Meet the Team

  • Mike Ockenden

    Mike worked for Barclays Bank for 28 years of which 18 years were spent overseas in six different countries. He ran Barclays Mortgage business in UK in the 1990’s and then became Director of Direct channels setting up Barclays on-line banking service and centralising the back office for the UK Bank. In 2001 Mike became a founder shareholder and Director of the Move Factory a centralised conveyancing business trading as MyHomeMove which is now the largest transactional business in the country. In 2004 Mike took on the role of Director General of the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP). In July 2010 Mike established Thornby Associates.

  • Linda Ockenden

    Lin has travelled overseas extensively since her childhood and through to the 1990s. She has lived in Malawi, Zambia, Vanuatu, South Korea, Singapore, New Zealand and the USA. She worked in pre-schooling in Africa and The British Police and Barclays in Vanuatu. In the 1990s Lin owned and ran a twenty bedroom hotel in Huddersfield and then a successful pub in Foxton, Leicestershire. Lin worked at the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP) and become a founder shareholder and Director in Thornby Associates Ltd in 2010. Lin’s hobbies are golfing, entertaining, going on holiday and her love in life (other than family!) is her dogs.

  • Emma Cook

    Emma has been with Thornby Associates from the start overseeing all elements of the office operations including marketing, events, commercials & transactions. Emma has a 10-year plus background in event management with the Rolls-Royce Enthusiast’s Club organising events in the UK, Jordan & Malaysia. She loves spending time with her family and travelling.

  • Jayne Neale

    Jayne joined Thornby Associates in October 2011 and is the main contact for the National Association of Drainage Contractors (NADC). Previously in 2000, Jayne ran her own beauty therapy business until 2009 when she began working in a hotel as head housekeeper. Jayne’s main hobby is playing golf and is now a Board member of her local golf club.

  • Ania Nourish

    Ania joined Thornby Associates in June 2014 and is the main contact for The Society of Licensed Conveyancers (SLC). Previously Ania worked in the financial sector for Barclays Bank and more recently for HSBC as a Client Service Manager looking after large corporate client accounts. Ania’s hobbies include travel, reading and running.

  • Shirley Sainsbury

    Shirley joined Thornby Associates as an Account Executive for the Property & Energy Professional Association (PEPA) in 2019 and assists with the Housing Studies Charitable Trust with their administration. Shirley has worked as a croupier and as a PA for Dodson & Horrell. She enjoys walking, yoga, reading and travelling.

  • Sharon Carley

    Sharon joined Thornby Associates in July 2021 and is the primary contact for The Legaltech Association for the UK (UKLTA). Sharon previously worked in the retail industry with roles in finance and buying. In her spare time Sharon enjoys dog walks, football and mum duties. She is also treasurer for her son’s primary school PTA.

  • Emily Bibb

    Emily joined Thornby Associates in September 2022 as a Marketing and Admin Executive. Emily previously worked as a freelance filmmaker & photographer, and more recently for the RSPCA Northamptonshire running their social media & organizing fundraising events. Emily’s main hobby is filmmaking – she is currently writing and directing her first feature film.

  • Julia Prince

    Julia joined Thornby Associates in July 2022 as the secretary for IMLA. Julia has 10 years’ experience as a personal assistant, working mainly within the freight sector. In her spare time Julia enjoys football, cooking & baking, eating out, walking, travelling and being mum to her two children.

Thornby Associates Consultants

  • Alison Pallister

    Alison joined Thornby Associates in 2018, with over 30 years marketing and senior management experience in Financial Services and Leisure Travel sectors. Alison currently looks after the Equity Release Council, for whom she manages corporate governance and supports the council’s executive team. She is an avid Rugby Union fan, enjoys travel, walking and spending time with family and friends.

  • Sarah Hill

    Sarah has worked in the financial services industry for over 30 years having worked for various companies including provider firms, IFAs and trade organisations. Sarah founded Enterprising Admin Services about 5 years ago which provides administration support to financial service companies including Thornby Associates.

The Office Dogs

  • Dottie

  • Benson

  • Buster, Tilly & Misty

  • Lulu

  • Suki

  • Coco

  • Elsie

  • Riley

  • Sharon