Dame Julie Kenny DBE DL elected as chair of RISC | Press Room

Dame Julie Kenny DBE DL elected as chair of RISC

2 years ago

Dame Julie Kenny DBE DL has been elected to serve as Chair of the UK’s Security and Resilience Industry Suppliers Community (RISC).

Julie, a former Chair of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) between 2010-12 and the Security Equipment Manufacturers section twice between 1998 and 2004, started her career in litigation before turning to manufacturing, founding BSIA members Pyronix Limited in 1986, which is now a multi-million pound global organisation. Julie also holds a CBE, DBE and an Honorary Doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University in recognition of her contribution to business and community in the South Yorkshire region, receiving the Freedom of the Borough of Rotherham, her hometown, in 2021.

Taking over from Sir Kevin Tebbit, Julie will commence her role in January 2022.

Mike Reddington, Chief Executive, BSIA, said: “The Association is delighted that Dame Julie has been elected to be the Chair of RISC. Her commitment to the BSIA and the wider security sector has truly influenced the landscape of our industry, and her strategic expertise and extensive knowledge of the public, private and voluntary sectors make her a perfect fit for such an important role.”

Dame Julie, upon accepting the role, said: “It is an honour for me to accept the role as Chair of RISC and I would like to thank Sir Kevin for his significant contribution in progressing its important work.

“I believe my knowledge and experience of how central government works, together with the strategic leadership experience I have gained in ensuring the progression of all the organisations I have been involved with during my career will enable me to continue the vital work of this alliance.”

Established in 2007, RISC is an inclusive alliance of trade associations, suppliers and other organisations that represent the UK’s security and resilience sector. It is the UK’s leading security industry alliance which serves as the principal channel of communication between the UK security and resilience industry, the Home Office, and other government departments and agencies on security-related requirements and policy issues.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Notes to editors

The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) is the trade association for the professional security industry in the UK.
BSIA members are responsible for more than 70% of privately provided UK security products and services (by turnover) including the manufacture, distribution and installation of electronic and physical security equipment and the provision of security guarding and consultancy services. Their members are industry professionals ranging in size from global companies to small and medium enterprises, offering quality products and services to a vast spectrum of end-users.

The Security and Resilience Industry Suppliers Community (RISC) is an inclusive alliance of trade associations, suppliers and other organisations that represent the UK’s security and resilience sector. Established in 2007, RISC is the UK’s leading security industry alliance which serves as the principal channel of communication between the UK security and resilience industry, the Home Office, and other government departments and agencies on security-related requirements and policy issues. RISC represents around 6,000 companies by virtue of the representative organisations which participate.

RISC’s structure and governance is made up of three constituent parts: an Executive, a Council, and a Secretariat. RISC is led by a Chairperson, overseen and advised by the RISC Council, and supported by the RISC Secretariat. The RISC Executive is also supported by a Vice Chairperson. The Secretariat function is currently provided by ADS, as one of the Founding Partners of RISC.

Dame Julie Kenny DBE DL is a former litigation lawyer, Julie turned to manufacturing and founded Pyronix Limited which she sold in 2016. Julie continues her involvement in serving business and local communities and currently holds several trustee/patron positions for diverse charitable organisations. Julie is Chair and Non-Executive Director with Robson Handling Technology, Chair of Maltby Learning Trust and Chairs the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust which is committed to securing a sustainable future for Wentworth Woodhouse, the country house situated in Wentworth near Rotherham.

Julie’s CBE, DBE and Honorary Doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University were conferred in recognition of her contribution to business and community in the region. She was the Vitalise Businesswoman of the Year in 2013, Private Businesswoman of the Year 2014 and has been given a Special Recognition Judges Award by Northern Power Women. Julie was also honoured to be conferred the Freedom of the Borough of Rotherham, her hometown, in 2021.

Julie was High Sheriff of South Yorkshire 2012/13.

Attached Media

About British Security Industry Association (BSIA)

The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) is the trade association for the professional security industry in the UK.

Press Contacts

Katherine Ingram

Public Relations & Communications Officer

k.ingram@bsia.co.uk

Andrew Cooper

Head of Communications

a.cooper@bsia.co.uk