UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 12 JANUARY 2015
Julian Turner, CEO of a Dudley car design, certification and manufacturing company, is to receive an Honorary Doctorate from Birmingham City University this week.
Based in Kingswinford, West Midlands, Westfield Sportscars Ltd has sold over 15,000 cars worldwide since 1983 and currently produces 200 cars a year for driving enthusiasts across the globe.
Julian started his career in 1997 working for British Midland Engineering in Derbyshire, working on supply chain management initiatives with two of the world’s largest airframe manufacturers.
He continued his work in the aviation industry whilst studying at Nottingham Trent University, working for BAE Systems Aviation Services in Filton and The Boeing Company in Seattle, USA.
After gaining a degree in Manufacturing Systems Management, Julian continued to work for The Boeing Company on a variety of projects all geared to supporting myboeingfleet.com – a new development in the industry to allow diagnosis and organisation of aircraft maintenance whilst the aircraft is still flying.
Julian then moved to engineering consultancy Mott MacDonald, becoming a qualified PRINCE2 Project Manager whilst also studying for a diploma from the Institute of Risk Management. Julian’s work at Mott MacDonald included the replacement communication system for the Fire and Rescue Service and the Bombardier Trains Selective Door Opening System on the Electrostar 375 EMU.
In 2006, Julian moved into the automotive sector and became Managing Director of Westfield Sportscars Ltd, before becoming Chief Executive Officer of the company and a Chartered Engineer. During his time at Westfield he helped the company gain European Small Series Type Approval, allowing them to sell cars into Europe and further afield. Julian also set up the Top Gear Cup in Holland using the Westfield AeroRace vehicle and enabled Westfield to enter the Guinness Book of Records for Westfield Drifting Reliability.
Birmingham City University joined forces with Westfield Sportscars Ltd in 2011, working in partnership to develop vehicles, technology and advanced materials together. In 2013 the University and Westfield developed the world’s first build at home electric race car kit, an all-electric sports car designed and engineered to support a growing demand for zero emission racing vehicles.
Julian, from Dorridge, Solihull, said: “It is an honour to have been asked to become an Honorary Doctorate of the University and I will continue to provide support to the University’s Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment.
“Westfield are working with students from the University on a daily basis and we can see their potential as soon as they get involved in projects.”
Julian will receive his award at a Birmingham City University graduation ceremony on Thursday 15 January.