Marketing expert Denise O’Leary, founder of Purpol Marketing recently attended the first Investiture to be held at Buckingham Palace since the Pandemic, and was presented with the MBE – Most Excellent Order of the British Empire – by HRH Prince William, Duke of Cambridge.
Denise of Chippenham, Wiltshire, was awarded an MBE in the 2022 New Year’s Honours List for services to the Construction sector and Entrepreneurs. She received the honour for the work she has carried out to demystify the world of construction and marketing.
As a construction specialist, Denise is trusted with confidential company information and uses her marketing and bid writing skills to help companies win huge contracts. Often a company’s survival can depend on the outcome of the bid.
She has been a keynote speaker at the Big 5 Building and Construction Expo in Dubai several times as well as for UK Construction Week.
Denise is a hugely-respected international Women in Construction ambassador, speaking at events on why women should consider construction as a career.
“I was so thrilled and humbled to be part of such a historic occasion – The Duke of Cambridge was very friendly and we had a wonderful personal chat, it was like a private audience as each person was awarded individually. We chatted about the importance of training young people and my love of the colour purple! We were escorted through the palace and had a special pin placed on my clothes so the insignia was easily hooked on when the honour was awarded.”
The ceremony took place in the Throne Room – where an Investiture last took place in 1904. On duty was the Queen’s Body Guard of the Yeoman of the Guard and we were also serenaded by the Countess of Wessex’s String Orchestra.
The whole occasion was incredible – the opulent surroundings, made even more amazing by the fact we were the first Investiture in the Palace post pandemic and had the honour of an audience with HRH Prince William, Duke of Cambridge in the iconic Throne Room – the scene for many Royal Wedding Photographs.
Everyone was so lovely – offering their congratulations and allowing us to appreciate the magnificence of the occasion. This was a magical, memorable and truly unforgettable experience.”