Career History
Rachel joined the Kada Research Board of Directors in March 2022, bringing with her a wealth of experience having set up, run and developed a small business of her own
The Managing Director of the grants and tenders’ consultancy FCS Associates, which she founded in 2004, Rachel provides a unique insight into the business support and contract delivery needs of SMEs, charities and the public sector alike.
Working alongside clients including Sheffield and Barnsley Councils and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, she has helped to secure funding ranging from £100 – £2m, and everything in between.
While FCS is a commercially minded organisation, it is also a family-run business and Rachel and the team work to similar ethical, governance and social (ESG) values as Kada.
This year they are providing bid writing services pro-bono for the United Women’s Association in Sheffield – a charity that is dedicated to empowering women, young mothers, single fathers and young people to reach their full potential, particularly within underprivileged communities.
Rachel’s experience means she has an in depth understanding and interest in the changing policy, economic and funding landscape, meaning she is a valued sounding board for her fellow Kada Board members when it comes to devising future growth strategies.
Outside of work
A mum to 18-year-old twins, outside of work Rachel enjoys running, yoga and genealogy… when she gets the chance.
Interesting Fact
Although she’s still not entirely sure what they are, Rachel’s ancestors were once Iron Puddlers*, amongst other things, including miners and chimney sweeps!
*An iron puddler was a worker in iron manufacturing who specialized in puddling, an improved process to convert pig iron into wrought iron.
