Winners of the top performers' competition for staff at Ashtons estate agency are treated to a day out in London, brunch with Karl Judd, the Managing Director, followed by a trip to Selfridges, where they are presented with £1,000 in vouchers to spend. The day ends with dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

The Hertfordshire agency, which was founded more than 40 years ago, sells and lets homes in Harpenden, Welwyn Garden City, St Albans and Berkhamsted. Rural areas are dealt with through its village and country office in Redbourn and a department in Welwyn Garden City.

More than 110 enthusiastic staff contribute to the agency's success. It was a gold medal winner at the 2022 EA Masters Awards and also named the best estate agency sales business in the UK, meaning it is listed in this year's Best Estate Agent Guide. The company has also held an Investors in People accreditation for more than 10 years.

Its aim is become the number one sales and lettings agency in Hertfordshire, based on volume of transactions. Its mission statement is to help clients make the right decision, so that they can have a better life.

Ashtons is refurbishing its offices to create an enhanced working environment, but also to do its bit for the environment. All offices have energy-efficient LED lighting and the highest-rated air-conditioning and heating systems. The company has also just started a project to become carbon neutral and will plant a tree for every house sold this year.