Gulliver’s Managing Director gives inspirational IWD speech in Yorkshire

Julie Dalton took to the stage in South Yorkshire to share her experience and support International Women’s Day on 8th March 2018, supporting this year’s theme of #PressforProgress

Julie Dalton, Mother of two and Managing Director of Gulliver’s Theme Parks, said:
“It was a real pleasure to be asked to speak for ‘Women in Business’ at their annual International Women’s Day event. This year it was held in Dodworth, South Yorkshire. The day was brilliant, celebrating and reflecting on the contribution women make to the community through business. I am very pleased to say most of our senior leadership team at Gulliver’s consists of women – not because we have cherry picked- but because they were the best candidates and most qualified for the job.”

Gulliver’s are celebrating 40 years in business this year, with a ‘Ruby Jubilee’ theme. Julie, alongside her brother Nick, currently run the Gulliver’s empire which was founded by their parents, Ray and Hillary Phillips.
“Gulliver’s as a business has always been appreciative of women’s contribution in the workplace, I think that’s because my mother really was a driving force behind it from day one! I hope by standing and talking about my own experiences others are inspired and are aware of the opportunities presented to them. It’s been 100 years since (some) women got the vote and we need to remember that things now could be very different if those women hadn’t fought for the future!”

Julie spoke at the event alongside Kathryn Littlewood, Author of ‘Cultivating Mad Cow’ and ambassador for mental health awareness and Chloe Watmore, Managing Director of Thermotex Engineering. Reflecting on her time growing up in the expanding business and balancing time as a mother alongside managing Gulliver’s.

“Our most reecent project, building the new theme park in Rotherham from the ground up, is my first big solo project. It will be a cumulation of everything I have learnt from growing up, immersed in the Leisure Industry, and will be Gulliver’s biggest project to date. The local community have been so supportive and friendly, we didn’t choose the location randomly – It had to be somewhere we felt would really contribute at being something for the people.”

For more information on Gulliver’s Theme Parks visit www.gulliversfun.co.uk