Meet Laura Penfold, Founder & Head of Operations

What drew you to Booost?

Initially, Booost wasn't something I was drawn to – rather, it was born out of necessity. As the person who came up with the idea (yes, I'm anticipating Tim's eye roll here!), it wasn’t so much that I was drawn to the business, but more that I noticed a recurring challenge faced by the students we supported during needs assessments and thought, why not create a solution? Building something from scratch was both thrilling and intimidating, but by leaving the solution to my idea to the experts and having the understanding of user needs, we crafted something meaningful. Launching another business was daunting, but if we can positively impact even one person, it's worth every effort!

What drew you to Booost?

Initially, Booost wasn't something I was drawn to – rather, it was born out of necessity. As the person who came up with the idea (yes, I'm anticipating Tim's eye roll here!), it wasn’t so much that I was drawn to the business, but more that I noticed a recurring challenge faced by the students we supported during needs assessments and thought, why not create a solution? Building something from scratch was both thrilling and intimidating, but by leaving the solution to my idea to the experts and having the understanding of user needs, we crafted something meaningful. Launching another business was daunting, but if we can positively impact even one person, it's worth every effort!

What drew you to Booost?

Initially, Booost wasn't something I was drawn to – rather, it was born out of necessity. As the person who came up with the idea (yes, I'm anticipating Tim's eye roll here!), it wasn’t so much that I was drawn to the business, but more that I noticed a recurring challenge faced by the students we supported during needs assessments and thought, why not create a solution? Building something from scratch was both thrilling and intimidating, but by leaving the solution to my idea to the experts and having the understanding of user needs, we crafted something meaningful. Launching another business was daunting, but if we can positively impact even one person, it's worth every effort!

When did you know you wanted to work in your field?

I knew I always wanted to help others, but growing up around three exceptional sisters that had similar ideas, I never really knew where I would focus. While one sister pursued academia, another medicine and the final into the football world, my path was less defined. Working in the care field confirmed I wanted to make a small difference to others, but the unsociable hours were tough with a young family. Then, I joined Oxford University's Disability Service, where I met Tim… I guess you'd say, the rest was then history – we both wanted to make a difference, we both liked to make the decisions, and we both embraced challenges!

When did you know you wanted to work in your field?

I knew I always wanted to help others, but growing up around three exceptional sisters that had similar ideas, I never really knew where I would focus. While one sister pursued academia, another medicine and the final into the football world, my path was less defined. Working in the care field confirmed I wanted to make a small difference to others, but the unsociable hours were tough with a young family. Then, I joined Oxford University's Disability Service, where I met Tim… I guess you'd say, the rest was then history – we both wanted to make a difference, we both liked to make the decisions, and we both embraced challenges!

When did you know you wanted to work in your field?

I knew I always wanted to help others, but growing up around three exceptional sisters that had similar ideas, I never really knew where I would focus. While one sister pursued academia, another medicine and the final into the football world, my path was less defined. Working in the care field confirmed I wanted to make a small difference to others, but the unsociable hours were tough with a young family. Then, I joined Oxford University's Disability Service, where I met Tim… I guess you'd say, the rest was then history – we both wanted to make a difference, we both liked to make the decisions, and we both embraced challenges!

Where are you located?

I live in Abingdon, a small town in Oxfordshire and an eight-minute walk from Tony's! Although I've spent most of my life in Oxford, moving to Abingdon marked the start of my family journey, so I love it here.

Where are you located?

I live in Abingdon, a small town in Oxfordshire and an eight-minute walk from Tony's! Although I've spent most of my life in Oxford, moving to Abingdon marked the start of my family journey, so I love it here.

Where are you located?

I live in Abingdon, a small town in Oxfordshire and an eight-minute walk from Tony's! Although I've spent most of my life in Oxford, moving to Abingdon marked the start of my family journey, so I love it here.

What does your perfect weekend look like?

Without a doubt, being with my family. I have two children who both absolutely love sport (that gene didn't come from me!) Standing on the sidelines watching them play every Saturday and Sunday is perfect. Add some friends over in the evening, good food and good conversations and I’m content!

What does your perfect weekend look like?

Without a doubt, being with my family. I have two children who both absolutely love sport (that gene didn't come from me!) Standing on the sidelines watching them play every Saturday and Sunday is perfect. Add some friends over in the evening, good food and good conversations and I’m content!

What does your perfect weekend look like?

Without a doubt, being with my family. I have two children who both absolutely love sport (that gene didn't come from me!) Standing on the sidelines watching them play every Saturday and Sunday is perfect. Add some friends over in the evening, good food and good conversations and I’m content!

Best trip you've been on and why?

Choosing my best trip is tough because as everyone knows I love a holiday! Switzerland's breathtaking views, the vibrant energy of Las Vegas, Jamaica's stunning scenery, and everything about the Greek Islands are all unforgettable experiences. This year's Santorini trip was particularly special… perhaps because it was a short break so we had to fit everything in quickly, but my guess it was more because it was a rare adult-only break!

Best trip you've been on and why?

Choosing my best trip is tough because as everyone knows I love a holiday! Switzerland's breathtaking views, the vibrant energy of Las Vegas, Jamaica's stunning scenery, and everything about the Greek Islands are all unforgettable experiences. This year's Santorini trip was particularly special… perhaps because it was a short break so we had to fit everything in quickly, but my guess it was more because it was a rare adult-only break!

Best trip you've been on and why?

Choosing my best trip is tough because as everyone knows I love a holiday! Switzerland's breathtaking views, the vibrant energy of Las Vegas, Jamaica's stunning scenery, and everything about the Greek Islands are all unforgettable experiences. This year's Santorini trip was particularly special… perhaps because it was a short break so we had to fit everything in quickly, but my guess it was more because it was a rare adult-only break!