Adam Joseph Thornhill | Entrepreneur

A LITTLE ABOUT ME

I’m Adam, an entrepreneur building businesses across the UK and UAE.

From buying and selling cars at 17 to launching ventures in travel, consultancy and property investment, my work has always centred around spotting opportunities, taking calculated risks and learning fast.

Liverpool-born, and now based in Dubai, my experience makes me uniquely qualified to run Relate Consultancies and support British expats setting up businesses in the UAE. I am also an L5 Properties portfolio investor.

You can learn more about me through my Lessons from an Entrepreneur blog series or by getting in touch.

HOBBIES

MOVIES

I love films and well-made TV series. Favourite movies include The Social Network, Casino, True Romance, and Pulp Fiction.

RUNNING

I enjoy running and have recently got back into it. My longest run to date was the Wirral Half Marathon in 2016.

WORKING ON CARS

I’ve always liked working on cars… even if the results don’t always agree.

DOG WALKS

I love spending time walking my dog, Penny. We’ve been all over the United Kingdom, as well as Paris, the Netherlands, and Dubai.

PLACES LIVED

UNITED KINGDOM

Liverpool born and raised. Moved on in 2022

NETHERLANDS

Relocated to Haarlem in 2022, moving on again in 2023.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Relocated to Dubai in 2023 and never looked back.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

WORK HISTORY

2025

L5 Properties FZCO 🇦🇪

Founder

Research-led investment in off-plan residential property, focused on maximising return on investment prior to handover. Activity centres on market analysis, developer selection, pricing strategy, and exit or rental positioning to optimise capital growth within the off-plan phase.

2023

Relate Consultancies LLC 🇦🇪

Founder

Established Relate Consultancies to support British expats relocating to the UAE through a clear, step-by-step process. Services include HR support, employment setup, company formation, compliance, and ongoing company management, with a hands-on approach that guides clients from initial planning through to successful settlement and operation in the UAE.

2021

Source Travel Group LTD 🇬🇧

Co-Founder

Involved in the operation of a UK-based travel agency, Source Travel, which initially operated as a consultancy before evolving into an online booking platform. A complementary venture, Source Labs, was later established to help other travel agencies transition their businesses online. Both traded successfully and generated consistent commercial income. The businesses were struck off in 2025 following a strategic commercial decision driven by changing market conditions.

2016

AJT Hire 🇬🇧

Founder

Founded AJT Hire by generating income through the purchase, refurbishment, and resale of vehicles, primarily sourced via vehicle auctions, salvage auctions, and online marketplaces. The business later expanded into the ownership and operation of a Hackney taxi vehicle leasing operation in Liverpool, with a fleet comprising Mercedes-Benz Vito and LTI TX4 vehicles. Exited the business in 2024 following a post-COVID decline in taxi licence values.

2015

Quality Fires LTD 🇬🇧

Gas Engineer Apprentice

Employed as an apprentices supporting the installation and removal of electric, solid fuel, and gas fireplaces across domestic projects. Other responsibilities included driving the company van, sourcing equipment and materials, chimney sweeping, and assisting with installations. During this period, I saved surplus income to fund my first independent venture, leaving the company in 2017 to pursue entrepreneurship.

EDUCATION HISTORY

2015

City of Liverpool College 🇬🇧

College

Started a part-time Gas Engineering course, which also covered plumbing, alongside my apprenticeship. I remained here until 2016, when I chose to withdraw in order to pursue a career change and explore broader opportunities.

2012

Duke Of Lancaster’s Norris Green 🇬🇧

Army Cadets

Participated in the Army Cadets programme, developing practical skills including basic first aid, drill, map reading and navigation, discipline, and teamwork. Took part in training visits to other detachments, including Altcar Training Camp, where activities included supervised rifle handling, outdoor living, and fieldcraft exercises. Left in 2014.

2010

North Liverpool Academy 🇬🇧

Secondary School

I started school in the House of Patten and left in 2015 with D grades in Science, English and Maths, alongside BTECs in Vehicle Technology and Engineering. I took away strong practical skills and plenty of great memories.

2004

Andfield Junior School 🇬🇧

Junior School

A historic institution with a distinctive bell tower dating back over 130 years. This period provided a strong early educational foundation, where I performed very well in my SATs, and left me with many positive memories. Left in 2010.