2010 is the year of the mumpreneur

Nearly 15% of women have already started their own businesses since having children proving that ‘mumpreneurs’ are a growing force in the UK economy and will increasingly ditch the 9 to 5 in favour of being their own boss.
 
Forty four per cent of respondents felt that the emergence of online social networks is creating more opportunities for women in business today.

Choosing the hours they work (62%), achieving a better balance between their work and family life (50%) and being their own boss (38%) were the top 3 most cited reasons by mumpreneurs.
 
For women looking to start their own business nearly a third would look to turn their living rooms, kitchens or bedrooms into boardrooms and a quarter will focus their efforts on selling goods or services just online. Thirteen per cent were thinking of ways in which they could help other working mums and dads as inspiration for their start-ups.
 
Ivan Croxford, General Manager Digital Marketing Services, BT Business, who commissioned the survey, said, “We’re witnessing the rise of the mumpreneurs. Mums across the UK are embracing the internet and keeping the UK’s entrepreneurial spirit alive.

We’ve seen evidence of this on our social business network, BT Tradespace where we’re increasingly connecting with women starting their own businesses. We need to ensure that this vital community gets the right support to thrive.”

Mum-of-two Tabitha Potts is a classic example of a successful ‘mumpreneur’. After having her two sons, Tabitha spotted a gap in the market for eco-friendly clothing and toys for children, and decided to set up Mimimyne.

Tabitha said, “I know many women that are balancing their family life, run their own business and are the major bread winner. The Internet has opened up a world of new possibilities and now with social business networks, mums across the UK are really grasping the opportunity to create a market for a new business idea from the comfort of their homes. Mumpreneurs need to be given the right support to bloom!”