Research Director
Full Service Market Research
Team:
Kinder
Pronouns:
She/Her
Based:
Derbsyshire
Key skills:
Hello, I'm
Julie
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?
Sunny or snowy?
Country or town?
Coffee or tea?
Cats or dogs?
Early bird or night owl?
'This' or 'That' questions...
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.
Alasdair Gleed
Managing
Director
Charlotte Sykes
Research Director
Gill Redfern
Research Director
James Hinde
Research Director
Matt Coulling
Operations Director
Rich Slater
Finance Director
Sharon Nichols
Research Director
Simon Driver
Research Director
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.
Danny Sims
Chairman
Rich Slater
Finance Director
Lucy Pawson
Employee Trustee
Director (HR Manager)
John-Paul Simpson
Independent Trustee
Director