Karen Mattison is the co-founder of Women Like Us - a service which helps women with children get back to work and employers to recruit talented part-time staff.

Karen, 38, from East Finchley, London, beat strong competition from 186 UK ‘business mums’ to win the accolade for her company, which has reached out to 35,000 women. The judges were particularly impressed by her “vision, determination and motivation”, as well as her continued contribution to help mums achieve a work-life balance.

Women Like Us was born in response to the potential Karen saw in the ‘school-gate mum network’ and how they could provide valuable resource to UK businesses. Currently operating throughout London, the agency works with more than 700 employers and receives around 350 new registrations each month. It has been recommended for national roll out in the Prime Minister’s ‘Women and Work’ Commission Report.

Karen, who is mum to Ben, nine, Joe, seven, and Noah, one, said about winning the award: “I am thrilled to have won! This is a fantastic endorsement for Women Like Us. Since we set up we have had so much support from both women and employers for the service we are providing. I hope that even more mums will now find out how we can help them to find work that uses their skills and fits around their families.”

Helen Stevenson, chief marketing officer at Yell, said: “We’re delighted to champion these awards and help bring recognition to the many successful business owning mums across the UK. The ‘Inspirational Business Mum of the Year’ accolade celebrates the passion, commitment and sheer drive demonstrated by these powerful women. The ability to juggle motherhood and run a business at the same time should in no way be underestimated.”

Karen also won the title of ‘Female Social Entrepreneur of the Year’ at the awards.

Karen’s website: www.womenlikeus.org.uk