Jill Thwaites - Managing Director

Jill and her late husband Brian bought Barnes Brinkcraft in the 1970s and steadily built up the business, joined in the late eighties by sons Daniel & Matthew.

Although now officially retired, Jill still likes to keep her on eye on everything and loves to meet the customers some of whom have been coming back to Barnes Brinkcraft for many years.

Daniel Thwaites - Director

Daniel's role is Company Accountant, he manages the financial and administrative side of the business and works closely with the booking partners and agents.  Daniel is also a Director of 'Broads Tourism' which is an active organisation in the Norfolk Broads area promoting business and recreational activities in and around the local area.

Outside work, Daniels interests include outdoor pursuits and he enjoys running to keep fit.

Matthew Thwaites - Director

Matthew oversees all of the work that goes on in the boatyard. During the summer months, he ensures that the Cruisers are all ready for a prompt 'turnaround' each week and that the self-catering properties are all kept to a high standard.  During the winter. He project manages the new cruisers that are built on site each year and the maintenance and refurbishment of the existing fleet.

Norfolk Boat Sales is a sister company to Barnes Brinkcraft and Matthew also deals with the boats that are part exchanged and the purchasing of boats for their own stock.

A keen sailor, Matthew is a member of the Norfolk Broads Yacht Club and on his rare days off you will probably find him racing his sailing boat on the Broads.

Sheila Scott - Office Manager

Sheila is our Office Manager and has been with Barnes Brinkcraft for more than 10 years.  This is a very varied role and her duties include managing the bookings, accounts and staff personnel.  On busy days Sheila also helps out with checking in customers arriving for their holidays. 

In her spare time, Sheila enjoys listening to music and spending time with her little grandson. 

Karen Carter - Senior Administrator & Bookings Clerk

Karen is our senior administrator, she deals with all general administration, customer telephone enquiries and bookings and is often the person on the front desk you will see when checking in.  

In her spare time, Karen can usually be found in Castle Mall or Chapelfields shopping centre, one of her favourite pastimes or out an about with her family and friends.

Donna Sheldrake - Administrator & Bookings Clerk

Donna joined us in the Spring of 2017 and is our part-time administrator. She helps Karen with the day to day administration and bookings and on the front desk welcoming guests and checking them in on arrival.

In her spare time, Donna enjoys socialising and spending time with her family.

Tom Lawn - Yard Manager

Tom is the Yard Manager, he is responsible for the overall day to day running of the boatyard ensuring that during the summer months the Cruisers, Properties and Dayboats are 'turned around' and ready for customers when they arrive.

During the winter months, Tom coordinates the ongoing maintenance, repairs and refits.

Tom is a keen sports fan and a supporter of Norwich City Football Club and enjoys motorbike racing.

Philip Baker -Head Engineer

Philip co-ordinates our team of electrical and mechanical engineers. He and his team carry out works, repairs and upgrades to all of our hire fleet as well as maintaining those we are selling on Brokerage for our sister company Norfolk Boat Sales.

Philip is the brains behind the new hybrid Brinks Rhapsody using engineering techniques previously unused on hire craft. 

A keen yachtsman, Philip enjoys spending time on his own boat with his family.

Sara Thwaites - Marketing & Customer Services Manager

Sara is the Marketing Manager and looks after our social media accounts, keeps the website up to date, places our advertising and organises any events or festivals that we attend.  Sara also takes a keen interest in customers holiday experiences and is your point of contact if you have any suggestions on how we can improve your Norfolk Broads holiday.

Norfolk Boat Sales are the sister company to Barnes Brinkcraft and Sara also deals with the marketing and advertising for them too, along with organising any promotional events that are held. 

In her spare time, Sara likes to sail on the Norfolk Broads and to spend time with her young son who is a bundle of energy.

 Warwick Springall - Administrator & Bookings Clerk

Warwick has been working at Barnes Brinkcraft for 6 years and joined us in the office in April 2018. Many people will recognise Warwick from the yard as he was a firm favourite with customers on turn-around days when he did our 'handovers' for customers arriving for their holidays.  His knowledge of the yard and our fleet is a great asset working alongside Karen & Donna in the bookings office.

When he is not working Warwick is a real 'petrol head' who loves his cars & spends time showing his classic car at classic car shows with his partner Sue.