Inspired appoints AfterAthena to provide support

By Rob Kelly

08 Apr 2026

Kimberley Barrett partner at AfterAthena

Kirkham headquartered energy and sustainability specialist, Inspired, has re-appointed employment law, HR and health and safety firm AfterAthena to provide tailored HR and employment law support.

AfterAthena, part of Preston based Napthens Group, will support the HR team at Inspired in specialist areas of employment law and HR Support.

Inspired provides market-leading commercial energy and sustainability advisory services to help businesses reduce costs, cut carbon and meet rising sustainability challenges.

The firm previously worked with AfterAthena and cited the working relationship and support as the main reasons for returning less than a year after moving support elsewhere.

Kimberley Barrett-St.Vall, partner and employment law specialist at AfterAthena, said: “Inspired is a prestigious and valued addition to AfterAthena’s increasing client list, and we’re pleased to welcome them back.

“It’s a testament to the work and diligence of our team that our work is so valued, that even when businesses seek support elsewhere, they return to a place they know will give them exactly what they need to thrive.

“As part of our personal and hands-on approach, we will effectively be part of Inspired’s HR team to help them address every issue arising in specific areas of HR, providing a wealth of legal knowledge and tailored advice.”

Natalie Heseltine, HR director at Inspired, said: “AfterAthena has demonstrated a deep understanding of our business, our challenges, and the pace at which we operate.

"Their team led by Kimberley brings employment law expertise, hands-on practical HR support and tailored commercial advice which aligns with our business, demonstrating they are the right partner for employment law and HR support.

 “We have a brilliant relationship with Kimberley and the team, and working with AfterAthena ensures we have the right employment law and HR expertise in place to support current and future needs.

“I look forward to continued collaboration with the AfterAthena team. They have already proven to be reliable, trusted advisors to support our business.”

Since launching in 2023, employment law, HR and health and safety firm AfterAthena has achieved a 36 per cent increase in overall fee income and a 20 per cent rise in annual retained fees.

The Lancashire-based firm supports a combined workforce of 350,000 people across clients including Fitness First, Booths and Thwaites.

 

Enjoyed this? Read more from Rob Kelly

Latest news

1

Lancashire-built first UK designed Collaborative Combat Aircraft unveiled Rs296493ison260720baesfias8056compressed

Lancashire-built first UK designed Collaborative Combat Aircraft unveiled

22 Jul 2026

2

BAE Systems receives £708m combat air boost RS217476GCAP Sunrise May 2025

BAE Systems receives £708m combat air boost

22 Jul 2026

3

Planning approval for £13.2m Innovation Hub HUbCGI

Planning approval for £13.2m Innovation Hub

22 Jul 2026

4

Lancashire Skills Hub signs up to support Sub36 Awards Michele Lawty Jones

Lancashire Skills Hub signs up to support Sub36 Awards

21 Jul 2026

5

The Great North calls for a new partnership between government and northern leaders Andyburnham

The Great North calls for a new partnership between government and northern leaders

21 Jul 2026

Blackburn College (July-Aug 26)
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV130 September/October Magazine Networking Event
Jan/Feb Networking Event - Entrance
Networking
17 Sep 2026

LBV130 September/October Magazine Networking Event

The Beehive Blackburn, Shadsworth Business Park, BB1 2QS

08:30 - 10:30

Built Environment Conference 2026
BEC Listing
Networking
24 Sep 2026

Built Environment Conference 2026

EG On The Move, Waterside Head Office, Blackburn, BB1 2FA

08:30 - 13:00

Sub36 Awards 2026
Awards
16 Oct 2026

Sub36 Awards 2026

Park Hall Hotel & Spa , Chorley

18:00 - 00:00

LBV131 November/December Magazine Networking Event
Jan/ Feb Networking Event - Talking
Networking
19 Nov 2026

LBV131 November/December Magazine Networking Event

Lancashire

08:30 - 10:30

Lancashire Business Day 2026
LBD Listing
Networking
27 Nov 2026

Lancashire Business Day 2026

Burnley Football Club, BB10 4BX

12:00 - 17:00

Preston Tech Connection Coworking Day at Society1
PTC coworking day FB 900 Square.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
23 Jul 2026

Preston Tech Connection Coworking Day at Society1

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 12:00

The AI Lab: Marketing Multiplier
LBV Hub Roundtables
31 Jul 2026

The AI Lab: Marketing Multiplier

Door4, Burnley Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:30

Chamber Breakfast Networking – August
Logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
04 Aug 2026

Chamber Breakfast Networking – August

Morecambe Golf Club, Morecambe, LA4 6AJ

08:00 - 10:00

Morecombe Bay Walk
Morecambe-25-web-gallery4.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Fundraisers
08 Aug 2026

Morecombe Bay Walk

Arnside, Carnforth, LA5 0HD

13:00 - 18:00

The Ultimate Network
Logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
13 Aug 2026

The Ultimate Network

Garner Hotel , Preston, PR5 0UL

16:00 - 18:00

Mind Over Mountain: Brunch at Ivory Tower
mind-over-mountain-complete.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Fundraisers
11 Sep 2026

Mind Over Mountain: Brunch at Ivory Tower

Ivory Tower, Preston, PR1 2NL

12:30 - 16:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin