Rachel Goddard, founder of public relations and marketing agency Intandem Communications, has just taken over as chairman of York Professionals.

Rachel said she hoped to continue the organisation’s achievements made over the ten years since the organisation was set up, and stay focused on the professional services sector.

She said: “York Professionals was set up ten years ago to recognise professional services as a sector in its own right in the city and now it is recognised that it helps to grow the economy, not just the professional services sector, but for the whole city by working in collaboration with everybody else.”

She said York Professionals had been involved with the creation of Venturefest and York Business Week and said the city needed to continue to work together.

“With Business Link Yorkshire going, we need to look at how we can work with other organisations in the city and how the professional sector can offer help, particularly with start ups and high growth businesses.”

Rachel set up Intandem in 2002 after working for Shepherd Construction in the city for ten years. The business now employs six people.

She said: “My work with York Professionals has helped me achieve that growth, and being able to collaborate with other marketing companies in the city adds value to your own proposition.”

What job would you like to have other than your own and why?
A garden designer as it combines creativity with a knowledge of plants. It would be great to have the opportunity to create beautiful and distinctive gardens for people.

Greatest achievement
Having Jonty, my son, starting Intandem Communications Ltd and growing the business and once running a 50-mile marathon!

Biggest mistake
I have made plenty of mistakes, but I suppose one crucial one is not believing in myself enough early on in my career.

What makes you most angry?
Things that waste time, like technology not working efficiently or trains being late.

What do you need to make life complete?
I am very happy with my life at the moment. Maybe achieving a better work-life balance and having more free time should be an aspiration.

Why do you make a difference?
I care about the people and businesses we work with and want to help them succeed. I also want to work with others to get York on the map as a desirable place to do business and to help the economy to grow.

Epitaph
She worked hard, did her best and was good fun.