7 minute read
Athena Networking
Families Networking The Power of Networking
The Athena Network® is a leading referral network for women. Athena is a women-only network based on support, training and collaboration. With over 130 online groups around the UK, and a free pass for members to network widely both locally and nationally, this is a great network for women looking for business and personal growth. Locally, Lindsay McLoughlin leads groups in Abingdon & Wallingford and Claire Newell leads groups in Oxford & Banbury/Bicester.
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The monthly signature meetings are held online with offline activity at the discretion of the local regional director. The online meetings include formal and informal networking, and two learning sessions covering all kinds of business areas. With the Pass+, members can visit & network online for FREE across the UK, professionpermitting.
One thing which makes Athena different is the continuous support of the local regional directors, such as Lindsay and Claire. They organise and run the meetings and the members networking training classes. They also support new members into the network, so they settle into the community quickly and effectively.
Athena is a superb business community for women working alone, as well as professionals looking to attract new clients. The emphasis is on building sound and friendly business relationships, allowing ideas to thrive and opportunities to develop.
Families magazine recently attended an Athena online meeting in another part of the UK. They met and linked up with many inspirational women, passionate about their businesses. Lisa Exell talks to a few members from Athena groups in Oxfordshire. She asked about their businesses, their future plans and how networking with Athena has helped them perform at their best. It is clear that networking has offered these businesses considerable business support and friendship. Working alone or as part of a small business can be daunting and sometimes you just need other like-minded people to thrash an idea or problem out with!
If you would like to arrange to find out how your business might benefit, visit
www.theathenanetwork.com.
You are also welcome to contact
lindsay.mcloughlin@theathenanetwork.com
or claire.newell@theathenanetwork.com to find out more about visiting your local group.
Marelize Bott
Accountant and owner of Add-Worth Accountancy Ltd
WHAT IS YOUR BUSINESS PURPOSE?
We provide high growth start-ups and innovators with bookkeeping, accounting and tax services in a safe and friendly environment with personal, non-judgemental and easy to understand advice. We look after your numbers and ensure that you operate your business in the most tax efficient way.
WHAT IS YOUR FUTURE PLAN?
As a nimble and fast growing business we want to help many high growth start-ups and innovators to benefit from our services. We are growing at a rapid rate but we ensure that our systems and processes are efficient and on trend, this enables us to constantly provide our customers with 5 star service.
HOW NETWORKING WITH ATHENA HELPS?
I love meeting with other business owners and find learning about their businesses very interesting. Networking expands ones reach and influence and cannot be underestimated.
CONTACT DETAILS: www.add-worth.co.uk hello@add-worth.co.uk www.instagram.com/addworthaccountancy/ www.linkedin.com/in/marelize-bott/
Christina Cree
Partner at HMG LAW LLP Solicitors
WHAT IS YOUR BUSINESS PURPOSE?
Sadly, there are times when relationships breakdown and the legal repercussions can be complex. It is at these times of heightened emotions, tension and vulnerability that I can provide my experience and in-depth knowledge of the Family Law system to support clients through that difficult time.
WHAT IS YOUR FUTURE PLAN?
To ensure my clients know all the options available to them enabling them to make measured, informed decisions in an emotionally-charged situation. In divorce, early legal advice can be invaluable. We offer an initial fixed fee consultation £120 + VAT so everyone can access that initial legal advice.
HOW NETWORKING WITH ATHENA HELPS?
I have been a member of Athena for nearly ten years and throughout that time, I have assisted many members and their contacts. More importantly, however, is that I have built my own network of business women and enjoyed the camaraderie and support of being part Athena. .
CONTACT DETAILS: www.hmg-law.co.uk T: 01869 252244 E: christina.cree@hmg-law.co.uk DD: 01869 255280 uk.linkedin.com/in/christina-cree-6351ba9b
Legal Consultant GCILEx Providing Private Client Advice to families and business owners in Oxfordshire
WHAT IS YOUR BUSINESS PURPOSE?
Taking a client centred approach, I enable you to put your personal and your business affairs in order. I provide bespoke advice about Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Trust documents if needed. I also provide help to clients dealing with an Estate on the death of a loved one.
WHAT IS YOUR FUTURE PLAN?
I want to get the message out to families and business owners that Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney are essential documents to safeguard yourself, your family and your business.
HOW NETWORKING WITH ATHENA HELPS?
Joining Athena has helped me to build some great professional connections. I value being part of a trusted network of like-minded women who support each other and share ideas and collaborations.
Director and Managing Partner at eDivert Oxford
WHAT IS YOUR BUSINESS PURPOSE?
eDivert Oxford offers a range of business support services to small and medium enterprises locally and throughout UK. Outstanding award-winning Web live chat provider, administrative, marketing, social media, telemarketing and lead generation experts among others. Our highest quality Virtual Receptionist and PA services helps maintain a great client reputation. WHAT IS YOUR FUTURE PLAN? Passionate about making a difference in helping small businesses stand out from their competitors and thrive. Outsourcing our services will reduce missed opportunities from potential and existing clients. We are driven to deliver strategic interventions using sophisticated systems and let you focus on growing on your business.
HOW NETWORKING WITH ATHENA HELPS?
Being a member of Athena has enabled me to build relationships, collaborate and learn from other women in business. This has increased my confidence in strengthening business connections and raised my profile whilst having the opportunity to exchange best practice techniques , stay abreast of industry developments and broader access to valuable information.
Precious Lunga Director and Managing Partner at eDivert Oxford
Business Purpose
eDivert Oxford offers a range of business support services to small and medium enterprises locally and throughout UK. Outstanding award-winning Web live chat provider, administrative, marketing, social media, telemarketing and lead generation experts among others. Our highest quality Virtual Receptionist and PA services helps maintain a great client reputation.
Future Plans
Passionate about making a difference in helping small businesses stand out from their competitors and thrive. Outsourcing our services will reduce missed opportunities from
CONTACT DETAILS: East Devon Law LLP (Oxfordshire Office) 01865 595537 anna.garland@eastdevonlaw.co.uk
Tara Mehmet
The Institute of Pranic Healing UK & Ireland
WHAT IS YOUR BUSINESS PURPOSE?
I’m part of an organisation helping people with their health and wellbeing through Pranic healing therapy, a revolutionary system combining ancient healing methods with modern science. This highly evolved, non-touch complementary therapy uses the ‘life force energy’ all around us to accelerate the body’s natural ability to heal physically and psychologically.
WHAT IS YOUR FUTURE PLAN?
Sharing the teachings of Pranic Healing to help families reduce stress and anxiety and provide simple; practical and effective skills to enhance all areas of their lives. My next Level 1 Pranic Healing Course is May 26/27 in Oxford. 121 healing therapy, self-development workshops and Twin Hearts Meditation also available.
HOW NETWORKING WITH ATHENA HELPS?
Joining Athena has allowed me to expand my network and market my business quickly and effectively, whilst providing a supportive and nurturing environment. The women that I’ve met genuinely want to support and help one another, so it’s totally in line with my work as a Pranic Healing therapist.
CONTACT DETAILS: www.ukpranichealing.co.uk/ taramehmet tara@ukpranichealing.co.uk Insta: tara_mehmet www.linkedin.com/in/tara-mehmet www.facebook.com/ taramehmetUKPH
CONTACT DETAILS: 0330 460 9779 07312 765902 precious@edivert.co.uk Info-oxford@edivert.co.uk www.eDivert.co.uk/oxford www.linkedin.com/in/precious-lunga/
Susanna Reay
Online Business Coach
WHAT IS YOUR BUSINESS PURPOSE?
Many women stop careers to look after their kids, but with my support, they can create their own service-based business which brings in real income, providing value and impact to their clients. Building their dream business from their home in the hours they have so that they feel connected and proud of their expertise once again.
WHAT IS YOUR FUTURE PLAN?
Once my children have reached university, my plan is to travel and live in different places once more, as setting up an online business gives full flexibility to work from anywhere. The “You’ve Got Money” email never grows old and funds the travel!
HOW NETWORKING WITH ATHENA HELPS?
Athena instantly connected me to like-minded, go-getting women with generous hearts who get what it’s like running a business. The mix of friendship and business is perfect. As an introvert, I love the online meeting format and the ability to travel around the network from home that saves a lot of time and energy!
