I am the Programme Leader overseeing three fashion business courses offered by the Manchester Fashion Institute. These programmes encompass Fashion Business and Management, Fashion Buying and Merchandising, and Fashion Marketing.

My specialised areas of expertise include Supply Chain Transparency, International Fashion Supply Chain Management, and the Circular Economy.  I have conducted research in these fields, authored trade articles, and published journal articles on an international scale, all of which have been beneficial to the retail industry.

My engagement extends beyond academia, as I actively collaborate with the global retail sector. In addition to my responsibilities as a Programme Leader, I also play a pivotal role in guiding students’ personal development, academic progress, and career aspirations as they transition into and out of university education.

Academic and professional qualifications

In 1996, I earned my Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA Hons) degree in Business Studies with a focus on Purchasing from John Moores University. Subsequently, in 2013, I achieved a Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP) from Manchester Metropolitan University with a Merit distinction. My educational journey continued with a Master of Research (MRes) in Business and Management, where my research focus was on “The collaborative buyer and supplier relationship (BSR) applied to the product development stage in the contemporary UK fast fashion and rapid fashion market.” This MRes degree was conferred by Manchester Metropolitan University in 2019.

Previous Employment

I bring over two decades of experience as a seasoned fashion retail buyer in the clothing industry. Throughout my 20-year career, I have held Senior Buyer positions with various retail organizations, offering a breadth of expertise. My professional journey has included roles in international fashion trading companies, where I managed not only Trainee Buyers but also numerous assistants, all within the realms of retail, e-commerce, and mail-order businesses. Extensive global travel was an integral part of my role, involving the sourcing of products from both existing and potential suppliers around the world.

My industry background has uniquely equipped me to impart practical knowledge and insights in the classroom as a Senior Lecturer. This has allowed me to create an educational experience for students that closely mirrors real-world scenarios. I have had the privilege of teaching across all academic levels, from Foundation to Masters, covering a wide array of subjects, including Fashion Buying, Marketing, Enterprise, People Management, and Supply Chain Management.

My teaching experience extends across the globe, having spent four years delivering education in diverse locations like Australia, China, Bangladesh, and the Dominican Republic. In addition to my role as a Programme Leader and Senior Lecturer, I have pioneered several pilot programs aimed at fostering strong connections between industry professionals and academic institutions. These initiatives have opened doors for academic institutes to offer mentoring, work experience, live briefs, and student competitions, all while collaborating closely with companies in negotiations for business deals, training courses, and sourcing strategies.

Membership of professional associations

Member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, London, UK, CIPS

Chartered Member of the Textile Institute, Manchester, UK - CText ATI

Member of the Chartered Institute of Management, London, UK - CMI

Fellowship of the Higher Education Authority - FHEA

Undergraduate teaching

BSc (Hons) Fashion Business and Management

BSc (Hons)  Fashion Marketing

BSc (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising

BSc(Hons) Fashion Buying and Retail

BA (Hons) International Fashion Practice

BA (Hons) Fashion Promotions

Postgraduate teaching

MSc Fashion Buying and Merchandising Management

MSc International Fashion Business Management

External examiner roles

Julie is an external examiner for:-

University of London (LCF) - UG

Holmes Universtiy (Melbourne, Australia) - UG

Postgraduate research supervision

I have extensive experience as a supervisor for both taught postgraduate and undergraduate students.

Press and media appearances or contributions

I can often be heard on BBC Radio Manchester, on the Styling Section, on a Saturday morning.