A prominent female entrepreneur in the construction sector, Julie White has since acquiring D-Drill from her father become a recognised voice in the construction sector. Julie, who was named Businesswoman of the Year in 2011, has now been appointed chair of leading industry body Build UK, having previously been president of the International Association of Concrete Drillers & Sawers (IACDS) and sat on the board of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) England. She is currently chair of the Drilling & Sawing Association (DSA).

Julie represented the construction industry on the former UK Prime Minister’s Business Council, and over the past decade and a half, has become a well-recognised face and voice in the sector, speaking up on issues such as skills, apprenticeships, and the profile of the industry.  As the chair of the Drilling and Sawing Association, she has been a regular attendee at the UK Prime Ministers Downing Street offices.

An inaugural board member of Build UK which was established in 2015 to help bring specialist sub-contractors and main contractors together within the industry. Now, the organisation consists of businesses across the whole construction supply chain including clients, main contractors, specialist contractors, other trade associations and professional services, helping the sector to speak with one voice. It also offers information and support to members and is committed to driving forward the delivery of construction projects for the benefit of the industry, its clients, and the economy.

Julie was appointed at the organisation’s AGM and will serve as chair for two years. Build UK chief executive Suzannah Nichol MBE said: “I would like to thank Paul Cossell for his leadership and support as chair during a challenging two years for our industry. We will continue our drive to transform the sector, working collaboratively to improve business performance, increase productivity, and recruit, train and retain talent. I’m delighted to welcome Julie White as our new chair and look forward to working with her to capitalise on the depth and breadth of our membership and provide a strong collective voice for construction.”