Our people are at the heart of our business. Many have been with the company for over 25 years, growing as the business expanded, innovated and introduced new steel grades.
Today our leadership is still directed by founders Mark & Anne Thornley, with Senior Managers overseeing specific areas of the business to ensure steel is delivered on time and in full.
The stability of our team is one of the reasons why High Peak Steels ability to deliver, on time and in full, exceeds any in the engineering steel stockholding sector.
Stock handling, cutting and our own fleet of Scania Trucks offers customers the assurance that when we confirm your delivery the team have the resources to ensure it happens.
I co-founded High Peak Steels in 1985 with Anne Thornley when we were just 21 years old. That means I’ve been working here for over 40 years.
As Managing Director, I see my role as central to ensuring our customers receive the very best service possible. Steel stockholding hasn’t changed much over the years, but the way we serve customers certainly has. I continually focus on refining and improving our processes so that our service is reliable, efficient, and responsive to their needs. Whether it’s investing in a new fleet of vehicles or improving our internal systems, it’s all about making sure we deliver on time and in full.
I’d tell them that High Peak Steels isn’t just about supplying steel – it’s about building trust. We’ve been doing this a long time, and over the years we’ve earned a reputation for reliability. We understand how critical timing and accuracy are in this industry, and we’ve built a team and a process around meeting those expectations every single day.
Outside of work, I’m passionate about basketball. I’ve been actively involved in a local basketball league and even competed for Great Britain on the Masters circuit. It’s a sport I’ve enjoyed for years—not just for the physical challenge, but for the coaching, teamwork and strategy it demands. Recently, I played in the final stages of our league’s competition, and it’s been a great way to stay fit and stay connected with the community. Playing basketball gives me a break from business and keeps me sharp both mentally and physically.
One of my proudest moments has been keeping the business running and supporting our customers through really uncertain times, like the COVID-19 pandemic. Being able to stay open, deliver essential supplies, and continue looking after our team and clients during those periods was a big achievement. It reminded me how resilient and committed our business and people really are.
I co-founded High Peak Steels with my husband, Mark, in 1985. Since then, I’ve been deeply involved in every aspect of the business, from its early days to its current position as a trusted steel stockholder in the UK.
My role is centred around ensuring our customers receive exceptional service. By understanding their specific needs and challenges, I aim to provide tailored solutions that help their businesses thrive. Building strong, lasting relationships with our clients has always been a priority for me.
At High Peak Steels, we combine decades of industry experience with a personal touch. Being a family-run business, we take pride in our commitment to quality and reliability. Our clients know they can count on us for consistent support and expertise.
Outside of work, I’m passionate about horse riding. Competing at the Royal International Horse Show and local events like the Great Yorkshire and Cheshire shows. It has been a rewarding experience, allowing me to connect with the equestrian community and pursue a lifelong interest.
One of my proudest achievements is co-founding and growing High Peak Steels into the reputable company it is today. Seeing our team flourish and our clients succeed brings me immense satisfaction.
21 years.
The decisions I take impact customers. If I don’t have stock or offer the best prices and lead times, our customers will leave and go to another supplier.
We are the best at what we do and we do it with honesty and integrity.
Cricket and golf. I also like going on holiday.
Recovering from a bad accident that redefined me as a person.
Paying my mortgage off before reaching 40 – it was a dream that turned into a reality.
Being the man of the family when needed. When we lost my Grandad and cousin within two months of each other and the family was at breaking point.
15 years.
Constant improvement of service, reliability and efficiency in the warehouse to keep us ahead of the game.
Come and learn why I love the business – why I eat, sleep and breath it!
I farm. No time for hobbies.
Getting to where I am. Also, running graphite efficiently.
40 years.
My role as Accounts Manager means that I need to make sure that everything is up-to-date for customers and that, if they have any account queries, they can always get in contact with me if needed.
A great family-run business who always put the customer first.
Cricket and volunteering at my local cricket club.
Giving birth to my son and watching him grow up.
Winning the League with my cricket ladies.
Knowing that I was at the start of the High Peak Steels journey and how hard it was then.
30 years.
I would like to think every area of my role impacts the customer in a positive way.
The team environment.
Family.
Making a difference to both the team and the customer.
© 2025 Steel stock from High Peak Steels.
Company registered in England and Wales No. 01878509. VAT No. GB 419 5872 19
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