I find out tomorrow...

The day is dawning... and tomorrow I shall be at The Dorchester in London waiting to see who has won that all important NatWest Everywoman Award.


I have just had my nails done, and tomorrow I shall be visited at 6am by my wonderful hairdresser and friend Michelle - who will be making me feel powerful and confident.


I have to say I am very nervous as despite all of my achievements to date this is by far potentially the biggest one.


I wish my fellow finalists Sam (who has come to be a good friend of mine) and Carol-Ann who I have yet to meet the very best of luck. Win, lose or draw I think it will be a fantastic day

The best award news yet!!!

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.

Further award success...

After winning the East of England Young Businesswoman of the year award last year, on Friday we I found out that I have won an award.

The title is "Women of the future" for Ladies at11 sponsored by Natwest.

I am delighted to be nominated for another prestigious award.

Unfortunately, I cannot make the ceremony next Friday at Sandhurst Park on the Isle of White, but I would like to congratulate all of the winners and finalists.

For more information about you can view my website at www.rachelducker.com

Sailing into relaxation!

A few weeks ago I set my self the challenge for one of my EADT 'Water off a ducks back' articles, to completely switch off from work and leave my "business hat" at home.

It timed in very well for my partner James's birthday weekend, so whilst doing some research on the internet I came across a The Salthouse in Ipswich. I have been there on a few occasions for some amazing dinners, however never stayed the night. To my surprise they were offering a sailing package in collaboration with their neighbours Viking Mariners also situated on the Waterfront.

I have never been sailing before and thought it would be a fabulous experience for us both to share.

After a blissful night in our Marina room at the Salthouse, which overlooked the beautiful harbor and featured a giant copper bath in the middle of the room, I started to feel very relaxed and James was thoroughly enjoying his birthday treat, especially as the food was so good. (He often uses his stomach to judge a stay!)

We had timed our stay perfectly for the Martine and Beer Festival along the Waterfront. It was great to be arose by the Parade walking by as we enjoyed breakfast in our room from the Balcony.

We also had the morning free to wander through the old rope making exhibitions, watch displays and even had the pleasure of meeting some pirates and hearing stories from the deep blue sea!

We could not waiting for our sailing trip to come around, it was booked for an afternoon sail starting at 2pm.

We arrived at the Viking Mariners shop and I was amazed to see such trendy, quality sailing items such as boat shoes, sailing tops, jackets. I usually shop in Crew Clothing and I have to say I was more drawn to the good hear than I am in Crew.

Once there, we met Chris who had been the friendly person behind the scenes organising my surprise sail. She had very kindly given us some waterproof clothing (just in case it rained) and introduced us to our Skipper Lee.

As I mentioned, we had not been sailing before so we had taken the precaution of some sea sickness tablets. I still had my hesitations and when I mentioned this to Lee, he immediately put us at ease and said we wouldn't need them.

Upon boarding the Catamaran 'Alchemy,' I was amazed by the size and luxury that greeted us.

As we pulled away from the harbor, James and I gave each other a look that said 'this is going to be fantastic.'

We also had on board with us a very lovely lady called Annie. I must say she really took care of us, bringing us lots of tea and biscuits and generally helping us to feel at ease and relaxed during our trip. I particularly got on very well with her, and it was nice to have her company whilst James chatted to Lee.

To my surprise Lee allowed us to sail the boat. The sailing part was quite easy however navigating the boat through the River traffic was a slightly different concern. Once ten minutes went by I felt I started to get the hang of it and felt more confident navigating through the traffic.

As I mentioned, James is very guided by his stomach, so when Annie brought our a plate of Chocolate Donuts and Carrot Cake, he was sold!

It was really lovely to enjoy the Coastal Suffolk Scenery  from the water, and I felt ultimately relaxed. It was also great to pass under the Orwell bridge rather than driving over it.

An hour or two past and the clouds darkened, as we felt a drop or two of rain and put on our sailing jackets, where most people would be disappointed we certainly were not as then, we really felt like we were sailing!

Shortly after we decided to hibernate in the cabin, where I was brought a nice cold glass of Rose wine in a snug little seating area.

The thing that I liked so much about the experience with Viking Mariners is that for four hours I felt like the boat was my home, we were given clear freedom to explore and could either sit back and relax or get involved as much as we wanted to.

We were sad to arrive back at the harbor but were buzzing for the next few days and stated immediately to each other how we would love to do it again with our friends. The great thing is the options that Viking Mariners have.

I was particularly interested in the Spa Day on the river that Chris was telling me about. They also do leadership team building days out, corporate and social days out and special celebrations like we had, so something for all occasions and as far as I am aware not many companies offer this?

I would 100% recommend anyone experienced in sailing or newbies like us to try an experience with the guys at Viking, you will not be disappointed!

To get in touch with them visit http://www.vikingmariners.co.uk/ or to view the Salthouse website see http://www.salthouseharbour.co.uk/.

Sound of Silence Chairty Event

I cant wait to get involved with a new charity on October 29th, at Suffolk New College, Apparition Martketing and Design are helping to support a brand new event named 'Sound of Silence.'

I was asked by Lina Hogg, (of Picasso HR and Suffolk Business Women) who is heading the event to get involved on a pro-bono basis and given the cause I was happy to do so. 

We are inviting a number of businesses to hold stalls during the day as well as a number of performers including my younger brother J.Ducker who has kindly donated one of his songs "When the night has dawned" to the event to raise money. Check him out at > www.jducker.co.uk.

Also we have the beautiful Gracie Wright fresh from L.A, performing and selling her E.P during the day. Born a London Lady (now a Suffolk Gal,) Gracie tours all over the world performing, so we are incredibly lucky to have her performing for us. Check her out at > http://www.myspace.com/gracielecoixwright.

We also have an art exhibition as well as an African Drumming band.

Lina is working with an organisation called Women for Women International (UK). http://www.womenforwomen.org/about-women-for-women/women-empowering-women.php .

Women for Women International is a shining beacon of hope for those women in war-torn countries that have been victims of brutality and targeted for rape and sexual violence. WfWI helps female survivors of war to rebuild their lives by providing them with skills, knowledge and loans that enable them to support themselves, their families and their community.

We are planning a public screening of a short documentary to gain awareness and raise funds, with support from Suffolk New College, DanceEast and many other wonderful individuals, called THE GREATES SILENCE – RAPE IN CONGO.

Here is a link to a short documentary narrated by Meryl Streep which you might find helpful to understand the work of WfWI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikH7pKFmkyE

Stay tuned for more details or visit www.makeanewdawn.org.

Apparition launches Apparition Music Promotions...

So... I have been very busy again and would like to announce the launch of my third business, Apparition Music Promotions.

The idea came from my younger brother JDucker who is a musician based in Suffolk. I felt there were not enough local companies out there supporting our local talent so Apparition Music Promotions was born.

Along with my Creative Agency Apparition Marketing and Design and Time2Shine (mentoring young people and start up businesses) - but now I am delighted to add something else to that list...

This week we are launching 'Apparition Music Promotions,' is a small promotions agency helping and supporting up and coming talent from across the UK.

The website is now live check it out here > Music Promotions Suffolk.

Don't forget whats important...

It is funny how every day you have your routines. Mine at the moment is get up - make the bed - clean the house then start work and I will stay there until I am finished.

The sad thing is sometimes when we get into this routine we can start to forget the great things we have around us, our family, friends or the things that we already have.

Today it is a Saturday and even though I shouldn't be working I am, which is bad. So I thought I would end my mini extra hour work morning to say thank you to the ones that I love.

To James for putting up with me!

To Archie for keeping me grounded!

To my mum, dad and brother Jay for always being there!

 

 

And to my extended family!