With a background in Health, fitness and wellbeing Claire began her career as a Fitness Instructor and Sports Therapist working within the industry in both public and private sector. She managed a Health Club for a large private company and enjoyed training and developing her staff so much, she decided that this was an area she wanted to focus on.

In 2002 she went and worked for a Training Company where she worked with 16-25 year olds to help them gain qualifications within the leisure industry. Claire found this very rewarding as a lot of her learners had left school with no qualifications but with her help were able to achieve this and a successful career within the industry.

In 2007 Claire now with two children under three, found her career and family life a constant juggle. She wanted a better balance and the opportunity to spend more time at home. She decided to start up her own business ‘Body ReNewell’

Initially Claire found starting a business a daunting task and in September 2007 became one of the founder members of the North Oxfordshire Athena Network Bicester group. It was here that Claire really appreciated the power of ladies networking.

When her husband was made redundant in 2009 she had the skills to help him set up his own Plumbing & Heating Company. This is now a very successful business, and has put this down to building good relationships with not only clients but also other trades who are more than happy to refer the company via word of mouth. Claire was also able to pull on the support and advise from the members of Athena when she needed it.

At the end of 2010 having built up a successful client base, Claire was ready for another challenge and when the opportunity came up to buy the Athena Business she was a member of, she jumped at the chance.

Being self employed can be a lonely world, but when you become a member of Athena you will never be on your own.

By offering the chance to develop skills and to build a support system for other ladies Claire can see the opportunities of The Athena Network, and what that can bring to other like-minded business women.

“ I feel so inspired by the women I meet, and I thrive on seeing our members succeed in their business, and the relationships that are being built from ladies having met through The Athena Network”

Claire Newell

Regional Director for the North Oxfordshire Area