06/06/2014
The founder of Mrs Bucket Cleaning Services has been recognised for her outstanding leadership at a national awards ceremony.
National Recognition Rachael Flanagan, Managing Director of the commercial and domestic cleaning business scooped the ‘Women in Leadership’ award at the the prestigious pan-Wales Leading Wales Awards.
Rachael who is the national recognition, who set up Mrs Bucket when she was 18 with just £20 which she spent on promotional flyers, has over the past seven years grown the company from a domestic cleaning company to a full-service cleaning company with offices in Cardiff, Newport and Swansea, 140 employees and over 250 domestic and commercial clients across south Wales.
Rachael was one of nine winners at the awards, which honours the nation’s best leadership talent and champions leadership across Wales.
She beat off strong competition from two other finalists to be crowned the winner in front of 250 guests celebrating the awards, which are in their tenth year.
On winning the award, Rachael said: “I feel very honoured to win this award, particularly as the competition was so strong. I think my success demonstrates that nothing is more important than hard work, drive and having a great team around you.
“I’m very passionate about seeing more women in leadership roles in Wales and feel strongly about putting women at the heart of the UK’s economic growth.
“While the gap between the number of male and females in senior positions may be closing, it still exists, so I’m keen to fly the flag for businesswomen in Wales to encourage and champion their talents.”
Barbara Chidgey, spokesperson for the Leading Wales Awards, said; “A significant milestone has been reached this year with the awards celebrating its tenth anniversary. It’s been another highly successful year of uncovering many individual leaders that really are having impact in our businesses, public and community services and charities all around Wales. Exceptional leadership in all sectors and at all levels of responsibility is essential if we are to build “The Wales We Want. Each of our finalists is indeed just that – an exceptional leader.”
Professor Laura McAllister, Chair of Sport Wales was guest speaker. She said: “There is no surprise that there are a number of links here today between sport and leadership. One of my specialist subjects is the importance of leadership in team work and so I am delighted to be here today. In my mind, the need for real leadership has never been more important in Wales than it is today and these finalists are all wonderful examples of great leadership at work.”
The Leading Wales Awards is driven forward by a consortium of organisations that passionately believe that good leadership is the key driver to economic success in Wales. The members are: ACCA Cymru Wales, CBI Wales, CMI Cymru, Harding Evans Solicitors, Hilton Cardiff, Learning Pathways Cymru and Wales Council for Voluntary Action.