January 2024 was not only the start of a new year, a new year full of hopes, dreams and good intentions.

January 2024 represented my 14th year at @aster.co.uk . 14 years that was only intended to be 12-24 months to move me physically from Leicester to the South West.

Yet, 14 years later I’m still an Aster employee, same place, same email – but different.

Aster has been in my life for for over a third of it. It has been the constant when quite frankly other elements of my life have not been. It has seen me change from a Mackay to a Nettleton, been there when I welcomed my nephew in to the world, when I gained and lost my first horse Prince, took in my current horse Ping and little terrier Archie. Has been the stability when one of my best friends lost her battle with cancer, the loss of my father in law and my grandmother, the numerous addresses I have called home across many counties. It has been there for all my highs and my lows – and never wavered.

I was always of the opinion that you needed to keep moving to stay relevant, you shouldn’t be in the same place for anything close to 10 years. So, why am I still proudly part of the fabric of Aster after 14 years?

Because, Aster has never stood still, it has given me the ability to grow, evolve and stay relevant for, and with Aster. My first day as Head of Sales and Marketing was joining the 1.5 FTE that made up the Aster sales team. My job was to grow the sales team for Aster who were embarking on a committed #sharedownership development programme. I didn’t bank on the growth we were about to embark on – yes numbers of homes and people, but the growth in why doing what I do is so intrinsic to who I am, and who I wish to surround myself with.

I had found my why back in the Midlands, working for what was then known as Leicester Housing Association (LHA) now PA Housing

I fondly remember my first shared ownership sale – it was one of 32 shared ownership flats, for sale over the top 4 floors of two tower blocks, situated right in the heart of a regeneration programme the organisation was undertaking in Northampton; Spring Boroughs – one of the most deprived wards in the UK. I’ll forever be grateful to Gary Kirk for appointing a young, eager and excitable estate agent and entrusting me, to not only sell their first ever shared ownership homes, but build a brand, a presence and a team.

Property was always my passion, I know that now – but when I say I’m passionate about our role in this sector, I truly mean it. I mean it so much that it was the solution that my sister in law chose for security for her and my nephew when all else in her life was in turmoil. She needed a safe place to call home for her and her little boy, a place they could rebuild their lives together, make happy memories and crucially – feel safe.

This year saw her sell her shared ownership home and buy on the open market with her new partner, ready to take on the next stage of their family life. I’ll forever be grateful to Stonewater and shared ownership for saving them, and giving them safety when it was most needed.

I am grateful that I still wake up every morning happy with where I work, who I show up for, what I contribute to, who I work with, and what I myself, and collectively with others, are striving to achieve.

Im often told I’m too much;

too emotional,

too intense,

too aggressive,

too loud,

too opinionated,

but id rather be that than ‘not too bothered.’

I once became consumed that I needed to know more than shared ownership, and for this I apologise, as I did it a massive dis service;

How can you ever want more than changing peoples lives?

Here’s to the next 14 years – im excited and hopeful for what we can achieve.