How do you build a purposeful, science-backed wellness brand that truly stands out in the highly competitive and saturated UK market?

In this insightful episode, host Howard Bentham welcomes Catherine Hurley Arbibe, founder of the award-winning brand, NEWROAD. Catherine shares her remarkable career journey, from studying medicine at Oxford to a stellar modelling career on the cover of Vogue, and finally, to launching her successful gut health supplement. 

The conversation reveals the challenges of gaining a foothold in a sector now valued at $224 billion in the UK, with consumers spending 31% more on wellness compared to 2019. Catherine discusses how the American Gut Project's findings on the importance of 30 different plant foods a week became the scientific foundation for her organic, freeze-dried product. 

She offers invaluable lessons on maintaining brand authenticity, the complexities of sourcing and production, and the strategic support needed to scale a mission-driven startup against industry giants. 

• (00:00 ) - Welcome to OxTalks
  


• (03:45 ) - The Genesis of NEWROAD
  


• (06:23 ) - Scaling to a Commercial Business
  


• (08:46 ) - The R&D Challenge
  


• (10:03 ) - The Philosophy and Origin of the Name 'NEWROAD'
  


• (12:46 ) - Making the Product a Viable Business
  


• (16:04 ) - From Oxford Medicine Student to International Model
  


• (18:09 ) - Reflecting on a Sensational Modelling Career with Storm and Vogue
  


• (26:02 ) - Strategy, USPs, and Authenticity
  


• (33:17 ) - Future Expansion and the Relationship with Oxford Food Hub

Catherine Hurley Arbibe: Co-Founder and Managing Director of NEWROAD, an award-winning, science-backed wellness brand focused on gut health and plant diversity. A former international model who appeared on the covers of Vogue and Elle, Catherine's unique background includes medical studies at Oxford University. Her expertise lies in translating cutting-edge microbiome research into high-integrity, whole-food supplements, developed in consultation with scientists from the University of Oxford and other global institutions. She and NEWROAD are committed to social responsibility, including supporting the Oxford Food Hub.

Enterprise Oxfordshire (formerly OxLEP) is an Oxfordshire County Council-owned company. It is our role to champion Oxfordshire’s economic potential, acting as a catalyst and convener to drive a dynamic, sustainable and growing economy. Our vision is for Oxfordshire to be a vibrant and inclusive world-leading economy – driven by innovation, enterprise, collaboration and research excellence.

Our work has made a significant impact, helping to create favourable conditions for economic growth in Oxfordshire. We provide support for hundreds of businesses and communities in the county, supporting their desire to grow and attract the best talent locally, nationally and internationally.

Visit Our Website / Access the Business Support Tool

OxTalks is recorded at the Oxford Podcast Studio and produced by Story Ninety-Four.