Rachel Bedgood

Tech Entrepreneur, Background Screening Pioneer & Business Growth Expert

Introduction

Rachel Bedgood embodies entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking. From starting her business at just 23 to building a multi-million-pound enterprise, Rachel’s journey demonstrates how commitment, caring, and curiosity can transform a simple idea into extraordinary success. As the founder and CEO of Complete Background Screening (CBS), one of the UK’s largest background screening providers, she combines technical expertise with people-centered leadership to create a meaningful impact in business and beyond.

Expertise & Impact

With over 20 years of experience in the background screening industry, Rachel has established CBS as a leader in its field, working with major government & public sector bodies, multi-national businesses, and private sector organisations including G4S, ITV, Sky, and BBC. Her innovative approach to data management and screening has made CBS the first choice for thousands of organisations across the UK. Authorised and regulated by the Disclosure and Barring Service, Access Northern Ireland, and the Scottish Criminal Records Office, Rachel’s company delivers robust screening with a signature rapid turnaround time through a personally managed service.

Speaking Style:

Warm, engaging, and down-to-earth, Rachel delivers presentations that combine practical business insights with inspiring personal stories. Her authentic approach connects with audiences across all levels, from aspiring entrepreneurs to established business leaders. Rachel’s natural enthusiasm and passion for empowering others, particularly women in business, create memorable and motivational speaking experiences that leave her audience feeling empowered to achieve anything. With a genuine warmth that touches everyone she meets, Rachel makes time for each person, embodying her belief in the power of connection. Her love of learning, improving, and growing – coupled with her generous spirit in sharing knowledge – creates an infectious energy that inspires others to embrace their own true potential.

Signature Topics:

  • Entrepreneurial Journey: From Redundancy to Multi-Million Pound Business
  • Values-Based Leadership: Building Teams Around Purpose, Not Just Skills
  • Women in Tech: Navigating and Succeeding in Male-Dominated Industries
  • Data Innovation: Transforming Information Management into Business Opportunity
  • Creating Inclusive Workplaces: The Business Case for Flexible Working Environments
  • Lifelong Learning: Cultivating Curiosity as a Leadership Strategy
  • Business as a Force for Good: Integrating Philanthropy into Corporate Culture

Additional Expertise:

  • Entrepreneurial Leadership
  • Tech Innovation and Data Management
  • Hiring and Retention Strategies
  • Purpose-Driven Business Growth
  • Creating Inclusive Workplace Cultures
  • Social Responsibility and Corporate Philanthropy
  • Community Engagement and Charitable Leadership

Perfect For:

  • Women in Business Conferences
  • Entrepreneurship Forums
  • Tech Industry Events
  • Leadership Development Programmes
  • HR and Recruitment Conferences
  • Social Impact Summits

Career Highlights:

  • Fast Growth 50 – Special Recognition Award 2023
  • Business of the Year 2022
  • Founded a property investment business in 2018
  • Founded Complete Background Screening at age 23 after facing redundancy
  • Built CBS into one of the UK’s largest background screening providers
  • Established headquarters in South Wales, creating jobs in the local community
  • Developed innovative solutions for data management and background verification
  • Created a flexible workplace that prioritises work-life balance, particularly for working parents and young people
  • Participated in The Sisterhood’s rickshaw challenge, raising over £150,000 for disadvantaged women and girls
  • Multiple industry recognitions, including Business Woman of the Year and Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards, throughout career development

Key Message:

“True success comes from having the strength to acknowledge what you don’t know, and the curiosity to learn it. Business growth isn’t just about leveraging your expertise, but creating opportunities that align with your values, nurture curiosity, and empower everyone around you to become the best they can be.”

Impact Story:

“I have worked with Rachel & CBS for many years, and the evolution of the working relationship we enjoy has been substantial!  Yes, the customer service is excellent, as is the digital platform and safeguarding services. However, the added value in working with CBS runs far deeper than this. Rachel has made it her business to get to know our business and, as such, the responsive and innovative way in which they work with us to be able to co-create opportunities for our mutual benefit is beyond exceptional.”
–  Victoria Ward, Chief Executive, Welsh Sports Association