Joanne and Alistair met while studying at university in the 1990s. They both completed degrees in International Business and Modern Languages, including a period of time living and studying in France.

Real estate has always interested the couple, and they bought their first property in 1997, shortly after their marriage.

In 1999 they left their native UK and spent ten years living on the Caribbean island of Curacao. They were involved with growing online businesses there, and successfully listed a business on the London Alternative Investment Market in 2005. In 2009 they relocated, together with their two children and one golden retriever, to Normandy in France where they now live.

They are involved - through Assheton Group - in a wide variety of projects and businesses, all of which they enthusiastically support.

They both enjoy food and wine, and several of the holdings reflect this passion. Joanne is an avid reader, former club-level rugby player and enthusiastic cook; Alistair likes to ride his motorbike and has learned to shear their two sheep, albeit rather cautiously.