TRACEY Hopkins enjoys a challenge.

It’s no wonder she relishes her role as business development director at Cleckheaton-based The Howarth Partnership.

Says Tracey: “From a young age, I was a confident, independent and ambitious child who got stuck into any task I was presented with and always gave 100%.

“Aside from my dreams of becoming a professional dancer, I had always aspired to become a successful business woman.”

She completed her A-levels – in business, finance, English language and health and social care – at St John Fishers RC High School and Sixth Form College in Dewsbury.

“I followed the natural process and submitted applications to a number of universities,” she recalls.

“I subsequently trailed my parents up and down the country looking at university facilities and attending interviews.

“I later received an unconditional offer at Nottingham University, something I should have been extremely happy with – but something was missing.

“At the same time as I had received my university offer, I worked part-time as a customer service advisor and sales assistant at Toys R Us.”

It was while working that Tracey realised that university wasn’t for her.

She explains: “Working in a business environment gave me a real sense of achievement and I was enjoying earning my own money – though, admittedly, my parents continued to give me pocket money!

“So I took the bold step and respectfully rejected my university offer. All I needed now was an opportunity to test myself in the business world.”

Her chance came in May, 2006, when Tracey saw a job advertisement in the local paper for a telephonist/typist position at The Howarth Partnership Ltd.

“I did my research into the company and was very impressed to find a small family firm – only three years in business – providing a professional HR and employment law service to some well known local organisations such as the Galpharm Stadium.

“From the company website it was obvious that the team were driven and passionate about building an honest and successful business.

“This ethos appealed to me as it seemed to match my own characteristics. I was ambitious and driven and knew I could develop my role within a small company if I tried hard enough.

“So there I was, 17, suited and booted and being interviewed by the managing director of a local law firm.

“Thankfully, the interview went well and even back then I wasn’t afraid of putting my cards out on the table!

“I told Andy I would only accept the job on one condition; and that was that the company afford me the opportunity to progress and build a career. It was this type of attitude that Andy appreciated and the job was mine! “

Since she began working for the firm 2006, the directors have firmly stuck to their promise of career development – sponsoring Tracey through Huddersfield University, where she studied part-time for the post graduate diploma in the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

“I feel fortunate to have been given the opportunity to further develop my skills set and have always worked hard to repay the faith the company has put in me,” says Tracey.

“Earlier this year, my hard work paid off and I was asked to join the board of directors. This was a huge honour for me and something I am very proud of.”

Says Tracey: “Over the years, the company has grown dramatically in size, depth, knowledge, expertise and now has a client base of over 200 local companies.

“With a fantastic team on board and solid foundations, the sky is the limit for The Howarth Partnership and we will continue to grow and develop and look forward to the challenges that will inevitably present themselves.

“I personally am excited about improving my business acumen and am thoroughly enjoying my role at The Howarth Partnership and the tasks that I am faced with.

“I am always grateful of the opportunity I was given at such a young age and believe I have taken the opportunity and run with it and will continue to do so!”

Away from work, Tracey is spending her time teaching her mother how to drive – and admits this is possibly one of the biggest challenges she has ever been faced with!

Tracey also tries to make time for the gym and is keen to start skiing lessons. She says: “I’m fed up with getting sun-burn when travelling abroad for the summer sun, so now I’m opting for cold winter holidays!”

Tracey also enjoys shopping and theatre breaks with her partner Gary in places such as London, Chester and Liverpool – and occasionally Blackpool!

She’s also looking forward to New Year in Disneyland Paris – although, landing her dream jobs suggests she’s already enjoyed a fairytale ending