THORNTONANDLOWE™ - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Procurement Solutions Manager
- Senior Bid Writer
Adam graduated from Lancaster University in 2014 with a First-Class Honours in History. Starting with us as a Graduate Trainee, Adam joined the team in 2018. He has since developed his skills, being promoted to Bid Writer, then Team Manager and his current role of Procurement Solutions Manager working with a mix of smaller public sector bodies who do not have any dedicated procurement or contract management resource. Adam has 5 years' experience working exclusively within public sector procurement, bidding and supply chain, with a focus on facilities management and infrastructure.
Adam has come primarily from an account management/customer service background, with experience in building and maintaining relationships with key customers. He graduated from Lancaster University in 2014 with a First Class Honours in History, specialising in 19th-century science and medicine.
Starting as a Trainer Bid Writer, Adam joined the team in 2018. He has since developed his skills and has been promoted to the role of Bid Writer in early 2019. He has a passion for writing and continuous improvement.
Angela joined Thornton and Lowe as a Bid Writer in 2022. She comes from a social housing and construction background where she has held several roles including housing management, business development and bid writing. Angela has experience bidding for various public and private contracts across the rail, ministry of defence, care and facilities management sectors.
Ava joined Thornton & Lowe as a Graduate Bid Writer in 2023, after completing a master's desgree in Global Diplomacy and Development at SOAS University of London. She previously graduated from the University of Leeds in 2020 with a degree in International Relations. Before Thornton & Lowe and alongside her studies, Ava has worked in recruitment, administration and customer service. Her interests include travelling, politics and current affairs, podcasts, reading and going to the gym.
Beth joined us in 2020, having graduated from the University of Chester in 2017 with a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing. Since graduating, Beth has spent 3 years' working as a member of an in-house bid team for a large recruitment company. Specialising in bids across a range of industries in both the private and public sector, she has extensive experience of working across the end-to-end bid process.
Cat has been Working in bids since 2016, starting as a Public Sector Contract Co-ordinator and working my way up to Bid Writer. She has worked across multiple industries including Tech, Asbestos and Logistics and has achieved both APMP Foundation and Practitioner Certification. In her spare time, she enjoys going on dog walks, keeping fit and crocheting. (she makes a good bobble hat!)
Job Titles:
- Director of Development
- Head of Bid & Tender Training
Charles heads up our Training & Apprenticeship division at Thornton & Lowe. Charles has a background in commercial, manufacturing, professional services, aerospace and construction, as well as considerable public sector experience. He has been at Thornton & Lowe since 2012 and has been involved in well over 1200 of our bids. Charles runs training workshops and 1-2-1 sessions throughout the UK, whilst also providing support to the bids our team are working on.
Charles has delivered over 240 bid training courses to over 3350 people, with every course receiving positive feedback. Since Covid, Charles has created flexible 1-2-1 training for individuals, as well as successfully moving our training courses online.
Job Titles:
- Design & Communications Manager
Chris joined our team in 2017 with a background in recruitment and design. He has brought a range of knowledge from working in large recruitment companies in Manchester. Previous to his years in recruitment, Chris co-owned and ran a successful print and design agency and was responsible for print, design, social media and marketing.
Chris manages Thornton & Lowe's design, branding, social media, sales, website and marketing activity as well as initial client contact and consultations with our Business Development division and Directors.
Job Titles:
- Bid Writer
- Senior Bid Writer
Claire joined us in May 2022 as a Bid Writer with 5 years experience in bidding on public sector contracts. Previously working at a bicycle manufacturing company for 8 years as a Tender and Bid Specialist, Claire is looking forward to building knowledge and skills across multiple industries. Prior to this Claire has also worked within account management and enjoys interaction with clients. In 2021, Claire gained both the Foundation and Practitioner APMP qualification.
With a background in EU procurement, Dave founded the business in 2009.
He is now responsible for the strategic direction and sustainable growth of Thornton & Lowe ensuring the business achieves its mission and objectives.
Working closely with the team Dave drives innovation and new bid support services to ensure the company is providing the best support possible to our clients, specifically our large base of SME customers.
With a background in EU procurement, Dave founded the business in 2009.
He is now responsible for the strategic direction and sustainable growth of Thornton & Lowe. He provides hands-on support with regards to bid consultancy and procurement projects, as well as providing guidance and monitoring progress of the team.
With a background in sales, account management and bid writing Donna joined us in 2020 with experience in Lighting and Waste Management. Donna splits her time at Thornton and Lowe between business development of our existing and new clients, as well as overseeing Bid Resource, Thornton & Lowe's specialist recruitment division.
Emma achieved a Master of Arts degree in Medieval History from the University of St Andrews. Subsequently, she embarked on a career in customer service, working Front of House in luxury hotels across Scotland. Following a career break to raise a family and fulfilling voluntary roles in her local community, Emma joined Thornton and Lowe in February 2017 as a Marketing Assistant.
She has since developed her bid writing skillset and works with the bid team to support a variety of submissions to ensure consistency for our contracted clients.
Emonie joined us in September 2022 following the completion of Literature MA. She has experience in a range of sectors, including culture and heritage, fine art, international art law, and European politics. Outside of bid writing, Emonie enjoys contributing to Semiotic studies, cooking, and hiking.
Gillian has over 30 years of experience in research. Following a BSc and a PhD (both in microbiology), initially her career was in medical research. She then moved to working in the UK and Scottish Governments commissioning research on food safety and quality.
Later, Gillian worked in Scotland's Children's Hearings System carrying out research on child protection and youth justice; and managing data protection, freedom of information and complaints functions. Outside of work Gillian enjoys walking, reading, and spending time with her dog, friends and family.'
Jade recently joined Thornton and Lowe as a Bid Writer. She graduated from the University of Chester in 2011, before starting work for a contract catering company in Northern Ireland. Jade has experience in bid writing and sales proposals, as well as project management. Jade is looking forward to putting her skills in to practice across a range of industries at Thornton and Lowe.
Outside of work, Jade enjoys family time and dining out in nice restaurants.
Job Titles:
- Bid Writer
- Trainee Bid Writer
Originally from Chester, Joe graduated from The Open University in 2021 with a First Class Honours degree in English Literature and Language. He decided to apply himself to a career in Bid Writing and joined Thornton & Lowe as a Trainee Bid Writer shortly after graduating.
Joe's interests include walks in nature, watching films, reading and listening to music. He is a fan of Liverpool FC, and also enjoys watching Formula 1 and Baseball.
Katie joined us in 2021 as a Trainee Bid Writer, previously working in Finance as a Purchase Ledger Clerk. She graduated from Bolton University in 2017 with a First-Class Honours degree in English. Katie has a passion for writing and aspires to become an experienced bid writer, building knowledge across a wide range of industries.
In her spare time, Katie enjoys reading, long walks with her dog and competing in CrossFit.
After achieving a First Class Honours degree in English Literature and Creative Writing, Liv continued her studies at Lancaster University by acquiring a Distinction in her Media and Cultural Studies MA. In her spare time, Liv plays tennis, visits Anfield to support Liverpool FC and performs in South Ribble Concert Band as Percussion 1. Most of all though, Liv really loves her Labrador, Wellington.
Lucie joined the team in May 2022, having graduated with an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Manchester in 2021. She comes from a background in publishing and journalism.
She specialised in English literature with Scandinavian studies, completing her dissertation on postcolonial Sami poetry in the north of Norway. Lucie grew up in seven different countries and speaks four languages, and enjoys mountain climbing and playing the piano.
Based in our Scotland office, Lyndsey works with the Support Services team, providing a diverse range of business support solutions to our clients, including our new Search & Select offering. With a background in marketing, customer service and event management, she has worked across various areas of the business since joining in 2016, helping her to grow her knowledge of procurement.
In her spare time, Lyndsey enjoys walking along the beautiful beaches of Fife with her partner and Miniature Schnauzer, Stanley, mascot to the Scotland office.
As Bid Manager, Maria has been involved in over 550 tenders at Thornton & Lowe, including both writing and review. Focusing on assessing a tender's structure, appropriateness and comprehension, Maria provides detailed and constructive quality assurance.
Using her experience and expertise, Maria provides in-house mentoring and training to our Graduate Bid Writers. Maria has worked at T&L since 2013 and holds the APMP Foundation certification.
Michelle joined the team in 2021, previously working as a document writer and proof reader within business acquisition. She graduated from the Open University with a First Class Honours in Humanities, specialising in Creative Writing.
In her free time, Michelle enjoys reading, embroidery, soap making, meditation and hanging out with her cat.
Najeeb is an experienced Bid Writer with a strong background in the fire and security industry. With over 3 years of bid expertise, Najeeb brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team. Prior to entering the world of bid management, Najeeb worked as a journalist in the fashion industry and taught English as a foreign language. Najeeb's interests include cooking, watching horror films, and spending time with his family.
Nina joined the team in 2023, bringing bid writing experience from the social housing sector and construction industry.
Previously, she worked in public relations for a large utilities company and graduated with a first-class degree in English Literature from the University of Glasgow in 2020. Nina is looking forward to interacting with clients across a range of sectors. Nina speaks Spanish and enjoys regular travel to Spain to visit friends and hone her language skills, as well as skiing, playing tennis, hiking and walking her dog.
Patrick joined the team in 2022. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in English with Creative Writing in 2011. Patrick's bid writing career began in the energy sector, with a focus on energy efficiency improvements for social housing. He then moved into the legal sector, where he built experience bidding for a wide variety of contracts, including in the public, retail and technology spaces.
Rachel joined Thornton & Lowe in 2017 after graduating from The University of Salford with a First Class Honours in Journalism and English. She is currently studying for her MA in Early Years and Childhood studies at Leeds Beckett University, with a focus on gender and LGBTQ+ in childhood.
Rachel looks after the HR function at T&L, overseeing the entire employee life cycle, as well as making sure the day-to-day finance operations run smoothly. Outside of work, Rachel enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with her family.
Ronan joined Thornton and Lowe as a Graduate Bid Writer in 2023, after graduating from Lancaster University in 2018 with a First Class Honours degree in History, and went on to train as a secondary school History teacher. Having already acquired bid writing work experience in construction, Ronan is keen to develop his proven written skills to produce quality work for Thornton and Lowe. His interests include History, nature walks, and touring Europe.
Sam joined Thornton and Lowe as a Bid Writer in 2022. He graduated from Loughborough University in 2018 with a degree in History, before starting his career in the innovation grant funding space. Sam has worked on a wide variety of bids, securing funding for both UK and European clients across a diverse range of technology sectors. He is looking forward to further developing his existing bid writing knowledge and skills as part of the Thornton and Lowe team.
Outside of work, Sam enjoys going to watch Derby County and long-distance running.
In 2017, Sophie graduated with a 2:1 in BA Combined Hons in Geography, Politics and English Literature at Newcastle University.
Outside of work, Sophie enjoys cinema, films, eating out and cooking, learning languages, reading and caring for her cat Mittens. 'Having a wealth of experience in finance, insurance, housing and most recently bid writing, Sophie joined Thornton and Lowe January 2022 as an ambitious Bid Writer.
Job Titles:
- Marketing & Resource Officer
Steph grew up in Ireland but moved to England where she completed a degree in Music Business, receiving First Class Honours.After developing an interest in marketing in previous roles, Steph joined Thornton & Lowe to assist in this area.
Her interests are seeing live music, going for walks, going to the gym and spending free time with her pets
Job Titles:
- Head of Housing Consultancy
Steve has 25 years of experience as a leader in housing association grounds maintenance services. As a consultant to the sector, he focuses on improving the service and demonstrating value for money. This includes service audits and benchmarking, contract management, service design and specification development, customer satisfaction reviews, procurement guidance and supporting housing associations to bring the service in-house. Having successfully mobilised and managed over 50 multi-million pound grounds maintenance contracts in the sector, he fully understands the challenges, frustrations and opportunities to develop, improve and create accountability and transparency throughout the service while maximising value for money. His approach is driven by an absolute belief in customer service, which underpins his model.
Job Titles:
- Bid Manager
- Senior Bid Writer
Tom Joined Thornton & Lowe in late 2019, previously working in Customer Services in Manchester. He graduated from King's College London in 2018 with a BA Honours Degree in English Literature; completing his dissertation on Charlotte Brontë's novel, Jane Eyre. Tom has supported the Bid Team on various tender projects in different industries and is currently working towards achieving APMP Foundation level certification. Outside of work, Tom enjoys supporting Liverpool FC, watching Netflix and listening to a wide range of music.
Tom has over 25 years experience in the public and private sectors. He comes from a background of manufacturing and operational management, which has seen him involved in many frontline government schemes both in the UK and abroad.
An experienced bid director, coordinator and bid manager, Tom has the skill set to perform on both the shop floor and in the boardroom. He is often called upon by clients for his innovative solutions to complex issues.
Job Titles:
- Operations Director
- Head of Bids
Joining Thornton & Lowe as an experienced Bid Writer in 2017, Tom had previously worked in the IT sector. Tom proved himself as both an excellent Bid Writer and Project Manager across a wide range of sectors before progressing to Senior Bid Writer, then Head of Bids.
Tom is now responsible for leadership of our Bid Writing Team, conducting quality assurance, professional development. Tom also provides direct support and strategic input to our client's projects, adding value from his cross-sector experience.