Director, Business Link West Yorkshire
Home: 42 Heaton Grove, BD9 4EB
Tel: 543966.
Former boss of Judith Donovan Associates Ltd, which she sold in 2000. She now owns a new company DIY Direct Marketing
Former President, Chamber of Commerce (from 1999 - 2001)
Director Business Link West Yorkshire
Former Chairman of Bradford TEC for 7 years since its foundation.
Chair of "Postwatch" - a government quango based at Pheonix House.
Bradford Congress (to 1998)
DMA
Northern Ballet Theatre
Bradford Business Club
Born 5/7/51 in London. Adopted as a baby by 2 Bradford teachers. Schools: St Josephs College.
Moved to Surrey aged 14, attended Surrey & Woking Girls Grammar. Got a BA Honours degree in English at Hull University. Started work for Fords and did several jobs for London Ad Agencies
Worked at Grattans, joining in July 1977 as advertising manager, allegedly recruiting 100,000 agents a year.
Married John, a self employed computer consultant (who she met in London), in 1977.
September1980, awarded "Female Executive of the year" by Butte Knit Co.
President of Bradford Junior Chamber of Commerce aged 29. Left Grattan and set up as a consultant, advising firms on selling products by direct mail. Judith Donovan Associates started in 1982. 1st year turnover £92,000 giving £27,000 profit. Year 2 turnover 170,000, year 3 £250,000.
By 1985 JDA employs 10 staff, based in Harrogate Rd. Husband John now managing director. Turnover £400,000.
She chases awards, including joint runner up in 1988 for "Women mean business award" presented by Margaret Thatcher: "I enter all contests, I love them".
1989 became Director of Bradford Bounce Campaign. JDA moved to new offices in Thornbury. By 1990 staff of 102 and turnover of £7m. Clients include AA, Wedgewood, Sun Alliance, BP Oil, Leeds Permanent Building Soc., Mills & Boon, Bradford & Bingley Building Soc.
In December 1991 becomes Chairman of new TEC with £20m budget.
Founder member Bradford Business Club. Awarded CBE in early 1997.
Smokes cigars & swears. Most people find her arrogant and reactionary, which is why so many TEC executives left.
Retired as TEC Chairman, May 1998 (or was she pushed?). Became President of Bradford Chamber of Commerce (1999 - 2001).
Sold her agency Judith Donovan Associates Ltd Sept 2000. The agency is now JDA and is based in Leeds.
Updated: July 2001