Business Startup

IN the past few months the life of Athena Hall really has changed dramatically – not only has she made the move from Salisbury to Stockport but she has also started working again after a 19 year break.

“I really am starting a new life here in Stockport” said Athena “a new town and a new business all in the space of a couple of months, but I am really excited about the challenges that lay ahead.”

50-year-old Athena opened up her business Athena Hall Bookkeeping just weeks ago and is working tirelessly to publicise and promote her business through networking and marketing.

She said: “Although it’s in the very early stages, I am really enjoying working for myself,” said Athena, “After all these years of being out of employment, I just wouldn’t have felt right going for interviews and being out there trying to get a new job, so this really did seem like the best option.”

Athena, who previously worked for Lloyds TSB, gave up her job when became a mum and since then took the decision to stay at home and bring up her daughter.

“I’m so glad that I took the decision to be a stay–at-home-mum, because I feel I have given my daughter the best start in life,” continued Athena, “but now that she has grown up it felt like the right time to return to work.”

As well as working in the banking industry Athena, who has qualified with the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers, previously kept her former husband’s books and has substantial experience in this area of work

“Not being from this area and having not thought about self employment before, I didn’t know where to start” added Athena, “so I went on the net and Googled business support and that’s when I found out about Train 2000. Since then I haven’t looked back.”

Athena came along to women’s enterprise agency Train 2000 where she received help and advice under the ISUS (Intensive Start-Up Support) funded programme.

She said: “Train 2000 was a great source of advice and support and my adviser was extremely helpful.”

Athena is looking to develop her client base in the Stockport area and further a-field. For information about her bookkeeping services she can be contacted on 07545 071 163.