Sabden woman makes final of National Extraordinary Women Awards

Sarah Goodall, from Sabden, has made it into the final three in the prestigious Extraordinary Entrepreneur category to be held at the East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham.

Following a successful career as a social worker, Sarah released her entrepreneurial spirit and in 2007 set up The Athena Programme, a leading training and consultancy company specialising in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

The business developed rapidly from a lifestyle business to a team of six permanent staff and a number of training associates. Over 3,500 people have been trained on safeguarding.

Sarah puts the success of her business down to flexible business planning, a committed and loyal team, quality services, managing growth, an integrated marketing strategy, value pricing, and seeking and receiving investment.

Athena is recognised as the market leader for creativity, innovation and best practice in its field of business. Following the huge success of Athena to date, Sarah’s vision is to take the company International and to use technology for online training and support.” If Sarah wins her category, she could then win the coveted Extraordinary Woman of the Year 2011 Award, to be given to the most outstanding woman from all categories.

Vicki Espin, from Extraordinary Women, said: “We have again been amazed at the outstanding level of nominations this year. These women are all extraordinary in their own rights and have all achieved in so many different ways.

“It’s going to be a tough decision for the judges.”