Stone is a relatively new name in the local property market, and it was born from a conversation between two local friends who wanted to build something meaningful for the future. We both loved property, people and the area we call home and we felt there was a real opportunity to create a business that reflected our own values and interests.

My background is in creative design, having studied at Winchester School of Art, and I’ve always been fascinated by architecture, branding and the way thoughtful design can shape how people experience a place. Property naturally brings all of those passions together. From day one, our vision was to build a company that combined great marketing, strong relationships, and genuine local knowledge. We wanted Stone to be a business we’re proud of - one that represents beautiful homes properly, supports local communities, creating opportunities for the people who work within it.

We genuinely believe that every home has a story worth telling. Rather than simply listing properties, we spend time understanding what makes each home special and then create marketing that reflects that. Our design-led approach, photography, videography and branding have helped us stand out, but ultimately it comes down to caring. We’re perfectionists when it comes to presentation because we know first impressions matter. I think the local community has responded well because our approach feels authentic - we are local people marketing homes we genuinely love in an area we’re proud to call home.

Being rooted in Reigate and the surrounding area is hugely important to us. Estate agency is often seen as transactional, but for us it’s really about people. Most of our clients are neighbours, friends, parents at local schools, and people we see every day around town. We want Stone to be more than a company that sells houses. We want to contribute positively to the community that supports us, whether that’s through sponsorship, local events, school partnerships or charitable initiatives, because we believe strong businesses should play an active role in the places where they operate.

What first attracted us to the RGS Foundation was its focus on creating opportunities and bringing people together. The work goes far beyond education - it’s about strengthening the wider community and ensuring more people can access opportunity regardless of background. As a local business that values connection, aspiration and community, becoming a Corporate Partner felt like a very natural fit. We wanted to support something that is creating a genuine and lasting impact locally.

The most successful communities are built on collaboration. Schools, businesses and charities all bring different strengths, but when they work together they can create opportunities that none could achieve alone. Businesses can provide resources and practical support, schools can inspire future generations and charities can ensure help reaches those who need it most. When those relationships are strong, everyone benefits.

Since becoming involved with the RGS Foundation, one of the most valuable things has been meeting people who genuinely care about Reigate and the surrounding area. We’ve had the opportunity to connect with local business owners, community leaders and individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, all of whom share a desire to contribute positively to the town. Those conversations often lead to opportunities, but more importantly they create a stronger sense of community.

The emphasis on opportunity is what resonates most strongly with us. As a business, we’ve always believed in backing people, creating opportunities and helping others realise their potential - whether that’s supporting first-time buyers, helping families make important life moves or supporting local initiatives. We’re ultimately a people business, so the RGS Foundation’s commitment to widening access and strengthening community connections aligns very closely with our values.

Looking ahead, over the next five years we want Stone to become one of the most respected property brands across Surrey and Sussex, whilst staying true to the values that got us here. We’ve already begun growing beyond Reigate into the Surrey Hills, Sussex and down towards Brighton, and we’d like to continue that journey by carefully expanding across the region. But growth for us isn’t simply about more offices or more territory, it’s about working alongside the very best agents and team members in the industry, people who genuinely care about clients, presentation and doing things the right way. Growth is important, but never at the expense of quality or relationships.

Ashley's Top Tip

If there’s one top tip for other local businesses, it’s this: don’t judge community involvement purely on direct numbers or immediate returns. That’s a mistake many businesses make. The strongest community relationships tend to happen naturally and often under the radar. It’s about building genuine connections, supporting things you care about, and getting involved because you want to - not because you expect something back. People support people. If you’re authentic, show up consistently and invest in relationships, those connections often come back in ways you don’t expect, sometimes through business, but more often through trust, friendship and a stronger sense of belonging. For me, the real value is being part of something bigger than your own business and helping contribute to the place you call home. The rest tends to take care of itself.