Two female directors of a West Yorkshire-based engineering firm have been shortlisted for Yorkshire Women of Achievement awards.
Julie Bickerdyke, managing director and Tonia Parris, technical director of Austin Hayes, a refurbishment and surface coatings specialist, have been recognised in the business category.
The awards, now in their 30th year, are run by Sue Ryder to raise awareness of the charity whilst recognising key females in the region. A lunch-time award ceremony will see hundreds descend on the Royal Armouries, Leeds, on Friday 20 May.
Both women have held long careers at the 63-year-old firm, with Julie progressing to Managing Director last year, following a career in accounts and finance director since 1994. Whilst Tonia has worked with the company for 25 years having joined the company fresh out of university in October 1990 as assistant to then MD Nik Vjestica, before progressing within the company to her existing role as technical director.
Julie Bickerdyke, Managing Director of Austin Hayes, commented:
“To be recognised as leading females in the region is a great achievement. We feel very humbled to have been shortlisted and to read the positive feedback from our associates who contributed to our nomination is really moving.”
The women have ambitious plans for Austin Hayes and aim to be at the leading edge of protective coating application in the UK.
