A Burton and South Derbyshire College patron has been awarded a coveted MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours list.
Fellow and patron of hair and beauty Judy Naaké (nee Caplin), who is the founder of the well-known beauty business St Tropez, has been recognised as an outstanding entrepreneur.
She said after landing the gong: “I am thrilled to have been recognised in this way and feel humbled to receive such an honour.
"I have focused my career on trying to help individuals and businesses through my own life experiences and it is so lovely to be commended for this”.
As patron and fellow of Burton and South Derbyshire College Judy says she acts as an advocate for the beauty industry's future skills needs by ensuring the college’s curriculum, facilities and resources equip aspiring beauty industry entrants and entrepreneurs for future success.
Dawn Ward, chief executive officer and principal of the college, said: “I am thrilled by this announcement and can’t think of anyone more deserving of it than Judy.
"She is an inspiration to us all and her life and career plays testament to her significant success while also overcoming adversity.
"Judy always gives selflessly and is so passionate about helping others. Her positive outlook and approach to life is an example to us all and I am so pleased she has received this prestigious accolade."
Originally from Beeston, Nottinghamshire Judy built her St Tropez beauty business from nothing into a multi-million pound company within 10 years.
She is recognised as an outstanding entrepreneur and has been pioneering in the development of other entrepreneurs through E2E (Entrepreneurial Exchange), a company that builds networks of entrepreneurs so that they can collaborate and innovate and create wealth through new product and service innovation, creating jobs and supporting the UK economy.
After recovering from cancer Judy began to focus her career on philanthropy and significantly contributing to many aspects of charitable and public life.
She was appointed as High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire in 2016. She has also been the chairman of Maggie’s Nottingham and is now its honorary Patron.
Maggie’s is a highly regarded cancer charity that has supported and helped numerous patients since its inception in 1996.
She currently is assisting Royal Foundation supported charity Full Effect with its work in the prevention of youth violence and is an ambassador for the Nottinghamshire Hospice.
Judy’s contribution to education has also been exceptional. She is a long serving member of Nottingham Trent Universities steering committee and has given guest lectures to undergraduates at the university bridging the gap between academia and entrepreneurialism to the benefit of the surrounding economies, said a spokesman.
She also works very closely with Nottingham University.
