220 mums with businesses from across Sussex, Kent and beyond met at The BusinessMums Summit in Brighton this week to hear Kate Garraway talk about her first year in business, to network and to learn new business skills.Women attending were at all stages of business, from mums keen to launch their own enterprises, those already running new start-ups, as well as directors of highly successful, global enterprises. Attendee and award winner Kerri Lister of Buy Student Art says, “I just want to say a very quick thank you for a super wonderful day yesterday, topped off with the win. I am still on cloud 9, it will really make a difference to me and the businesses.”Laura Tenisonof JoJoMamanBebe shared how she has created a business with a £30 million turnover thorough a policy of slow organic growth, strong ethical policies and without debt. Coach Karen Skidmore helped every attendee, however new to networking, to meet their goals for the day and leave with a plan to drive their business forward and actions to take.Organisers Suzanne Borrell, Nicky Chisholm and Antonia Chitty say, “We’re thrilled at the success of the second annual event for mums with businesses. Despite the recession, attendees reported strong business growth, and the event has equipped them with new skills and contacts to boost their businesses. “

The National mumandworking 2011 Awards

The annual mumandworking awards brought the Summit to an exciting climax. There were 7 awards in total rewarding shining examples of family-friendly flexible working in action. The awards were presented by Alexandra Watson, Happiness Expert, as seen coaching the winners on the X-Factor. There were a range of categories and the awards were sponsored by Amanda’s Action Club; Magic Moments; Create and What’s on 4 Me. Fantastic prizes worth over £2,000 were won courtesy of Antonia Chitty of ACEInspire, Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa in Leicestershire, Pelirocco Hotel in Brighton, Vitabiotics, What’s on 4, mumandworking.co.uk, Amanda’s Action Club and Alexandra Watson herself offered a very special training and mentoring day for all the winners.

Categories and winners

Business Parent of the Year Winner – Dean Beaumont, Daddynatal (Cambridgeshire)
Open to any parent who has their own business. A parent that has overcome many challenges to launch their business but has made it a success

Start-up Business of the Year Winner – Best in Glass (Kent)

Open to any business category which has been trading for 2 years or under and whose founder is a parent operating within a ‘family friendly’ model

Self-Employed Parent of the Year Winner – Kerry Lister, BuyStudentArt (Surrey)
Open to any parent who is registered self-employed. A parent that has overcome many challenges to work for themselves but has created their own flexible employment.

Flexible Company of the Year Winner – Hippychick (Somerset)

Open to any company who actively promotes exceptionally family-friendly and flexible working policies to its team.

Franchisor of the Year Winner – Travel Counsellors (London)

Open to any franchisor who actively promotes exceptionally family-friendly and flexible working policies to its franchisees.

Growing Business of the Year Winner – Linen at Home (Hampshire)

Open to any business category which has been trading for 2 years or more and whose founder is a parent operating within a ‘family friendly’ model.

Franchisee of the Year Winner Frances Donkin – Rhythm Time (Cheshire)

For companies and colleagues to nominate a franchisee who clearly demonstrates how a flexible franchise can bring out the best in individuals for the benefit of their families and customers.

Find out more: www.businessmumssummit.com