Julie White named Business Woman of the Year 2011

01 November 2011

Julie White, Managing Director of D-Drill, has been named the Vitalise Business Woman of the Year 2011

A woman who went from selling pizza in a bikini to running a multi-million pound drilling company has landed a prestigious award.

Julie White, Managing Director of D-Drill, has been named the Vitalise Business Woman of the Year 2011 at a ceremony at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, which celebrates women’s achievements across the Midlands.

Having set off round the world after leaving college, Julie did a range of jobs including being a yacht’s skipper and being a pizza seller on a beach during her travels.

But after 12 years away she returned to the region and bought the family business – D-Drill – from her father in 2008 and has set about modernising the company which has its headquarters in Coventry and offices around the UK.

She has increased turnover and, as well as being managing director, has just signed up for the company apprenticeship scheme to see what the firm’s other drilling apprentices go through.

Julie has also just completed a walk to the Everest Base Camp to help raise the profile of a local explorer and is a champion for women – especially those in business.

She said: “I am absolutely delighted and honoured to have won such a major award…The competition was so tough and I am just thrilled that the judges chose me and I will use this as an opportunity to further champion the cause of women in business...It’s not a case of competing against men – it’s all about giving other women the confidence to see what they can achieve. The industry that I am in is traditionally dominated by men and if I can do what I have done – other women can too.”

Julie felt that being a member of the National Association of Women in Construction UK & Ireland ("NAWIC") helped her progress in her career. NAWIC is an organisation run by professional women working directly, or indirectly, in the Construction Industry. She said "Through my membership to NAWIC, I attend various meetings and functions which are extremely enjoyable and provide me with a fantastic opportunity to network and share my thoughts and concerns with others in the industry."

Judy Groves, chair of the awards – which are sponsored by Vitalise said: “We had some fantastic entries from across the region but we were just bowled over by Julie’s story and her commitment to everything she does…She is an inspiration to others and will be a fantastic ambassador for women right across the region.”