About Us
Meet the team at Ocean Equity Release
Equity Release Council
Get in Touch
Stuart Powell
Stuart Powell is Managing Director of Ocean Mortgages Ltd and leads the Ocean Mortgage, Protection and Insurance advice team.
Stuart has extensive 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.
Ocean Mortgages Ltd was initially launched in 2017 as a Residential Mortgage business. Due to the huge demand for Equity Release, Stuart established Ocean Equity Release Ltd to enable over 55’s to release money that had built up in the value of their homes.
The key aspect of the business for Stuart is to ensure that all Ocean clients receive the best possible advice specifically tailored to their individual circumstances.
One 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.
Stuart is a keen sports fan and enjoys tennis and golf. He can often be found on the tennis court, playing cardio tennis, singles or doubles. His dream is to play tennis at Wimbledon, although it is more likely that he will be watching it on television!
Stuart is married to Jaye, who works alongside him in the business. They have three children who love football, swimming and athletics.
Sami Bickford
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 now our Executive Director.
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
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
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.
When not at work, Lauren enjoys socialising with friends, cooking and going to the cinema.
Frankie
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.