Welcome to the first Bev’s Blog of 2012 I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very successful and prosperous New Year. When looking ahead to a new year it is useful to start by reflecting back on the one that has just passed. 2011 was a tough year for many businesses.

We interviewed Kate Pexton, founder of Consulte, for this month’s “Business in the Spotlight”. Here’s what we discovered about the business, the woman behind the business and her journey as a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Business Academy.

The EBA are delighted to welcome Olympian gold medal rower, Ben Hunt-Davis, to the team of experts! Ben Hunt-Davis won an Olympic Gold as part of the Men’s Eight rowing team in the Sydney Games in 2000, the only British crew to have won this event since 1912.

The recession has hit the so-called “Y Generation” very hard (that’s people born between 1980 and 1994 in case you were wondering. I know I was!). There are fewer jobs – and certainly no job security.

We interviewed Antonia Hawke, founder of The Pro Make Up Shop, for this month’s “Business in the Spotlight”. Here’s what we discovered about the business, the woman behind the business and her journey as a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Business Academy.