The best Equity Release company: About us
Information about the Ocean Equity Release team
Members of the Equity Release Council
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Stuart Powell
Managing Director of Ocean Mortgages
Ocean is led by Stuart Powell, Managing Director.
Lifetime Mortgages, Residential Mortgages, Protection and Insurance advice are the main advice areas.
Stuart has much experience in the Mortgage industry and has been qualified to advise Mortgage clients for nearly two decades, including 15 years at a major High Street Bank.
Initially launched in 2017 as a Residential Mortgage business the huge demand for Equity Release led to the start of Ocean Equity Release. This company enables over 55’s to release money built up in the value of their homes.
A particularly proud achievement for Stuart is Ocean’s appearance in the Vouched For Top Rated Advisers list 2019 & 2020 in The Times newspaper, based upon client reviews of their service, advice and value for money. This places Ocean among the top 3% of Mortgage Broker firms in the UK.
He is a keen sports fan and enjoys playing tennis and golf.
Married to Jaye, who works alongside him in the business, they have three children who love football, swimming and athletics.
Click here to find out more about Equity Release:
https://oceanmortgagesplymouth.co.uk/guides-and-calculators/
Sami Bickford is a fully qualified Mortgage Advisor having passed her Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice (CeMAP).
She brings her considerable experience working in the Property Market having worked in Letting and Sales. She obtained NVQ Level 3 in Property Lettings Management, Customer Service and Business Administration before joining Ocean initially as an Office Manager three years ago. She is the Executive Director of Ocean Mortgages and the Managing Director of The Mortgage Girl, our sister company.
Sami is committed to advising clients on their mortgage options and responding to their individual requirements.
At leisure Sami spends time with her husband and two boys, attends the gym, and relaxes with a good book and when socialising with friends.
Jaye Powell
Mortgage Advisor
Jaye has over twenty years’ experience in client facing roles, primarily in law and mental health. As a Solicitor she was passionate about providing excellent advice, tailored to the requirements of the individual and ensuring the best possible outcome.
Jaye worked as a Mental Health Mentor for several years before amalgamating her skills and qualifying as a mortgage advisor having passed her Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice (CeMAP), the recognised qualification for Mortgage Advisors. Jaye is well equipped to guide her clients through the mortgage process, which can be a difficult and challenging time.
She is dedicated to ensuring that the specific needs of each client are dealt withefficiently and maintains a client-focused approach to her work.
When away from the office, Jaye enjoys running and weight training at the gym.
Lauren Lightfoot
Office Administrator
Lauren is the newest member of our team, having joined us this year directly from school.
Lauren achieved excellent GCSE results and is working towards her Customer Service Apprenticeship with us. She has already started studying for her CeMAP (Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice) mortgage qualifications, the recognised qualification for Mortgage Advisors and is excited to progress her career in the future. Lauren is one of our Office Administrators
When not at work, Lauren enjoys socialising with friends, cooking and going to the cinema.
Nadine Smith
Nadine has extensive experience in Customer Service and Administration. For over a decade she worked as a school Administrator and later qualified as an ELSA (Emotional literacy Support Assistant), working to provide emotional support for vulnerable children. Nadine’s previous experience with working on a multi-agency level also equips her work in liaising with Lenders, Solicitors’ and Estate Agents.
Consequently, Nadine brings an extensive transferable skill set to Ocean and works in an ethical, client- focused way. She has a particular interest in working with and supporting vulnerable clients, ensuring that they feel fully supported whilst receiving specialist advice from our advisors.
Nadine also has plans to study for her CEMAP qualifications in the future.
When not at work, Nadine enjoys “HITT” style work- outs, which she completes most mornings! She also enjoys days out with her partner and two children, finding new areas and finding “hidden gem” restaurants in beautiful locations to explore!
Frankie: the best Equity Release company needs the best dog
Frankie joined the Plymouth office 2 years ago.
She is a miniature Daschund who also responds to the names “Sausage” or “Frankfurter”.
Arguably the most entertaining member of the team, she is often found curled up on the sofa in our offices.