Like so many good ideas, the spark that ignited our idea to pool together in providing a range of business support services to entrepreneurs was small when it arrived, discreet, barely noticeable at first. The birth of Athena Services Limited went something like this:

'I could really do with some help in the office, I don't suppose you're interested?' This was an acquaintance speaking to Jackie.

'What sort of help?' Jackie always has been curious - it's part of what has helped her become a successful freelance writer.

'Just help getting all the paperwork organised, the rotas sorted, the bills and books. It might only be for a few months. Oh, and we're trying for a couple of ISO awards - well three, actually.'

Jackie only had to give it a couple of minutes' thought.

'Ok, I'll do it, but I want to work freelance, set my own hours and we meet once a week and review work and set targets. Rolling monthly agreement.' 

A handshake later, it was agreed. Six years later, there were more clients to add to this first one. Sorting the bills became book keeping. Sorting the rotas became a full HR function. Organising the paperwork became streamlining processes, creating electronic filing systems, remote working, customer communication, monitoring contracts and standards, writing website content, creating magazine and newspaper articles, social media posts...and demand began to grow.

So Jackie did what most parents do who want to see their children develop skills - get them working. 

David had been helping with the book keeping since he was still at school. He began to specialise in this work and eventually began his accountancy training while contributing his skills to the fledgling Athena.

Jessica's creative streak and photography skills were soon indispensable, and her eye for organisation and neatness, not to mention a need to feel in control meant small business owners could rely on her to keep their work organised and flowing smoothly.

Carmen's flair for social media management was a useful enhancement which she contributed to Athena even during her studies at university.

Working apace with Jackie, Dave focused on his specialism of property and estate management, providing services to help steer one of Athena's biggest clients in their specialist property work. With his many years of experience in running his own businesses in varied fields, he provides expertise, advice, support as well as direct property management services to clients.

What was especially important to all of us in the Athena team was our relationships with our clients. Helping them achieve their goals was also a success for us. Working together as a team, usually remotely, has helped all of us in our personal and professional goals. All of us are neurodivergent. Mainstream jobs were often challenging. Now, through Athena, we are able to help others to overcome the challenges that they encounter as small business owners, as professionals or in their personal lives. It's varied work, it's interesting and it's infinitely rewarding.

And this is just the start of our story.

Oh, and in case you were wondering, all three ISO certificates were achieved within six months of starting with that first client. There's no half measures with us!