‘Mumpreneurs’ are using the internet to set up their own businesses from home

INDUSTRIOUS “mumpreneurs” have helped boost the number of women setting up their own businesses to record levels.

For the first time, more women than men are in self-employed roles — at 58 per cent — with the internet aiding the turnaround.

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Now female entrepeneurs — such as mum-of-two Becky Lupton, 38, who set up a pyjama-making firm — account for a third of business start-ups, says the Office for National Statistics.

Business expert Siobhan Freegard, from online community ChannelMum.com, says the idea of “following a passion and fitting work around family” is attractive.

She says: “The web has transformed the way we work and allowed kitchen-table businesses to grow globally.”

A study by online shop Notonthehighstreet.com also found one in five Brits have to “side hustle” to make extra cash on top of their salary — but women are more likely to turn this extra venture into a new career.

A spokeswoman says: “The increasing number of women in business is a trend we have seen.”

There were 5.6million small businesses in 2018, according to The Federation of Small Businesses.

Businessmum

Women set up firms to fit in with family

AFTER becoming a mum, Becky Lupton swapped a high-flying job as a medical marketing manager to make kids’ pyjamas.

Now a top “mumpreneur”, Becky, 38, trades as PJ Mamma on Notonthehighstreet with celebs regularly buying her products.

The mum-of-two, from Stoke Newington, North London, says: “I’ve always loved art and sewing and so during my maternity leave I started to make my pyjamas after I struggled to find good quality organic ones.

“I really enjoyed the process of playing around with designs and using my brain to plan ideas, promote them and test selling them online.”

She adds: “I decided to be brave and to take the leap! If you have a burning idea or desire to start your own business, do your research, share your ideas with friends to get feedback and help develop your ideas and plans. It’s hard graft but so fulfilling.”

Start-up hub help

WOMEN launching their own firm can now get free help to get started by using a new digital hub.

Launched by entrepreneurs’ organisation everywoman, the site includes access to top networking events, expert advice on building your brand and getting investment, plus guidance on how to get your company in the media.

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The site is being backed by a new #ewSelfMade campaign alongside a multi-million-pound investment fund to help power up existing women-led businesses.

Karen Gill MBE and Maxine Benson MBE, co-founders of everywoman, says: “The impact that women could have on our economy shouldn’t be underestimated.

“Now is the time for action to get female-run businesses to scale-up and fulfil their potential.”

More details at everywoman.com.

A life-long career

THE country’s longest-serving employee – who has been at the same firm for 74 years – is calling on young people to train as apprentices if they want life-long careers.

Keith Hayward, 90, began working for British Airways’ predecessor, British South American Airways as a traffic apprentice in 1945 at 16 and has been with the airline ever since.

© British Airways 2019

He now works at the BA Heritage Centre two days a week. Keith, from West London, said: “British Airways has a proud history of offering apprenticeships and I’m living proof that it can be the first step to a long and successful career.”

This week is the last call for applying for BA apprenticeships in 2019. Roles are available in customer service, Heathrow Operations and IAG Cargo.
Apply at careers.ba.com.

Keep it in the family

COULD you work with your mother? Whether you run a family business or took a role in the same firm as your mum, more Brits are signing up to make work a family affair.

Businesswoman Lucy Arnold from Sheffield runs active wear company locketloves.com employing her own mother Julie. Lucy explains how to work well with your mum.

She says: “I’m my mum’s boss. I enjoy working with my family as it’s always fun, but it can also get a bit crazy so it’s important to manage work the right way.”

1. Your mum is your biggest cheerleader so use each other to achieve your next business goal. Your mum has your back.
2. Understand and respect each other. Working with your mum means you understand each other’s personalities, characteristics, ways of working, priorities and challenges. This is a huge help as we know how each of us will respond to a business challenge.
3. Set boundaries. Try to get time away from work.
4. Let your mum’s personality become part of the company culture.
5. Be passionate about the business – but include self-care. Look after your work but each other, too.
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