Thousands of mums are being inspired to set up their own businesses and are putting their parenting skills to good use when they do, research reveals.
A study by Yell.com found that an overwhelming 92% of entrepreneurial mums believe that bringing up a baby helps with running a business, by honing vital work skills such as multi-tasking, forward planning, determination and efficiency.
“As a mum you are naturally more efficient and adept at multi-tasking. Not finishing on time just isn’t an option as your kids are relying on you to be there,” said
Sarah Steel, business mum and founder of the Old Station Nursery franchise.
The ’Mum Magnates’ report also revealed that 40% of business-owning mums decide to take the plunge either while pregnant or within a year of their child’s birth.
Commenting on the research, psychologist Dr Geoffrey Beattie, said: “Pregnancy has a big effect on the body and the brain; it can elevate your mood for significant periods of time. When people are in an elevated mood state, they are prepared to consider riskier types of initiatives such as launching a business. This can lead to the translation of an initial break-through idea into action.”
According to Yell.com, business-owning mums perform a staggering 18 different roles during an average week, ranging from cook to accountant. Respondents estimated that they would have to pay someone a salary of around £50,000 a year to take over these responsibilities.
The research also found that almost 30% of companies started by mums are web-based, and more than half work between 9pm and midnight.
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2008
