St. Tropez founder scoops MBE in Queen’s birthday honours

St. Tropez founder and expert beauty business woman, Judy Naaké, has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours listings.

Currently a fellow and patron of hair and beauty at Burton & South Derbyshire College (BSDC), Judy is has been pioneering in the development of entrepreneurs through E2E (Entrepreneurial Exchange). This  company builds networks of entrepreneurs so that they can collaborate, innovate and create wealth through new product and service innovation, creating jobs and supporting the UK economy. 

Judy Naaké, Founder of St Tropez and Burton & South Derbyshire College patron and fellow

Judy, from Beeston, Notts, built her St. Tropez beauty business into a multi-million pound company within 10 years. After recovering from cancer, she began to focus her career on philanthropy and significantly contributing to many aspects of charitable and public life.

“I am thrilled to have been recognised in this way and feel humbled to receive such an honour,” Judy comments. “I have focussed my career on trying to help individuals and businesses through my own life experiences and it is so lovely to be commended for this”.

 Judy was appointed as the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire in 2016. She has also been the chair of Maggie’s Nottingham, a cancer charity and is now its honorary Patron. 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. 

A long serving member of Nottingham Trent Universities Steering Committee, Judy and has given guest lectures to undergraduates at the university bridging the gap between academia and entrepreneurialism to the benefit of the surrounding economies. She also works very closely with Nottingham University.

As Patron and Fellow of BSDC, Judy 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. 

Speaking of Judy’s honour, Dawn Ward CBE, CEO and principal of the college commentsL “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 whilst 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”.