Claire Young, entrepreneur, Apprentice Finalist and animal lover

Our thanks to the gorgeous, talented businesswoman Claire Young for being the first of our Celebrities Unleashed!  We have recently

Claire Young, entrepreneur, The Apprentice finalist and animal lover

nominated Claire for the Aspiring Women’s Awards in the category of Women’s Advocate.  Links to Claire’s sites are in the interview bio.

Claire Young, 32, is the straight talking, no-nonsense business woman who is well known for reaching the final of series 4 of BBC1’s The Apprentice (2008) watched by over 11 million viewers. Since then she has worked non-stop setting up numerous business ventures including www.schoolspeakers.co.uk and www.girlsoutloud.org.uk. She is also passionate about promoting entrepreneurship and enterprise to our younger generation. Claire works ‘hands on’ in schools (primary through to university age), and across multiple government organisations, helping students to raise aspirations, take off the blinkers and think big! She supports the National Apprenticeship Service by heading up their Young Ambassador Network and works in partnership with the Peter Jones Foundation supporting Tenner Tycoon and Global Entrepreneurship Week.  Recently she met with the Prime Minister for roundtable talks and has been invited to join the House of Lords Youth Unemployment taskforce. Claire has been nominated for the Queen’s Enterprise Award 2011. Now a successful young businesswoman she hopes that her story will motivate others to realise that with hard work, drive and determination anything is possible.

Here are Claire’s answers: 

Claire Young with Alfie, tending to her in her sickbed!

Q1  What makes a good pet owner?

Those with patience, humour and responsible! I always put my animals before myself.

Q2  How do you make your pet’s life the best possible?

Alfie my cat gets lots of attention, cuddles and games. He’s a frisky boy so needs to entertained. Max our long haired German Shepherd likes routine, long walks and lots of brushing. Bryah my horse has a weekly bath and regular exercise, she likes to work.

Q3  What campaign or law would you create to improve the life of pets in the UK?

I think people need to be vetted before they allowed to take on the responsibility of an animal. Too many folk do it without thinking of the long term implications and the poor animal suffers.

Q4  What advice would you give to someone buying their first pet?

Do your research and chose an animal which is suitable to your lifestyle – where you live, working hours and how much attention they need.

Q5  What animal have you never owned but want to and why?

Donkeys! They are such characters and gentle creatures. One day when I’ve retired I’d like to have a few in my back garden to look after.

Thank you Claire Young and best of luck with all your nominations this year.