Tees Business

AVL – nice people to do business with

Advanced Vehicle Leasing continues to make vehicle finance refreshingly simple for businesses across the region and beyond… 🚗🚐

Read the full feature in the online version of Tees Business 46 here:
https://viewer.joomag.com/tees-business-issue-46/0977068001779786958/p122?e=1&embedInfo=theme%2C293042%2C151b26%2Cffffff%2Cffe358%2Cffffff%3B

Welcome to this week’s Tees Business Sunday Supplement - Tees businesspeople revealing how they relax at the end of a week and the start of the next.

This time we speak to Julie Leonard, business development manager at Tees Business…

Name: Julie Leonard
Age: 46
Organisation: Tees Business
Position: Business Development Manager
Currently lives: Harburn Village

What does your perfect Sunday look like?
That would have to be a lie-in followed by a nice brunch, trip to the gym (more likely to be chilling in the sauna than moving too much) and perhaps a glass of wine and catch-up with my mum before some style of tapas tea and a film. Although if the weather is nice, it could just be a good book in the garden.

What’s the one thing you always make time for outside of work?
In my spare time I teach a bootcamp class, so I make time to prepare for sessions to make sure no two are the same. I also make time for friends and family. You have to have positive people in your life.

Are you an early riser or a night owl – and why?
Nowadays I would say I am an early riser, particularly on a workday. Like to be up to do a workout or swim before work starts. Gets those endorphins going and puts a positive start to the day.

What’s the best book you’ve ever read – and what made it stand out?
As a child it would be Honey Bear by Gina Ruck-Pauquet. I still have it. I remember being quite scared when he turns angry but by the end you understand why. It helped me to learn from a young age not to judge someone until you know them. More recently I would say The Kite Runner by Khalid Hosseini. It’s incredibly emotional but however painful the past is, there’s always hope in forgiveness and second chances.

Where’s your favourite place in the Tees Valley to switch off?
Clay Bank. It’s somewhere I can walk without distractions, take in the incredible views and properly switch off from the day-to-day thoughts while burning a few calories at the same time. If I’m not there, then you’ll probably find me in my local with friends. Making memories, sharing laughs and putting the world to rights.

Who or what inspires you outside of the business world?
My dad, without question, even though he is no longer with us. He was a true Teessider – hard-working, resilient and fiercely loyal to the people he loved. He worked hard for everything he had, loved deeply while always being incredibly strong. He faced more than his fair share of health battles with real courage. He started out doing comedy around the area but moved to steel erecting and went on to build a successful career in construction. His work ethic, humour and strength still inspire me every day.

Do you have a hidden talent or party trick most people don’t know about?
Walking on my knees in the lotus position! Completely pointless, mildly impressive and guaranteed to confuse people at parties.

TBI Law powering ahead after Scanlans expansion

‘Nothing short of extraordinary’ – that’s how law firm Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors rates the successful first year of its merger with Wearside firm Scanlans. ⚖️⚖️

Read the full feature in the online version of Tees Business 46 here:
https://viewer.joomag.com/tees-business-issue-46/0977068001779786958/p116?e=1&embedInfo=theme%2C293042%2C151b26%2Cffffff%2Cffe358%2Cffffff%3B