SHE is only 23 and just seven months into her first business, but Rachel Ducker has been awarded the title of East of England Young Businesswoman of the year.
And she puts her success down to martial arts.
Rachel, who runs Apparition Marketing and Design based in Bury St Edmunds and Halesworth, collected the award at a ceremony organised by the Suffolk branch of the Institute of Directors.
"I have al
ways been a fighter both in my martial arts training and within my business career," said Rachel who trains in the martial art of Kuk Sool Won.
Judges who presented the award, sponsored by Adnams, said: "The combination of focus, motivation and confidence which she attributes to her martial arts training have enabled Rachel to achieve success in her creative new venture."
The agency she runs specialises in marketing, public relations, websites and design for business across a number of different sectors.
"In the economic climate we are in, I think it is important to give back and keep supporting the business community," said Rachel.
More than 180 business leaders packed into the Radisson Blu Hotel at Stansted for the awards ceremony on Thursday.
"To be short-listed was wonderful, to become a finalist was exciting but to actually win and be recognised at this age and so early on within my business is amazing," Rachel said.
"The support I have received since starting my business last year has been overwhelming and I am so thankful to everyone who has helped me along the way.
"I hope that I can be a role model for others of my age who have, or are thinking of starting their own business. It is hard work but the results are so rewarding, especially when you can make a difference."
For more information on Apparition visit www.apparitiondesigns.co.uk or telephone 07590 124227.
‘Fighter' Rachel, 23, scoops top award
by Mark.Beaumont
mark.beaumont@buryfreepress.co.uk
TOP AWARD: Rachel Ducker who has been named young businesswoman of the year.
MBFP-08-02-10 sub Rachel Ducker. Submitted Picture.
