Judith Wilcox, Baroness Wilcox
Judith Ann Wilcox, Baroness Wilcox (born 31 October 1939, Plymouth, Devon) is a businesswoman and a Conservative Life Peer in the British House of Lords.[1] She was awarded her peerage in 1996 as one of the first Working Peers for her services to Consumer Services.
She was appointed Under-Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills (Intellectual Property) from 2010 to 2012.[1] She is a member of the European Union Select Committee (2015- )[1] working closely with Government departments planning the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union.
Early life
Born in 1939 in Plymouth, Devon, Eldest child and only daughter of John and Elsie Freeman. She was educated at St Dunstan’s Abbey School, Plymouth and St Mary’s Convent School Wantage. She graduated from Plymouth University with a Business Studies degree. (BA)
Career
After spending some time in France, Lady Wilcox managed her parents’ retail business. She built and ran a substantial family food business in Devon and Cornwall, diversifying into the fishing industry with her company, Capstan Foods Ltd which was bought by Birdseye. She then established Channel Foods Ltd in Cornwall, supplying fish to supermarkets and other major retail chains. In 1989 this was sold to French company, Pecheries de la Morinie, of which she was President from 1989 to 1991.
In 1990, Lady Wilcox became Chairman of the UK National Consumer Council, an independent organisation working on behalf of consumers.
Political career
Lady Wilcox was Under-Secretary of State for Business innovation and Skills (Intellectual Property) from 2010-2012.[1] She was a UK delegate to the Council of Europe from 2012-15.[1] Since 2015 she has been a member of the European Union Select Committee,[1] which works closely with Government departments planning the United Kingdom’s departure for the European Union as well as a member of European Sub-Committee on Energy and Environment.[1]
Non-Executive roles
Lady Wilcox has been a non-executive Director of the Automobile Association, Inland Revenue, Port of London Authority, Carpetright PLC, Johnson Services PLC, council member of the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen (the Fishermen's Mission) and the Harris Academy. She is currently a governor of the Harris Westminster Sixth Form School, Westminster.
Outside interests
Lady Wilcox is Vice-President of the Girl Guides Association,[1] a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and until 2017 was Chairman of Trustees for the Community of St Mary the Virgin. In 2002 she was on the Commission advising on the appointment of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Her hobbies include sailing, bird watching, enjoying cinema and theatre[1] as well as spending time with her four grandchildren.