Hi Julie − welcome to 44! Tell us a bit about your career so far…

Thanks! It’s great to be here.

So I’ve spent most of my career working in client services in creative industries, firstly as a graduate at a market research agency, before moving to a full-service creative agency where I joined as an account executive and left as a senior account manager.

I had a brief dalliance working client-side as a marketing manager for a boiler company, before I realised that my heart lies working in the buzz of an agency. I moved back to a full-service agency where I spent nine-and-a half years working my way up to account director before coming to 44.

Boilers to bingo, pick-ups to ‘poo pumps’ (look up macerators on Google), turkeys to trucks – I’ve worked across a variety of industries. I’ve developed B2B and B2C marketing strategies and campaigns. I’ve also produced materials such as: brochures, point-of-sale items, customised mailers and emails, press advertising, websites, videos, animations, social media, as well as managing photoshoots and events.

Where were you brought up and educated?

Born and bred in Coventry, I then moved to the far end of the country to go to uni in Lancaster. After graduating, I returned home and have remained pretty local ever since, living in Coventry, Rugby, and now a lovely little village called Yelvertoft on the way to Northampton.

What do you think you’ll bring to the 44 party?

I’m really excited to work in an area of marketing and communications that is relatively new to me, but I’m hoping my broad commercial background will bring a fresh perspective and some new creative ideas to the table.

What do you get up to in your spare time?

I have two small children, so don’t really have a huge amount of spare time! When I’m not at a soft play, the park, or some kind of petting zoo, I’m normally doing a bit of DIY with my husband. Our house has been a labour of love over the past five years and is still far from finished.

When I do get a bit of time, I love doing anything that gets the adrenaline pumping. I recently went to an inflatable obstacle course on a lake, where I realised that I’m certainly not as fit as I used to be.

I love watching ‘housey’ programs on TV… can’t get enough of Kirstie and Phil as well as George Clarke. I also like American crime dramas like CSI and Without a Trace. I’m currently working my way through an old US series called Unforgettable.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be? And what three words would your friends use?

Reliable, chilled, organised (love a spreadsheet at work… and at home).

My friends… ‘Sh*t-faced Jules’… though not so often now I have to say. But in my younger days, I enjoyed a drink or two before hitting the dancefloor, and the reputation seems to have stuck!

And if we’re looking for a conversation starter, what should we ask you about?

My chickens! I have four: Layla, Mayo, Fluffy and Eggshell. My son had a hand in naming them. Fortunately, we are in an area unaffected by bird flu, so they can roam free in my garden, destroying all my plants and creating a mess. However, the daily eggs make up for the havoc they cause!

And is there anything special you’re looking forward to next year? Any big plans, goals or ambitions?

I’m a big fan of camping. I have a pop-up trailer tent (think caravan at the bottom, tent at the top), so a slightly more luxurious version of camping! I’m hoping to get several trips in over the spring and summer, but I’m particularly looking forward to going to Camper Calling. It’s a family friendly festival where my favourite band will be headlining… the mc-nificent McFly!