office, Jonathan is a keen cyclist who likes to travel, and father to two very energetic young boys!
Kay Sheppard
New Homes Sales Director Land & New Homes
Kay Sheppard
Kay joined the Ashtons family in 2021, with over 20 years’ experience in both New Homes and Residential Sales at Putterills, first as a Senior Sales Negotiator and Valuer before setting up the dedicated New Homes department in 2007. Kay is responsible for the management and co-ordination of New Homes sites across Hertfordshire and South Bedfordshire, ensuring that our developer clients receive an exceptional level of service and proactive marketing advice. Kay has lived in Welwyn Garden City, Knebworth and Stevenage for all her life, so knows the local area very well, particularly the local property market! Outside of the office, Kay spends most of her time enjoying outdoor activities including running with a local club, horse-riding and competing in local riding club activities (falling off regularly too!).
Matt Burrow RTPI
Consultant Town Planner Land & New Homes
Matt Burrow RTPI
With experience in both a national housebuilder and a large multidisciplinary consultancy, Matt is a Chartered Town Planner who specialises in managing complex greenfield developments and building conversions. He ensures thorough planning strategies, prioritising sustainability, environmental standards and community consultation throughout the process. Matt’s technical expertise has led him to participate in numerous public inquiries and planning appeals. He has contributed to expert witness statements and worked closely with legal professionals to advocate for successful outcomes.
Verity Stuart-Thompson
Head of New Homes Land & New Homes
Verity Stuart-Thompson
Verity joined Ashtons in 2015 as a Weekend Viewing Guide before joining the team full-time on our Graduate/Trainee Sales Associate programme. Verity made the decision to specialise in Land & New Homes in 2017 where she excelled, recently being promoted to Head of New Homes. When not in the office, Verity is a keen traveller and the proud owner of a self-converted campervan!