Official Press Release from Everywoman
9 November 2011
ROLE MODEL ENTREPRENEUR SHORTLISTED FOR NATWEST EVERYWOMAN AWARD
Showing the determination and initiative of a business owner with decades of experience, 25 year old Rachel Ducker has had an incredible career so far with her company Apparition Marketing and Design. Today the Suffolk-based businesswoman is named as a leading contender for this year’s NatWest everywoman Awards, one of Britain’s most revered prizes honouring British entrepreneurial success.
University is not the right course for everyone and Rachel Ducker saw enterprise as her future. Working for a variety of different companies, Rachel's enthusiasm and commitment toward her work allowed her to progress very quickly within the media / design industry, where she began to realise that she was more than capable of organising a business herself. Eventually she decided to launch her own company from her bedroom at her parents’ home. Teaching herself web design, she took on her first client - a local bar - in 2009 and Apparition Marketing and Design was formed.
Today her client base is global with brands including University College London and NFU Mutual to whom she offers a one-stop shop for marketing solutions. She has recently launched a second business offering affordable mentoring services for young people and is also committed to pro-bono work for the local community. Rachel dismisses critics of her age claiming that it is “just a number” and her advice to local schools and regular newspaper column are testament to her considerable success.
The NatWest everywoman Awards were founded in 2003 to showcase the variety of female business role models, celebrating their success and inspiring future generations of entrepreneurs.
Commenting on this year’s line-up of finalists, everywoman co-founder, Karen Gill MBE, says, “The NatWest everywoman Awards have been recognising inspirational women across the country, and the finalists this year again show that anything can
be achieved, no matter what the odds. The women on this year’s shortlist have demonstrated passion, determination and dedication to get where they are, regardless of age, education or background. Given the plight of the economy it is more vital than ever that enterprise is encouraged and by recognising British success stories we will encourage more business start-ups.”
Carolyn Currie, Head of Women in Business at NatWest adds, "With the current high rates of female unemployment, never has the need to celebrate, encourage and promote female entrepreneurship been of more importance. I'd very much like to congratulate the 2011 NatWest everywoman Award nominees, who embody exactly the type of entrepreneur that will be so key to aiding recovery in the UK. I hope their stories will encourage more women into enterprise and our nationwide team of Women in Business advisers stand ready to aid them on their path to success."
Sharon Hilditch MBE, Managing Director of Crystal Clear comments, “Crystal Clear is delighted to continue supporting the everywoman Artemis Award. I am a passionate believer in this award which represents a fantastic opportunity to recognise the energy, determination and sheer hard work it takes to not only succeed in business but to also to get one off the ground. This year’s finalists have all shown these qualities admirably as well as displaying incredible commitment, drive and enthusiasm. I hope their achievements will be an inspiration to the next generation of upcoming female entrepreneurs.”
Rachel Ducker is nominated for the Artemis Award for the most inspiring businesswoman aged between 25 and under.
The winners will be announced at a lunch ceremony at London’s Dorchester Hotel on Wednesday 7th December 2011 attended by business figures, politicians and celebrities.
For further information about the Awards along with ticket prices and details visit www.everywoman.com
ENDS
· About everywoman everywoman is an organisation that challenges and changes the mindsets of women in business to increase the number and raise the status of women in the economic community. Founded in September 1999 by Karen Gill and Maxine Benson, it is the UK’s largest female business community with over 40,000 members and growing. Through its programme of events, projects such as Modern Muse, training and awards, everywoman offers members support, skills and recognition. Members are supported to clarify their goals; ensure they have the right mindsets to realise them; gain skills to generate long-term success and are recognised for their achievements. Its ambition is to become the world’s largest and most influential female business network, inspiring generations of businesswomen and championing their cause, talents and prospects on a global scale. Karen and Maxine were both awarded the MBE in January 2009 for services to women’s enterprise.
