Pyronix founder Kenny crowned Businesswoman of the Year
JULIE Kenny, who went from being a secretary to creating one of the UK’s leading electronic security manufacturers, based in Yorkshire, has been awarded the 2013 Business Woman of the Year accolade.
Kenny, chairman and chief executive of Rotherham-based Pyronix, which manufactures electronic security equipment for intruder alarms, has become the 31st winner of the award which celebrates women’s achievements.
Having secured a grant from the local authority to be able to finish her education, she became a junior secretary at a solicitors in Cornwall where her boss identified her flair for law.
Kenny, who sat on the judging panel of the Yorkshire Business Masters in 2011, qualified as a litigation lawyer and practiced in local authorities and private law firms until giving it up in 1986 to work full-time for Pyronix after she had built-up the business in her spare time by using £28,500 equity from the sale of her home.
Last year the company had a turnover of over £16m and exported to more than 70 countries.
The 56-year-old, who carried out more than 300 engagements during her term as High Sheriff of South Yorkshire which finished in April, has been awarded a CBE and an Honorary Doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University in recognition of her ‘outstanding contribution to industry and to life in the region’.
The mum-of-three has also won the First Women Awards 2012 – Engineering and Manufacturing category and was presented with a lifetime achievement award by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) for her 25-year commitment to the organisation and wider security industry.
She said: “Winning this award will give me the chance to create more opportunities and generate better outcomes for people, whether it is through mentoring or encouraging people from all walks of life to work hard to achieve their dreams.
“I could never have imagined I would start a business which would one day be among the top companies in its sector in the country but it has also meant I have been able to support local communities and volunteer towards regeneration in South Yorkshire.”
Previous winners include The Apprentice adviser and West Ham United vice-chairman Karren Brady, Dragons’ Den star Hilary Devey, D-Drill managing director Julie White and 2012 winner Emma Elston, co-founder of UK Container Maintenance in Cheshire.
The awards were held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.
