Rachel has always been interested in what makes businesses and organisations successful, and her career has spanned both global blue chip consultancies as well as business start ups. Starting her life as an accountant for one of the Big 4 she soon realised that whilst getting the financials right is key, having talented and driven people is even more critical. She has spent time in management and HR consulting, accounting, corporate finance and senior search and selection all with PwC, as well as being an entrepreneur who has built a leading business in its field.

Rachel is a serial entrepreneur, starting her first business in manufacturing in her mid 20s. More recently she co-founded GatenbySanderson, growing the company from a standing start to a turnover of over £22m in five years. The company is one of the leading public sector senior search, selection and leadership development consultancies in the UK. In addition to building the company Rachel personally successfully appointed to 100s of senior roles including Chief Executives, Chairs, Executive and Non Executive Directors across Local and Central Government, NDPBs, Fire Service, Health, Housing and other not for profit organisations. She exited GatenbySanderson in 2010.

Now a Business Angel, Rachel is actively investing in established and startup companies in a broad range of sectors. Investments to date have included businesses in technology, medical devices and professional service sectors, but she is more interested in the strength of the business idea and the people involved than the sector in which it operates.

Outside of the commercial world she works for the Judicial Appointments Commission chairing selection panels for judicial appointments, is a Business Mentor for the Prince's Trust, a Small Business Mentor for the UK Sector Skills Body for Enterprise and a Governor for a group of Schools. She is also the founder-investor and a Director of SkillWill a Community Interest Company that specialises in enabling the third sector to access free skills from private sector businesses, enabling them to operate more effectively and make a greater impact.