Business Mums gather to inspire, network and celebrate success

The list of speakers for the event could seem a little intimidating. Their achievements are immense, starting with Kate Garraway, TV presenter and discount shopping web guru and Laura Tenison MBE founder of the very lush retailer JoJo Maman Bébé. But it's quite clear from the organisers the main purpose of the day is to inspire mums in business in their endeavours.

This year, by changing the name from Business Mums 'Conference' to 'Summit', incorporating more workshops into the programme, it is geared up to be a more action oriented event. 'There is something for the mum looking for a business idea as well as for women with big established businesses already,' co-organiser of the event, Antonia Chitty explains. Delegates can expect to go away with firm ideas and plans as well as being motivated. Established business owner Tracey-Jane Hughes who runs BraLady, a nursing and breastfeeding bra sales service, among other ventures, concurs, 'the seminars offer us personal development opportunities and training that we rarely find the time to take in our day to day business life.' The Summit is a vital support tool for her, 'it's very lonely working for yourself, and leading a business like the Bra Lady network. Everyone looks to me for answers and support. So where do I turn to for my answers and support? Events like the Business Mums Summit gives us business owners somewhere to discuss issues with other women who are likely to be experiencing similar issues.'.

Taking time out of the hectic work and family routine in order to regroup and talk to other mums also makes the women realise how much they are actually achieving. Maxine Lewis from Gander Kids, distributors of toys and play furniture, tells me, 'I think it is a great platform for women in business to gain recognition for their efforts as a mum and business owner.'. She was made redundant from a job in the financial sector and decided to start her own business, 'events such as the Business Mums summit put business mums on the map and allow us to be taken seriously.'. To emphasise the recognition aspect, the Business Mums Summit team have expanded their awards with more categories, linking with 'Mum and Working' a website advertising family friendly job and franchise opportunities as well as advice. While it is a bit of a back-slapping exercise for mumpreneurs, organised by a small group of working mums, voted by working parents nationally, one realises most industries have been running these sorts of awards for eons, so why not working mums? For a growing business such as Baby Swap or Shop, an online cross between eBay and Freecycle for all your baby and kids needs, being nominated for awards helps them stay focussed, especially as they are not yet making money, 'they [the awards] make life and the journey we are on that little bit better.' founder Carrie Webster tells me.

You could argue the whole event and awards are equally if not more valid as they are keeping the momentum of this portion of our economy going. These are parents that are revitalising small business with their passion and many with skills learned from corporate experience. The wider the mumpreneur phenomenon spreads, more parents are realising that although it is hard work and risky, it's not impossible to succeed at your own business. The more the movement builds, we could see some business sectors finding it harder to retain top talent if they don't improve their flexible working policies for both men and women. So while they are all sipping their champagne at the awards, other employers should take a peak because this is the future.

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