The mumandworking 2011 awards

"As a mum of four boys, aged 6,5,2 and 1 – I completely understand the importance of flexible working and the value of spending time with your family. It’s great that the mumandworking awards celebrate the people who are making this possible for parents across the UK and its great to see so many successful mums out there taking part " - Sarah Beeny, TV presenter, author, entrepreneur and Mum.

The mumandworking 2011 awards 
WINNERS NOW ANNOUNCED!  MANY CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR FINALISTS AND OUR WINNERS!!
Our 2011 mumandworking awards this year were part of the fantastic 'BusinessMums Summit' on October 10 2011 at the Thistle Hotel, Brighton with special guest Kate Garraway. These national awards were established to reward and recognise the companies and individuals that make flexible working possible and show that family-friendly employment supports family life, enables parents to achieve their full potential, is of great benefit to the UK economy and gives real value to all involved!

What some of our finalists and winners said of the day.....

Host Alexandra Watson - 'I loved being a part of the day and was honoured to meet everyone'

'Even though I wasn't a winner, it didn't feel like that!  The ceremony was absolutely lovely and you made us all feel very special.....I can't tell you what it has meant to me, my family and the mums who attend my classes - everyone has been so proud of me!  The recognition that comes from being a finalist in an award such as this will be something I'll take pride in for a long time!'

‘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’.

'Wow what a day it was!!! I found it enormously useful to the point where I’ve now drastically altered my business'

We held an exciting awards ceremony hosted by the fabulous Alexandra Watson - leading Happiness Coach, Expert Speaker/Motivator and founder of the Happiness System at Work! (right) Alexandra has appeared on TV in The X Factor and in major magazines and national newspapers (including Good Housekeeping, Marie Claire, Eve, Psychologies, Now, The Independent and on BBC Radio!)

(Alexandra with award sponsor Amanda Frolich and winner Roberta Jerram. Images courtesy of http://www.mibewick.co.uk)

All winners took away a fantastic range of prizes to include a fabulous coaching/mentoring day with Alexandra Watson to learn her proven methods for happiness and success in business!

 
Check our facebook page for more photos and find out about our 2010 winners and finalists here.

We meet amazing individuals every day that are proving that flexible, family-friendly employment does work and we want to applaud the people and companies that are making this happen!

We would like to say a MASSIVE thank you so much to the many sponsors whose support made these awards possible alongside those generous prize givers. We urge you to take a moment to click on their links on this page and support them as they are supporting our awards.

Award Categories

All our awards are about flexible employment especially family-friendly employment.  We recognise all types of flexible employment whether you are an employee, company or a small business owner. Our judges are looking for real, everyday stories where flexible employment is working and proving that having family-friendly approach can be a real asset to a company. 

Will you be a winner next year?  Get prepared with our How to win Business Awards 

Business Parent of the Year View Finalists and the Winner >>>>
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. Prize – A one night Reviver break for two people sharing a Superior room at the Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa in Leicestershire (value £430)

Start-up Business of the Year View the Finalists and the Winner >>> 
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 – As sponsored by Create – Prize – A selection of business guides by Antonia Chitty, a complimentary ticket to the 2012 BusinessMums Summit and a years membership to the Mumpreneurs networking club

Self-Employed Parent of the Year View Finalists and the Winner >>>>
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. Prize - a night away for two at the fabulous, funky Pelirocco Hotel in Brighton (terms and conditions apply)

Flexible Company of the Year View Finalists and the Winner >>>>
Open to any company who actively promotes exceptionally family-friendly and flexible working policies to its team. As sponsored by Magic Moments Photography. Prize includes a fantastic Champneys personalised facial and skin analysis at any one of the Champneys seven Town and City Spas as well as 6 months supply of Vitabiotics Wellwoman®  supplements

Franchisor of the Year sponsored by whatson4me.co.uk 
View Finalists and the Winner >>>>
Open to any franchisor who actively promotes exceptionally family-friendly and flexible working policies to it's franchisees. Prize - a recruitment campaign on mumandworking worth over £500!

Growing Business of the Year sponsored by 

View Finalists and the Winner >>>>
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. Prize - a fabulous Amanda's Action Club Birthday Party (as enjoyed by the children of the stars!) and a selection her of fun, fitness and music CD's

Franchisee of the Year View Finalists and the Winner >>>>
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. Prize - an advertising campaign with What's On 4 worth at least £250 as well as 6 months supply of Vitabiotics Wellwoman® supplements!

 
please note terms and conditions apply with all the prizes

2011 Awards Ceremony

We are delighted to be combining this year with the Businessmums Summit - the largest and most high profile event of this nature for the 'mumpreneur' sector attracting over 200 delegates, high level speakers and exhibitors. The awards will be a much anticipated, exciting and integral part of the programme.  (For more information on the 2011 summit just click here)

The awards ceremony will take place as the afternoon session of the conference comes to a close at approximately 4.45pm and all attendees will enjoy a champagne and canape reception and a very exciting programme! 

Our Sponsors and Supporters

A huge thank you to the sponsors and supporters of our 2011 awards.  Without them our awards would not be possible and we are extremely grateful for their support.  There are some unique and very high profile opportunities still available, please click here for more details and get your brand known by thousands of parents!

whatson4me.co.uk

The What’s On 4 Me website www.whatson4me.co.uk is the 4^th Website in the What’s On 4 range. We provide an on-line directory of clubs, groups, classes and resources for adults across the UK. There’s a wealth of "Information and Inspiration" for adults looking for activities in their local community and, like our existing sites,  What’s On 4 Me provides a remarkably quick and simple site to easily find up-to-date information. 

The site is run by local people and promotes local communities by offering free advertising for many free activities and provides real insights, by real people, to inspire and advise!

With this information at your finger tips – you need never waste your "Me time" again!

And you can even be the one to launch www.whatson4me.co.uk in your area!  Contact us now for a 100% home-based, part-time franchise opportunity.

The Amanda's Action Club Franchise opportunity!

Amanda's Action Club is a well-known, fun and fitness brand for young children in the London area and beyond. Established by Amanda Frolich 20 years ago it's become a hugely popular provider of weekly classes and birthday parties for preschoolers and their carers.

Amanda's Action Club is the first port of call for many celebrities looking to guarantee the best entertainment for their lucky child to include the Beckhams, Katie Price, Amanda Holden and Take That's Mark Owen.

After years of continuously developing the business Amanda has decided to expand the brand nationally (and beyond) via the franchise model. The Amanda's Action Club Franchise is due to launch in January 2012.
It's a very lucrative and rewarding opportunity for the right individual – to find out more email Jo@amandasactionclub.co.uk

Tepilo.com 

• Tepilo is completely free to use - with no charges for uploading your property or commission to pay.
• Tepilo makes it easy for you - the site is packed with advice on buying and selling, and now letting a property, including a library of hints and tips that we are constantly updating.
• Tepilo provides practical profit enhancing tips - the "design for profit" section lays out ideas on how to design your house to maximise your profit.
• Tepilo encourages the personal touch - using owner descriptions and a magazine style layout, Tepilo aims to give buyers and tenants much more of an insight into what's great about each property.
• Ask Sarah - if you get stuck you can even ask Sarah a question directly through Tepilo.

Try it for yourself and upload your property today!  Visit www.tepilo.com

 

Vitabiotics Wellwoman®

The Wellwoman range now includes: Wellwoman Sport & Fitness, Wellwoman  Inner cleanse, Wellwoman Plus Omega 3.6.9, Wellwoman 50+, Wellwoman Tricologic, Wellwoman Drink and Wellwoman Energize effervescent tablets. 

Vitabiotics Wellwoman® is available in the UK from larger Boots stores, Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda, Superdrug, Waitrose, supermarkets and pharmacies, health stores including Holland and Barrett or online from www.wellwoman.com

Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa

Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa - the health spa where you can really relax ......

Ragdale Hall is located in the rolling Leicestershire countryside. It combines state-of-the-art facilities with the charm of traditional Victorian architecture to create one of the most luxurious and relaxing health spas in the country and was recently voted Best Spa in Europe.

Whether you are looking for total relaxation during a weekend spa break, some pampering, an unrivalled range of treatments or to kick start a healthier lifestyle, Ragdale Hall is the perfect choice.


Ragdale Hall has received Health Spa of the Year awards each year for the last ten years, since 1999 in fact - the only UK health spa to achieve this.   Having won “Best Destination Spa” in the Professional Beauty Awards six times in the last nine years, in 2007 Ragdale were voted Best Destination Spa in Europe.

With prices from only £69 for a day package and £280 per person per night for a two night stay in a double room, there are great value options for everyone.


Visit www.ragdalehall.co.uk for more information.  And receive a 10% discount at Ragdale Hall thanks to www.whatson4littleones.co.uk - just quote WO4LO when booking.

Magic Moments Direct Photography 

MagicMomentsDirect brings a wonderful opportunity to mums who wish to have their own business and yet time for the family. With over 25 years experience, a great team, products and systems, we can show you the quicker way to succeed in the proven and profitable world of pre-school photography.

Don't forget, this is a business that runs in term time only and offers excellent repeat business year after year.  Don't be put off that it will all be too technical! With easy to follow personal training, and endless ongoing help and support, we will ensure that when you go out to your customers you will do so with confidence.

So, what will you need? Apart from a very low joining fee, and the purchase of some equipment, the most important qualities you must have are a bubbly personality, empathy with young children and a real desire to build a successful local business.

To find out more, please visit www.magicmomentsdirect.com We look forward to hearing from you.

Jo Tantum

Jo Tantum, author of best selling book, Baby Secrets, is best known for her ability to get any baby sleeping 12 hours through the night, gently without babies and parents getting distressed. 

With 22 years experience including work as maternity nurse, Jo's advice is tried, tested and backed up with robust research. 

With Jo's compassion and honest mission to want to help sleep deprived parents it's no wonder Jo is the UK's leading sleep specialist. You may have seen Jo on GMTV, ITV or on Richard and Judy discussing spaced soothing techniques or maybe on BBC radio programmes sharing sleep techniques with listeners. Or in any of the major newspapers .You can also read Jo's latest advice every month in Prima Baby magazine as their Sleep Expert. 

Jo runs a successful private practise offering consultations , her ‘Rescue Packages’ in which she comes to your home and teaches you and your baby how to sleep and also offers email and phone support . Whatever the problem , however difficult Jo can solve it and make sure parents can enjoy their baby and better understand their needs. 

Contact Jo at www.babysecretsltd.com

  

Our Judges

We are honoured and delighted to welcome an esteemed panel of judges for the awards this year. With this many amazing entries of such a high calibre, judging these awards is quite a challenge and we are so grateful for their time and enthusiasm for the process!  All of our judges are business experts who fully support flexible working and who are real achievers in their field. 

Antonia Chitty

Antonia Chitty is an award winning entrepreneur, author and mum to three.  Antonia helps mums get into business through www.becomeamumpreneur.com and, with business partner Erica Douglas, offers training in online business and social media via www.aceinspire.com.  Antonia also offers specialist business advice and mentoring for mumpreneurs through The Mumpreneur Guide.

Antonia launched her own PR business in 2003 to enable her to carry on her passion for her work while also having a great work-life balance and spending time with her daughter. She also writes on business, health and parenting and is working on her 15th book.

Antonia lives in Bexhill with her partner and three children.

Helen Slingsby

Career Breakthrough is run by Helen Slingsby. Helen has a Masters of Science in Career Management and Counselling from Birkbeck College, London University. She is also licensed to use the Self Assessment Manual developed by pioneering career expert and author, Robert Nathan, of Career Counselling Services Ltd.

Helen spent 16 years as a business journalist working on magazines and newspapers including the London Evening Standard and The Guardian. She then took time out to look after her two children and retrained as a careers coach, studying for her MSc part-time over two years.

Helen has a wide knowledge of media and business and the retirement experiences of footballers, as well as a strong understanding of career change and returning to work after a gap.

Sheryl Andrews

Step By Step Listening was founded by Sheryl Andrews in 2008. The company offers private sessions and power groups ensuring that through extreme listening, businesses work at their best, maximising their strengths and increasing confidence.

Within sessions individuals are able to speak out in a group, with confidence that their thoughts and opinions will be heard and understand, as well as respected, valued and honoured. This results in increased productivity and drive.

Specialties
Facilitator of win-win business relationships that increases productivity and profitability. Using a unique and powerful communication process that is fast becoming the most effective way to change thoughts into action.
Helping you work more effectively with the people that can generate money for you
Helping you stop, think and succeed
Clarity of thinking, listening and vision
Facilitating teams and meetings
Making you successful and profitable
Helping you achieve your goals

Tracy Gardiner

Tracy has worked as a business trainer and consultant for over 10 years working with a wide variety of clients. She founded Purple Path in 2007 when she made the decision to "live the dream" and retrain as a coach following the birth of baby number 3!
 
In 2008 the business expanded to welcome fellow coach Nicole Burchett to bring even more experience and to ensure their products were developed to be the best available.
 Purple Path now offers
-One to one coaching sessions, either on the phone from the comfort of your own home, or face to face if preferred.
-Group courses and programs - including the 'Mum's PATH', a unique course for mums.
-Corporate coaching - this can be a mixture of both one to one sessions, and group courses
Tracy's dream is to bring coaching to the masses and provide quality group programmes in to being so that people can experience the power of coaching in an affordable and supportive fashion.

Wendy Shand

Wendy Shand founded TotstoTravel after her own two year old son fell into an unenclosed swimming pool whilst on a family holiday in 2005. Concerned and frustrated by her own experiences of baby friendly holidays, Wendy founded Tots to Travel to provide family friendly holiday accommodation for others holidaying with kids and the result is an award winning, online holiday company that has the needs of the family at the heart of all it does.

TotstoTravel now has properties in multiple countries with new ones being added all the time. The business has won 5 major awards, extensive media coverage and employs a team of family travel experts!

2011 Awards Time Line and Entering

Make sure you are signed up to the mumandworking newsletter to keep updated re all developments!

20th May – 15th July 2011 Nominations
16th July – August 2011 Judging
Early September 2011 Finalists Announced
10th October 2011 Awards ceremony