Maxine Fox launched 5 Circles in December 2025, a business support consultancy based in the North East that offers strategic help across people, marketing, finance, and operations. In this Q&A, she shares her journey, insights, and personal reflections.
First Job and Early Lessons
Fox's first job was at a village shop in East Yorkshire, where she worked from secondary school through university. She earned £1 an hour initially, later rising to £1.10. She describes it as her favourite job, highlighting the strong community feel.
Best Business Advice
The best advice Fox received was to establish boundaries with time. Running a business can be all-consuming, and she learned to balance work with family and personal life. She now prioritises wisely, avoiding the unsustainable seven-day work weeks she initially had.
Changes and Challenges
Since starting 5 Circles, Fox has adapted her services to meet client demands, a positive change. Her main challenge is the finite nature of time, wishing she had more to devote to her growing business.
Dream Job and Advice
Fox's dream job would be a TV scriptwriter, as she enjoyed writing plays as a child. For newcomers in her sector, she advises building a trusted circle of people who understand the loneliness of entrepreneurship and can provide honest feedback.
North East Business Environment
Fox moved to the North East in 2002 and values its strong community spirit. She notes that the business community is supportive and willing to help one another, making it a great place to do business.
Role of Business in Society
She believes businesses play a crucial role in society, with success leading to benefits across the economy, health, and education when attuned to community needs.
Personal Talents and Fun Facts
Outside work, Fox has extensive pop knowledge from the 1960s to 1990s, recently winning the Radio 2 pop quiz "10 to the Top" with Vernon Kay. If a film were made about her life, she would want Amy Adams to play her. For a dream dinner party, she would invite her best friends Sam and Juliet, and her sister Gem, as they make her laugh the most.
