Our Stories: Rachael Moss
How does a kiwi-gal evolve from contemporary dancer into advocate for the UK manufacturing industry? This is how. Dance degree in hand in 2003, Rachael ventured across the seas to pirouette her way through Europe. What she didn’t envisage was that, after time travelling and exploring, a number of other opportunities would come her way that would lead her to a surprising and very rewarding career in business….and eventually back in NZ. With a stint working at WHK Auckland supporting the development of SME capability through the logistical delivery and promotion of NZTE funded Exporter Education and Enterprise Training Programmes and, working on the development of the Export Readiness Programme for Producers of Dance & Theatre with Creative New Zealand, she is now back in the UK helping change perceptions that things are no longer made here.
Rachael now works for EEF, the Manufactures’ Organisation, managing the Future Manufacturing Awards. “By recognising businesses that are proactively developing their people, growing strategically, selling to overseas markets, reducing environmental impact, we are raising the profile of manufacturing showing that Britain, and the world, that this is a thriving and innovative industry”. She goes on to say of her role, “one day I might be speaking to a natural skincare manufacturer, the next the creator of hi-tech prosthetic limbs – it truly is an exciting and inspiring industry to promote because, actually, engineering is in everything we do, see and experience”. In addition to this work she also delivers one-off events such as the launch of the EEF Women in Manufacturing Report, highlighting the importance of women within the industry and the fulfilling careers that are available.
With a desire to connect with other NZ business women in London, In 2013 Rachael joined the New Zealand Business Women’s Network. She now supports the network by devising and delivering events. Have an idea for event? Is there something in particular you would like to learn? Want to try out your workshop on a group of open, like-minded women? Email your ideas to Rachael on info@nzwomen.co.uk
Learn more about Women in Manufacturing - the impact they are having from the boardroom, as senior executives, through to the shop floor as apprentices. Download the EEF Women in Manufacturing Report here