Clare Rayner

Mum of two Clare Rayner is co-founder and Managing Director of ARC retail, which specialises in merchandise and supply chain planning, space management and business intelligence. The company also organises retail conferences and networking events for senior figures in the retail industry. And it was through an online network that Clare got her first contract.

Inspired by her father, who had successfully run his own business since his early twenties, and her husband, also an entrepreneur, Clare decided to set up ARC Retail in March 2007.

She says, “There are two incredibly important things in setting up your own business – passion for what you do and contacts. Retail is something I have experience in and am passionate about. I decided to set up ARC Retail through my frustration with high cost and low quality ‘service’ providers. I knew I could do better and my husband convinced me it was the right move.”

ARC Retail has been hugely successful. It now employs two other members of staff and has already been predicted a first-year annual turnover of £100,000. Based on this growth, Clare will be aiming for a second-year turnover of £300,000.

Clare says, “My advice to anyone thinking of setting up on their own would be to only regret what you’ve not done, never what you have done.”