Yorkshire-based Blossom Training & Development, a CIC dedicated to fostering self-confidence through self-defence, proudly welcomes Rebecca Hopwood into the role of Non-Executive Director.
Rebecca brings a wealth of experience in Marketing to the flourishing CIC, joining forces with founders Rachael Allen and Madeleine France. This announcement comes at a crucial time for Blossom Training & Development, as they further their mission of empowerment for women and girls.
Blossom: their mission and growth
Since inception in 2021, Blossom Training & Development has developed and delivered self-defence workshops. Their multi-faceted approach focuses on self-defence and de-escalation techniques, while additionally educating delegates about the law in this area and alerting them to technology that enhances personal safety. This combination of practical knowledge and hands-on experience is instrumental in transforming women’s confidence levels, as delegates finish the workshops feeling more in control, and well equipped to navigate challenging situations.
A NED with a marketing advantage
Blossom’s new Non-Executive Director is also Managing Director of the award-winning Leeds marketing consultancy, Youbee Media. Blossom’s Co-Founder and Director, Rachael Allen says, “We value Rebecca’s outstanding professional experience in Media Management & Marketing. Additionally, the way she develops and raises up her all-female team and associates, shows how her values align with our enterprise. We are thrilled to welcome Rebecca to the Blossom family”.
Rebecca responds, “Blossom Training & Development are focussed on reaching as many people as possible, and my own team have benefited from their training. The experience genuinely changed our perspective on safety, revealing unexpected ways to get out of dangerous situations. Maddie and Rachael’s work is hugely valuable and it’s an honour to join them as they continue to grow Blossom.”
The trio met in December 2021 at a Yorkshire Businesswoman event and subsequently became great friends. Rachael continues “Since our first introduction, our friendship has flourished and our partnership with Youbee Media has become invaluable. We’re blessed to be working so closely with such an inspiring woman as Rebecca, who actively empowers others to thrive alongside her.”
As Rebecca embarks on her new Non-Exec Director role, she is committed to leveraging her marketing expertise, helping Blossom Training & Development reach a wider audience and achieve its ambitious goals.
Funding from Corporate Workshops & Team Building experiences
Blossom Training & Development has already experienced remarkable success with their fully funded workshops, which have always been free to the public. This funding has ensured that self-defence education is accessible to all. However, as funding opportunities begin to wind down in 2024, Madeleine and Rachael are actively exploring new ways to secure ongoing support and continue their meaningful work.
Co-Founder and Director Madeleine France emphasises the importance of corporate workshops, highlighting their ability to bring teams together, “Alongside our funded classes, we’ve delivered corporate workshops, gaining amazing feedback. It’s a fantastic way for employers to unite male and female colleagues from different parts of an organisation, so they learn together how to improve safety on the streets. We’re now keen to explore new self-defence training and educational avenues, to cater to our corporate clients.”
“With our Corporate Team Building days, we...help build stronger relationships between colleagues. We help teams to understand each other better”.
Madeleine knows that the wellbeing of your employees has a huge impact on the success of your business. She continues, “With our Corporate Team Building days, we shed light on personal struggles and help build stronger relationships between colleagues. In our safe space, participants can share as much or as little as they like, and we help teams to understand each other better and develop greater respect for their colleagues”.
Looking to the future
Looking forward, Rebecca is excited to contribute to the expansion and ongoing success of these workshops, amplifying the message of empowerment. She notes, “It’s a privilege to join the Blossom Training & Development team. They have a bright future and I’m certain there’ll be a high demand for their Corporate Team Building days. Blossom Training & Development is committed to developing female strength and resilience, transforming lives through self-defence, and I’m committed to helping make this goal a reality.”
Find out more about Blossom’s Corporate Team Days online or contact Maddie and Rachael through their website.
Learn more about Youbee Media's impact on digital marketing and social media workshops on their website.
