We have an extensive team of over 100 permanent employees, working on site, in our office and maintaining our fleet of plant and transport vehicles.
Our people are, undoubtedly, our greatest asset. They have a wealth of experience and, thanks to our proactive learning and development programmes, continually expand their knowledge and skills.
Meet our management team
Jim Fraser
Jim joined the company in 1986 as a Site Engineer when Thorne Group took over Douglas Hamilton Ltd.
Jim’s background in structural engineering and, in particular, the potable water industry, helped Thorne Group to diversify its operations into that sector. His experience over 40+ years in the industry makes him a mentor and go-to person for colleagues at all levels.
Away from work, Jim is a keen fan of Northampton Saints and Scotland Rugby, and likes to spend time with his growing family.
Chris Thorne
Chris is the third generation of our founding family. After four years working overseas in golf course construction, Chris joined Thorne Group in 1994 with a remit to develop the Quality Systems and Procedures that, today, form the backbone of our ISO certified processes.
With a strong commercial background, Chris oversees the day-to-day running of the business, ably supported by a strong Board and Senior Management Team.
When he’s not at work, Chris tries to keeps fit-ish as a rugby referee and plays an occasional round of golf. He goes to watch the mighty Harlequins and Brighton & Hove Albion whenever possible.
Sean Taylor
Sean joined Thorne Group in 1989 as an Assistant Engineer and has progressed through the ranks to become the trusted adviser for many of our clients.
Having been site-based for much of his time with the company, Sean has an unmatched all-round knowledge of civil engineering contracting. He is responsible for oversight and management of all contracts throughout the business.
Outside of work, Sean plays golf (a lot!) and supports Tottenham Hotspur, through thick and thin!
Karen Thorne
Karen joined Thorne Group in 2000 as Company Accountant. Karen originally qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Ernst & Young (EY) in London and continued her career working in the finance departments of telecoms giants Nynex and Ericsson.
In her role at Thorne Group, Karen oversees the day-to-day accounting processes and deals with all things HR and finance across the Group.
In her spare time, Karen enjoys dancing, volunteering at the Uckfield Community Fridge and is a trustee at Wealden Volunteering.
Martin Hailes
Martin joined the company in 2006 as an Assistant Project Manager after giving up on his dream of becoming a professional golfer.
Since then, he has immersed himself in every aspect of the business and progressed to become Operations Manager of Hobart Paving in 2019, before joining the main Board in 2023.
When he’s not at work, Martin still plays plenty of golf and supports Liverpool FC.
Shaun Burgess
Shaun joined Thorne Group in 2006 as an Apprentice Mechanic whilst completing his education at Plumpton College.
His passion for his work has gained him an in-depth understanding of our fleet of plant and vehicles, as well as the general operations of the business, and he plays an integral role in supporting our project managers in their planning and delivery.
When he isn’t working, Shaun goes to the gym and enjoys spending time with his young family. He also helps organise an annual fund-raising event for KSS Air Ambulance, which raises a significant amount of money for this worthy cause.
Jools Schneider
Jools joined the Thorne Group in 2014 as Office Administrator after a career undertaking similar roles across a variety of sectors including banking, health and construction.
She quickly progressed to developing and managing our Training department before expanding into all things compliance (HSEQ). Jools completed her NEBOSH qualification and became an Associate Director in 2021.
Away from work, Jools is a film buff and enjoys an eclectic range of music from ABBA to Russell Watson and everything 80s.
Guy Davidson
Guy joined the Thorne Group in 1989 as a Skilled Operative and took every opportunity to progress to Ganger, General Foreman, Site Manager and then Contracts Manager.
As someone who has worked on and managed projects from award-winning heritage schemes to sewage works construction and flood and coastal defences, Guy’s experience is second to none in the business.
Away from work, Guy is a keen gardener, focussing on sustainability and becoming self-sufficient: think Tom off “The Good Life”!
Dave Craddock
Dave joined the Thorne Group in 2015 as Senior Estimator after 25 years in the water industry, where he gained experience in a variety of roles, from Site Engineer to Project Manager.
He has progressed to head up both our estimating and engineering departments, using his unrivalled depth of knowledge and contacts to secure numerous opportunities for the company.
Outside of work, Dave is a keen rugby fan, and enjoys spending as much time as possible with his family.
