Bethany Ainsley
Biography
Bethany established her first health and wellbeing business, Nuvo Wellbeing in 2008. The multi award-winning social enterprise has supported thousands of people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to make healthy lifestyle choices for long-lasting results. Nuvo Wellbeing has been recognised nationally and internationally for its work, demonstrating behaviour change and increasing physical activity levels. Partners include Sport England, NHS, Age UK, Local Authorities and Public Health.
Bethany received the David Goldman Prize for Innovation and Chief Executive Young Business Person of the Year in 2015 as a result of her work with Nuvo Wellbeing. She remains on the board as Chair, shaping the strategic direction of the organisation.
In 2018 Bethany established ActivCare after identifying a training gap within Health and Social Care for wellbeing activity provision. The training provided by ActivCare has been accessed by individuals and care organisations across the UK, New Zealand, Canada and the US acting as an additional trading arm of Social Enterprise Nuvo Wellbeing.
Bethany founded her third organisation OptiMe in 2019 to provide businesses with a digital solution to improve mental health and wellbeing whilst enhancing workplace happiness, productivity and retention. OptiMe has supported organisations across a wide range of sectors including manufacturing, engineering, logistics, retail, leisure, education and professional services. This innovative work was recognised by the Institute of Directors, as Bethany picked up an Award for Director of the Year in 2022.
2011-2013
EDBS Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
Ernst & Young Future 50.
2015-2016
The Journal & Gazette Business Executive Awards: Young Business Person of the Year.
The David Golman Prize for Innovation.
January 20162018-2020
Susan Dobson Award for Entrepreneurship
November 2018
Institute of Directors: Director of the Year Awards
November 2020