Sponsored by
Hampshire duo set for awards
Two businesswomen who have turned their lives around are in line for an award for their work.
The Barclays Trading Places Awards recognise business people who are no strangers to overcoming adversity – whether it is dealing with illness or disability, facing challenging family responsibilities head-on or turning their back on benefits.
In 2007, Claire Harding, from Fareham, hit rock bottom and had escaped an abusive relationship, despite being pregnant. Following an emergency Caesarean section, Claire was faced with the prospect of being a single mum as well as paying the mortgage and bills, with no support from her ex-partner.
When her daughter was only 16 weeks old, Claire returned to work, and to make some extra cash in her spare time she began making wedding stationery.
Unfortunately, she was later made redundant, and it was then that she considered turning her hobby into a business, launching Lily Anna Rose last summer.
The inspiration behind Karen Standen's business was her chocolate Labrador, Chum. In 2007, Karen, from Portsmouth, was made redundant and at the same time Chum broke his leg. The vet recommended hydrotherapy but the nearest pool was 25 miles away, so starting her own specialist centre seemed like the perfect solution.
Karen carried out plenty of market research and with financial support from the Fredericks Foundation and Enham, she invested in a large heated pool, wetsuits and computer equipment.
She also attended several courses in water management training and first aid for animals. Karen opened Four Paws Aqua in November 2007, with Chum giving a first-class demonstration of his swimming skills.
Both women are through to the final, to be held later this year.
>> Vote in our latest web poll.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Portsmouth
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 6 mph
Wind direction: North east
