THE outgoing chairwoman of York Professionals has been named Business Personality of the Year as she steps down from the role after four years.

Rachel Goddard was nominated for the award by the board of directors at York Professionals who wanted to highlight "all she has done for and contributed to the city, it’s economy and the professional services industry".

Ms Goddard joined the York Professionals board in 2002, and went on to become its chairwoman in 2011.

After serving a four-year term, even though only ever promising three years, Ms Goddard stepped down in September but is remaining a board director working to support the incoming chairwoman and continuing to play her part in championing the professional services sector in York.

The time Ms Goddard has dedicated to York Professionals is alongside her day job running Intandem Communications – a marketing and PR consultancy which she set up in York in 2002.

A science graduate with a background in corporate communications, Ms Goddard works closely with clients in both the private and public sector, helping businesses to flourish and grow.

Ms Goddard also sits on the board of Venturefest Yorkshire, an exhibition created by York Professionals to provide innovation, motivation and support to entrepreneurs, business people, investors and professionals working in science, technology, creative and high growth businesses.

While finalist Johnny Hayes was described by the judges as a truly inspirational personality in the Bishopthorpe Road area, the award this year went to Ms Goddard in recognition of the work she has done across the city and wider region to promote York’s professional services sector, as well as her support for SMEs through her own business.