This year marks a major milestone for Rachel Bedgood, founder and CEO of CBS The Screening House, as she celebrates 20 years of running her own award-winning business.
Launched in 2005 from a single desk and a clear vision, CBS has grown into one of the UK’s most respected DBS and pre-employment screening providers. Today, the company supports clients ranging from G4S and the British Heart Foundation to ITV, offering bilingual services in Welsh and English.
The company employs 20 people and some of those team members have been with Rachel from that first year. The team now plans to expand working within the security sector (BPSS & BS7858 checks), with a goal to win more government and public sector contracts.
“When I started CBS, I was navigating an industry that barely existed outside of paper forms and long waits. Fast forward 20 years, and we’re operating in a fully digital world, serving major national organisations – all while building a life and a team I’m incredibly proud of,” says Rachel, who lives in the Mountain Ash area of South Wales.
To mark the occasion, Rachel has reflected on 20 key things that have changed – in her business, the industry, and her personal journey as an entrepreneur over that time:
- Found a life partner
“I started the business with my then partner Chris (now husband), although I was very much an independent powerhouse. Now I’ve got a husband who’s also my life partner in so much more, not to mention our property adventures. We’ve built a life and an ‘empire’ together.”
- Had children
“Business success is incredible, but building a family has been the most meaningful accomplishment of all. Balancing motherhood and growing a business isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely worth it.”
- Built a team
“What started as a one-woman mission is now a team effort. I’ve grown CBS with people I trust – many of whom feel like extended family. It’s been amazing watching the team evolve alongside the business.”
- Became an expert
“When I started, I was still learning the ins and outs of background screening. Now, I’m the one others come to for guidance. From legislation to best practices, I’ve become a go-to voice in the industry.”
- Launched innovations
“I introduced Wales’s first bilingual DBS system. Proof that innovation isn’t just for tech bros in hoodies! Real change can come from an office in the Valleys when you’re solving real problems.”
- Gained financial freedom
“There’s no shame in saying it – running a successful business has created real financial security. That security has allowed me to invest back into the business, into property, and into causes and the communities I care about.”
- Learned the hard way
“Mistakes? I’ve made a few – hiring the wrong people, backing the wrong systems, burning the candle at both ends. With every wrong turn came with a lesson, and those lessons made me more resilient.”
- Preserved Heritage
“Property restoration became a surprising passion. From spreadsheets to slate roofs, I’ve taken on historic renovation projects that have added a whole new dimension to life outside the office. One of those is (name of project or building)”
- Found my voice
“In the early days, I kept my head down and focused on the work. These days, I speak at events, write award entries, and advocate for causes I believe in – all with confidence I didn’t have back then.”
- Valued balance
“There was a time when work took up every waking moment. Now, I actively carve out space for paddleboarding, family time, and giving back. The hustle is still there, but so is the balance.”
- Funny fails
“There was that time I confidently turned up to an important meeting… a whole day early! Classic early-bird energy. The kind of moment that’s mortifying at the time but hilarious in hindsight – and proof that even the most organised among us have our ‘oops’ days.”
- Won awards
“CBS has gone from a startup to an award-winning company recognised for compliance, innovation, and ethical screening. I’m proud of every award, because each one represents years of dedication.”
- Watched it double (and double again)
“Revenue, reach, and reputation – CBS has grown in ways I couldn’t have predicted. Every new contract, every new client, is a reminder of how far we’ve come.”
- Grown as a person
“I’m not the same woman I was in 2005. I’ve become more empathetic, more driven, more aware of the impact a business can make – on clients, on communities, and on the people behind the scenes.”
- Made a difference
“CBS has helped thousands of people into jobs and made safer hiring the norm. Knowing we’ve contributed to safer workplaces is a powerful motivator.”
- Never stopped learning
“Two decades in, I’ve earned a real-world education in HR, tech, compliance, leadership, and the art of staying calm when things go sideways.”
- Given back to the community
“From mentoring through the Ynysybwl Enterprise Programme to supporting local initiatives, I’ve always stayed connected to the community where CBS was born.”
- Fought through tough times
“Recessions, pandemics, personal setbacks – I’ve seen it all. But the one constant? I kept going. Because resilience isn’t optional when you run a business.”
- Seen tech transform everything
“I’ve watched the industry go from faxed forms to fully digital systems with AI-powered checks. The speed, accuracy, and possibilities today are unrecognisable from 2005.”
- Still excited for what’s next
“After 20 years, I’m not winding down – I’m ramping up. The ideas are flowing, the energy is there, and I’m more excited than ever about what the next chapter will bring.”
CBS is marking the 20-year milestone with a celebration to remember. Although the business was officially registered in April 2005, it first opened its doors on July 17th, 2005, in Ynysybwl – a date that felt like the real beginning for Rachel.
Traditionally celebrated with a family-friendly BBQ, this year’s event is getting the full black-tie treatment. The CBS office will be transformed into an elegant venue, complete with red carpets, champagne on arrival, a compère, three-course dinner, after-dinner speaker, and live entertainment from a singer and band.
“It’s going to be amazing,” says Rachel. “It’s time to get our glad rags on and properly celebrate this huge achievement alongside the people that have made it possible!”
CBS Screening continues to operate from its headquarters in South Wales.
