As we draw close to Christmas Rachel Storey, Co-Founder and Director of Empowr HR and Non Executive Director for Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, continues our 2025 popular festive spotlight—featuring regional business people from across the north answering 12 quickfire questions.

1. What were you hoping to achieve by December when you sat down in January, and did you get there?

Setting up a new business was just an idea in January 2025. Since then, I have completed my Master of Business Administration (MBA), joined the Sheffield Chamber board as a Non-Executive Director and co-founded our HR Consultancy Business ‘Empowr’.

Starting a new business was a hugely proud moment for me and to get it to a stage where we have a very viable business in such a short space of time is a huge achievement

2. Tell us about three moments from 2025 that made you proud of your business/organisation.

1) Getting the new business off the ground!
2) Hitting our end of year target two months early (after only three months of trading).
3) Seeing the amount of support we have from friends and business colleagues when celebrating the launch of the business in November.

3. What's been your biggest headache this year - supply chains, recruitment, costs, or something else entirely?

My biggest headache has been about how difficult it is to start a business in the current economic climate with unpredictable future plans.

Entrepreneurship is hugely important for our economy, and it is such a risky step to take so we need more support and encouragement for those willing to take that leap. This is why I take my role on the Chamber board so seriously – being a representative for others trying to run, set up and maintain a business.

4. If you had to describe 2025 using a Christmas film title, which would you choose?

It’s a wonderful life. We’ve come a long way in 2025 and it couldn’t have been more enjoyable!

5. What's your number one priority when the office reopens in January?

To continue the growth of our business by building more relationships, obtaining more clients and supporting existing clients to grow.

It’s also imperative as a Chamber board member, that we continue to support and lobby for businesses to allow them to thrive and grow.

6. Which business in the region has caught your eye this year – for all the right reasons?

Zawadi Cafe in Sheffield after winning two awards at the Chamber Business Awards for EDI champion and rising star. The drive and passion this business has displayed is very respectable during a tough period economically for hospitality.

7. Crystal ball time: what does 2026 hold for businesses like yours?

Small businesses face continued challenging times but the ones who are flexible, agile and have strong support networks have the opportunity to grow in this demanding environment.

8. This Christmas, are you a "full production" household or a "feet up and telly" one?

With two young, lively boys it is always a ‘full production’ at our house. But I love Christmas, so I am ready to get into the festive mood and celebrate with friends and family.

9. Crackers, Brussels sprouts, or pudding - which one best describes your year?

Crackers – it’s been a rollercoaster with so much happening in such a short space of time but a really exciting one. And I’m positive that it will continue on the up for 2026!

10. Which business book, podcast or piece of advice has been your "surprise hit" of the year?

A coach and huge support of mine has given me lots of valuable advice but one piece that really stands out from a business perspective is about making sure we value ourselves.

We’ve stayed strong on a few decisions that would have been easy to cave into but the outcome has been great for the business. Making these decisions now and realising our value puts us on a strong path going forward.

11. As you wind down for the festive break, what are you most looking forward to switching off from?

The busyness that comes from being a business owner. Whilst it doesn’t stop over Christmas, being able to get on top of the admin side of the business during a quieter period will set us up ready to start the new year.

12. In 25 words or fewer, what would you say to your customers, teams and stakeholders as we head into 2026?

Thank you for your continued support and for putting trust in us. We can’t wait to hit the ground running in 2026!