Name: Hope Ayers
Job title: Asset manager at ARGO Real Estate
What I do: I joined ARGO in July and am responsible for driving our asset management strategies, helping transform underperforming multi-let industrial estates into best-in-class sustainable properties. My main focus is ARGO’s JV with Blue Coast Capital, a platform formed earlier this year aiming to aggregate a £500m portfolio by refurbishing urban logistics assets into Grade A properties in economically strong and densely populated UK towns and cities. The platform made its debut in March with the purchase of the Tuscam Trading Estate in Camberley in Surrey for around £40m. It also acquired Harp Trading Estate in Trafford Park in Manchester in June as part of the strategy, and more deals are in the pipeline. So, there’s a lot for me to do!
Why I got into the property industry: I didn’t initially plan to go into the industry. But after finishing my A-levels, my dad encouraged me to take a year out to reflect. During this time, I worked at his niche industrial property firm in Essex – Ayers & Cruiks – and discovered my genuine passion for the sector.
How I did it: I worked at Ayers & Cruiks full-time for a year when I was 18. At the same time, I attended lots of networking and social events to meet people and develop my understanding of the industry. Following this I applied to study real estate at the University of Westminster. Despite the course technically being full at the time, I had a long conversation with the head lecturer, who I think saw my passion and offered me a place – without even asking for my A-level grades! After graduating I secured a place on Cushman & Wakefield’s grad scheme.
My first proper job: At Ayers & Cruiks. It gave me a strong foundation in industrial real estate and helped me build the confidence needed to pursue my career independently.
My first big break: Probably being accepted onto my course at Westminster University. It was a turning point and gave me the academic grounding and industry exposure I needed to move forward.
My inspiration(s): My dad was my first inspiration – his career in property sparked my interest. Later, my first boss at JLL and other mentors there played a huge role in shaping my professional journey. I’ve been lucky to have guidance from various leaders who’ve helped me grow.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: In one of my early roles at a major agency, two directors I worked closely with left the business, leaving me to manage responsibilities on my own within a large corporate environment. It was a steep learning curve, but it taught me resilience and independence.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: The Cushman & Wakefield grad scheme really cemented my career, so I’ll always be proud of getting a place on it. At JLL, I worked on complex transactions and overcame significant challenges that shaped me professionally and personally. Most recently, transitioning to ARGO has been a major milestone, representing a leap into a client-side role and a defining moment in my career.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: There’s a common perception that because the property industry is male dominated, it’s for men, which can feel intimidating to women entering the sector. And although there are more men working in the industry, there are many powerful women making big strides. Seeing women in senior roles is incredibly motivating for me and I hope others feel the same. It’s encouraging to see the industry actively working to create a more balanced and inclusive environment.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: Probably the technology gap. In a world where tech drives efficiency across many business sectors, the property industry still seems fragmented and lagging the adoption of modern, integrated digital systems. This can create unnecessary friction, increase costs and ultimately slow down transactions and management strategies. If the industry could come together to be more focused on adopting tech, I’m sure it would make everyone’s working lives easier.
Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: I strongly believe a diverse workforce not only fosters a more inclusive culture, but also drives innovation, strengthens decision-making and enhances problem solving. Diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s a business imperative that creates better outcomes for everyone.
Why I’m so passionate about ESG: My understanding of ESG began during my time at JLL, where I was involved in their ESG committee. It opened my eyes to the role sustainability, social responsibility and governance play in shaping the future of real estate, but also the broader business landscape. I learned not only the importance of ESG principles, but how advising occupiers and landlords on these can create tangible long-term value – from a financial, environmental and social perspective. Since joining ARGO, ESG has been a central focus of my work. As a brown-to-green urban logistics investor, it is at the forefront of our asset management strategies as we reposition properties we’ve acquired to meet modern standards and be fit for the future.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: I’ve recently joined ARGO, a relatively young company with exciting growth plans. I’m looking forward to progressing my career and growing alongside the team and the portfolios we’re building.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: David Attenborough.
What I do in my downtime: I’m very family-oriented and love spending time with my three-year-old nephew. I enjoy being with my friends and generally making the most of my free time.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: I always fancied being a detective. I blame this on my love for crime dramas!
My motto/mantra: You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.
