Photo of Julie Hollingsworth

Julie Hollingsworth

Research Director

Full Service Market Research

Team:

Kinder

Pronouns:

She/Her

Based:

Derbsyshire

Key skills:

  • Managing quantitative surveys
  • Complex mixed mode surveys
  • Research in Wales
  • Solution-focused
  • Close attention to detail

Hello, I'm

Julie

An Associate Director with over 25 years experience of social and public sector research; having previously worked for BMG Research and TNS.

Julie is primarily a quantitative researcher, with expertise in managing and leading large-scale central and local government projects among residents and businesses, using the full range of methodologies (telephone, face-to-face, push to web, online, postal), for clients including HMRC, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), Transport Focus, Public Health Wales, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), DVSA, the Health and Safety Executive, Natural Resources Wales and a range of combined and local authorities.

She has a first-class degree (BA Hons) in Business Studies and MRS Diploma in Market Research. Julie has particular strengths in managing large, complex and multi-mode research projects, providing clear, actionable insights and building long-term relationships with clients. She is passionate about working on projects that make a real difference to public life, local communities and improving health and wellbeing.

In between being a busy mum to two teenagers, in her spare time Julie enjoys running, gardening, taking on challenges for charity, making the most of now living on the edge of the Peak District and going back 'home' to Whitley Bay, to visit family and spend time by the sea.

 

A few fun facts about me...

If I wasn't a Partner I'd love to be...

A writer

The best thing about my job is...

The challenging projects

My favourite place to be is...

By the sea with my sons

Not many people know that...

I once campaigned to stop a hazardous waste incinerator

A few fun facts about me...

'This' or 'That' questions...

Chocolate or cheese?

Chocolate or cheese answer: chocolate

Sunny or snowy?

Sunny or snowy answer: sunny

Country or town?

Country or town answer: country

Coffee or tea?

Coffee or tea answer: tea

Cats or dogs?

Cats or dogs answer: dogs

Early bird or night owl?

Early bird or night owl answer: early bird

'This' or 'That' questions...

Explore the teams...

The Operational Board is responsible for the day-to-day running of the business and developing the company’s business strategy. They are also fully hands-on, winning and delivering research projects.

Our Managing Director, Alastair Gleed, and several of our board members are founding figures of DJS Research, having joined in the early post-shed era of the company (intrigued... read about ‘the shed’) and have been in research since the previous millennium! In Spring 2024 we introduced a new scheme to bring fresh thinking and new energy into our boardroom, welcoming three new board members on a rotational basis. Both the initiative and the new members of the team were warmly received, and it's already paid dividends as the trio have had a hugely positive impact company-wide.

The role of the Trust Board is to ensure DJS Research is run in the best interests of all Partners and meets its legal responsibilities. It works closely with the Operational Board, offering strategic challenge and oversight.

Our company founder, and former Managing Director, Danny Sims, sits on the Trust Board, continuing to share his knowledge and experience garnered from over 30 years in market research. Financial oversight is provided by Finance Director, Rich Slater, while HR Manager, Lucy Pawson, champions the voice of our people through EO Voice – our employee council which represents the views and interests of everyone across the company and provides a direct route to both company boards. Our external Independent Trustee Director, John-Paul Simpson, provides an important and entirely neutral perspective on company matters and brings invaluable employee ownership expertise from his own business. His role is to protect employee interests, uphold company values, and ensure accountability across leadership.

 

Chairman

Finance Director

Employee Trustee
Director (HR Manager)

Independent Trustee
Director