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BUSINESS MUM OF THE YEAR AWARD 2008 BUSINESS MUM OF THE YEAR AWARD 2008
Last year's winner Last year's finalists
Meet Sarah Steel and the rest of 2007’s finalists. Get tips on how to write a winning application for 2008.
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Have you ever wondered how much mums who own their own businesses contribute to the economy, or what makes them so successful?

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Mum Magnates - 2008 Research

The Juggling Act - 2007 Research

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Abiola

Finalist: Abiola Ajayi-obe, Elstree, Hertfordshire

Abiola set up her business - SmartChartz - after leaving her career in healthcare management to become a full-time mum. Abiola devised a simple reward system for her two daughters in the form of a chart with stickers, where good behaviour was rewarded with treats and prizes. Recognising how successful the chart system was, Abiola's friends asked her to produce charts for their own children and SmartChartz was born. Five years later, Abiola's products are sold in department stores nationwide.

Abiola’s Tips
  • Whatever business idea you settle on pursing, make sure you go into it with your heart
  • Ensure to have a good support network behind you, whether that comprises of your mum, your best friend or your partner
  • As a mum you are going to need access to a good childcare service.  If you can it is worth joining a babysitting network which means that you share the responsibility between a number of mums.  Babysitting networks can really free up your time and help you collectively save money on babysitting services

Tip on filling out the application form:
  • Try and talk about what you have done rather than what you would like to do. I’d also recommend asking your friends what they think your biggest achievements and attributes are
We hope you find the information on this site helpful and that it encourages you to develop your ideas.
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Quick links to the top ten Yell.com classifications recommended by Sarah Steel and other finalists of the 2007 Prowess Awards. Because mums know best…

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Advertise your basic business details on Yell.com, Yellow Pages 118 24 7 and in Yellow Pages - for free!

Your Comments

I've been in business for a year now, running Generation One magazine - a local parenting magazine in Hull and East Yorkshire. I started the magazine because I had no support network after the birth of my son, Charlie and I realised lots of other Mums are like me - in their 30s, away from their families and with their friends working full time.

My advice would be to not be afraid of being yourself, warts and all. I started off thinking I had to wear a suit and act like a candidate for The Apprentice. I've learned that respect for others and good relationships lead to good sales - not any magic hard sell formula. The magazine has gone from strength to strength because other people recognise what I feel. Sometimes you need to stand up and be counted. It's scary, but it's not all about numbers, running a people business is incredibly valuable too.

Claire Boynton, Hull