Finally, my dream has come true

And….the results are in. After three years juggling home, work and student life Natalie Peters, the now managing director of family business Kitchens Etc in Norfolk, has qualified from the Bucks New University kitchen degree course. As she reveals her results, she reflects on what the degree means to her career and the future of her business and offers thanks to those that helped her achieve her goal 

After over 20 years in the business, I have finally realised my dream of becoming a kitchen designer and boy was it worth the wait! I could not have asked for any of it to go any better and I have definitely finished on a high gaining a Distinction for my degree.

It’s been the most fantastic learning journey and you wouldn’t think it’s possible to pack so much in. But it’s important for you to know that this course has not just been about me – our whole company has been part of it and our passion for kitchens, design and the industry has been well and truly re-ignited.

The course has been instrumental in our succession planning with my Mum and Dad, whom I have learned so much about business from, transitioning now to being in the business part time. I have been promoted to managing director, following in their footsteps. My husband has become our general manager enabling me to fulfil my new duties, as well as focus on my passion for design. These changes were planned pre-pandemic and I am proud of the fact that my parents feel confident in my abilities to begin to take over at the helm in these challenging times.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has helped and supported me. All the tutors for their amazing teaching, support and mentoring. A special thanks to Natalie Parkins our course leader, Hayley and Tony Robson, Paul Fowler, Jonnie Bell, Rob Mascari, Craig Matson, Adam Thomas and Johnny Grey plus many more tutors and visiting lecturers who have made this the best experience and provided invaluable learning and education. My learning journey will never ever end – I will keep pushing hard, learning more and bettering myself to become the best I can be.

Thank you also to my very supportive sponsors Franke for allowing me this opportunity and funding 50% of my course fees throughout the whole 3 years and thank you to TKET for enabling such funding for students, it really does make a difference and changes people’s lives!

And last but by no means least, thank you to everyone who has followed this column and for all the lovely comments, letters and phone calls I have received. I feel very fortunate to call some good friends now.

That’s me signing out – and I say this with great pride – as a qualified kitchen designer. FINALLY – YAY!!!!

Natalie was sponsored on the degree course by Franke. To find out more and register for Franke’s sponsorship, click on this link: https://bit.ly/30wxPy2

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