I had the pleasure and wonderful experience of working for Solmar Villas from 2014-2016 back in the day. When I started my role I couldn’t have had a more welcoming and understanding boss in Julie who fully understood the importance of family and work life balance 

Back to work after having my son Finley Julie didn’t bat an eyelid when a few months in I announced I was expecting child number 2 and Francesca was born during my time working there.

The thing that was so abundantly clear from the get go was that Julie was a true champion of people, I witnessed her immense kindness and going above and beyond for her employees which she gave confidence and opportunity to and some of those people are still at the company today and have progressed to dizzying heights thanks to her unwavering support and belief.

I have since gone on to restrain and now teach travel and tourism at a college and I feel Julie had a big part on this as she enabled me to realise the dream of having the balance, being a good mum but also following my dreams and achieving my goals, for that I will always be greatful and another example of the impact she has had on so many in such positive ways.

I have so many wonderful memories of all the fun times we had in that office encouraged my Julie to have cake days and competitions, dress up days and lots of staff celebrations, everyone always felt so valued and it was a wonderful place to work. I still have a scar on my knee from a Christmas do at the roundhouse in Derby where I fell through the door in a spectacular and unladylike manner and had to then be attended to by a paramedic before returning to the dance floor! Such fun times.

Thank you Julie for playing a pivotal part in my career journey, being a strong female role model and showing me the balance is possible. Such a formidable, inspiring, warm and wonderful woman who’s legacy will love on and impact ongoing in all those people you have championed and inspired.

Al my love to John, Maria, Chris, Rose and Poppy Xxxxx