Julia Jones developed a competitive streak from an early age within a family heavily involved in sport. Born in a small West Wales town in 1970, Julia was influenced by her father who was an avid rugby official and her mother who was a keen tennis player. Julia believes it was this sport-influenced upbringing that helped her develop a strong sense of competition and self-belief. Alongside these sporting activities she actively pursued her love of music by forming and performing in various rock bands. Since those early days she has enjoyed successful careers in many sectors.
Initially entering the world of Sport Science with a BA (Hons) and an MSc in Sport Psychology and Exercise Physiology, Julia soon worked up the ladder to secure positions running motivational workshops for Olympic squads leading up to the Sydney 2000 Games. Her work also involved lecturing in Sport Science for Canterbury Christ Church University as well as running her own personal training and sports coaching business.
Julia's business expertise within the area of Health & Fitness led to her engagement as Group Leisure Manager for a chain of health clubs within a portfolio of 4-Star hotels. The target was to improve the professionalism of the spas and create a 'brand'. This increased interest in business resulted in her deciding to return to University full-time to complete an MBA degree in Marketing Strategy & Finance. Upon completion of this degree, Julia secured a position within a high-profile commercial real-estate and investment bank in the City analyzing risk.
In 1999 Julia's father suffered a fatal heart attack at a hotel in England while celebrating his 65th birthday and retirement. Subsequently Julia made the decision to leave commercial finance and follow her musical passion by setting up a business in America based around the marketing of new British music using a classic London double-decker. The annual tour entitled The BritBus Tour crossed America 3 times over a 3 year period, clocking up a total of 20,000 miles at the vehicle's maximum speed of 48 mph. The double-decker became affectionately known as The Duchess over the years and gained a loyal following despite regular mishaps including tyre blowouts in the Nevada Desert and getting stuck under low bridges in middle America. It all added to the charm of the event, which traded on the famed 'British eccentricity'. Julia added modifications to The Duchess each year including a full oak bar with chilled Boddingtons Ale on tap. A welcome addition when you find yourself in the middle of the Arizona desert in 105 degrees on a non air-conditioned old Routemaster!
The tour attracted extensive sponsorship and media coverage in the UK and the USA with Julia being featured on BBC1 Breakfast News, CBS Early Show, NBC, Fox TV, The Daily Telegraph, The Independent, Radio 1 and many others. She was joined on the road by a host of British artists including Paul Oakenfield, The Magic Numbers, and The Kaiser Chiefs as well as taking talented young unsigned artists along for the ride. Brand support came from a host of major British names including Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Megastore, BBC America, Boddingtons, Bass Ale, Cadbury, Land Rover, MINI and Triumph Motorcycles.
Since selling the touring business Julia has continued to work in the music sector managing projects such as Ben Sherman's VIP campaign, education tours for Gibson and Hard Rock Café, and the independent finance and release of The Genesis Suite album performed by the London Symphony Orchestra which debuted at number 4 in the UK Classical Chart in 2010. Julia is also still associated with Canterbury Christ Church University but now as their Entrepreneur in Residence mentoring students in their new business ideas.
Julia's latest venture stems from her PhD research investigating the music tastes and consumption habits of the over 45s. Realising that many people in their 40s and 50s today still think of themselves as young led her to develop the Generation Expo lifestyle event which will provide that audience with a range of experiences from the latest technology and product launches, to guest celebrity speakers, financial advice, new business start-up advice, fashion, health and live entertainment.
"Many people in their 40s and 50s today are faced with a host of challenges. They have deep uncertainty and confusion about their future pension provisions, they still actively enjoy popular rock music and live events, they are adventurous travellers, some may have ageing and infirm parents who they are having to care for, some may have dependents who are still living at home as they cannot afford to leave, some may need to start their own small businesses to supplement their insufficient retirement income in future years. These are difficult times and this event aims to provide some serious assistance and inspiration within an entertaining environment. Ultimately, the Generation Expo event will be a great up-lifter with long-lasting effects...a bit like Viagra!"
" quality artist whose emphasis on irresistible tunes is coupled with a superb performance style" BBC Radio Kent
"A talented singer-songwriter" - South Wales Echo
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