In picking up the second-highest honour in the land Julie stated, “I am amazed and humbled to receive this honour.”
Leaving home at 18 with only £45 to her name, Julie has had a rag to riches life. Quickly finding her feet as a lawyer, before setting up Rotherham security manufacturer Pyronix in 1986, and thirty years later selling a successful business with an annual turnover in excess of £25 million.
Along the way Julie has served on numerous government bodies, and as Deputy Lieutenant and High Sheriff of South Yorkshire. Her accolades include being awarded her CBE for services to industry in Yorkshire and Humberside, along with being Vitalise Businesswoman of the Year and PwC Private Businesswoman of the Year.
Julie was appointed a Director of Robson Handling Technology in January 2017, before becoming Chair six-months later.
Colin Beresford, Robson Group CEO commented, “Julie’s prestigious history speaks for itself, with her remarkable drive and determination making it all possible. Leading the team at Robson, Julie is helping us transform the organisation into one with a solid future and with many new exciting opportunities to look forward to. On behalf of everyone at Robson I would like to congratulate Julie on her damehood and wish her continued success.”