The Elmbank Team
Sara Barker BSc (Hons)
Director and Founder
Sara started in Financial Services in 1994 dealing with Pensions and Investments then choosing to specialise in Mortgages in 2000 working alongside another broker.
She then set up Elmbank in 2009 and was based in Reading, Berkshire but relocated the offices to Yateley in Hampshire in 2019.
Sara is our Mortgage expert and has access to the Whole of the Market and finds the most suitable product for your situation.
Why are we called Elmbank? Elmbank is the name of Sara’s parent’s first house.
Fun fact about Sara: She did Fencing at University and has a Yacht Master qualification in Sailing.
Helen Anstey
Case Manager
Helen started at Elmbank in 2011 coming from a background in Banking and Occupational Health.
Her role here is, once your mortgage application has been submitted she manages the progress of your case with lenders to ensure they have all the relevant documents and that the survey is booked in so the mortgage offer can be issued as swiftly as possible.
She will also liaise with estate agents where necessary and will keep you updated every step of the way.
Fun fact about Helen: She is a bit of a thrill seeker, having ridden around the Velodrome and gone up in a hot air balloon, her next adventure is going on the longest and fastest Zip line
James Mulder
Mortgage Adviser
Coming from an estate agency background, James completed his CeMAP exams in 2023 and then joined Elmbank in April 2024, James now looks after an estate agent in Reading.
His role here as a Mortgage Adviser means he can access the mortgage market to find the most suitable product for your situation.
Many of James’ clients are portfolio landlords so he is the best person to speak to regarding Buy-to-let mortgages.
Fun fact about James is he loves economics and anything finance, all starting from his studies in Accounting and Economics in sixth form.
Tracy Ryan, Ba (Hons)
Protection and General Insurance Adviser
Tracy started at Elmbank in 2016 as an administrator and comes from a background in Operational Management and Human Resources.
Her role here is to find tailor made policies to suit your needs and budget covering life, critical illness cover and income protection along with buildings and contents insurance.
At Elmbank we not only want to help you with your mortgage, we also want to ensure that you and your family can continue to live in your home should the worst happen.
Fun fact about Tracy: She did Irish Dancing until she was 16 and is always the first person on the dancefloor at parties.
Siobhan Freeman, Ba (Hons)
Completions Co-ordinator
Siobhan started at Elmbank in 2022 and she comes from a background in creative and administrative roles.
Her role here is, once your mortgage offer has been issued, she manages progress with the solicitors to ensure everything is on track for completion and ensures we have a review on our system for when the rate is due to end.
Fun fact about Siobhan: She wants to visit all the Disney parks around the world, and even was proposed to outside the Castle in Disneyland Paris.
Customer Reviews
Ash F
I went to Sara and Elmbank for my first ever mortgage ten years ago. I've needed three more since then, and wouldn't dream of going anywhere else. The whole team is friendly, professional, thorough and above all incredibly reassuring. I approached them knowing nothing about the process and they talked me through every step as it was needed. I've recommended Elmbank to everyone I know and will continue to do so.
Berkshire
February 2026
Gabrielle L
I've used Sara twice now and wouldn't go anywhere else. She's the kind of mortgage broker you end up recommending to everyone... and I genuinely have, to friends and work colleagues alike, all of whom have had equally brilliant experiences.
What sets Sara apart is her attitude. She doesn't just run through the options in front of her, she looks for solutions; thinks creatively, and goes above and beyond to find a way to make things work for your specific situation and goals. She's thorough without being overwhelming, imaginative in her approach, and a genuinely thoughtful communicator throughout the whole process.
Whether you're a first-timer or coming back for a remortgage, Sara brings the same dedication every time. She's someone you can trust completely, and that's rare. I'll be using her for as long as she'll have me as a client.
Somerset
March 2026
Ian M
We've been a customer of Sara and the Elmbank team for 20 years. They are always a pleasure to speak to and very helpful when it comes to getting the best mortgage deal. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Elmbank to friends and family.