Welcome New Member, Jane Marney, Cupcake Express, to the Single Mums Business Network

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I am delighted to welcome Jane, of Cupcake Express to the Single Mums Business Network. Here is her introduction:

Hi I’m Jane
I run Cupcake Express which I started in 2008 when my husband left me with 2 boys to raise singlehandedly. I had £30 to my name and was going through an awful divorce. I started baking cakes and selling them at local offices with my sister. We were probably the first cupcake company in Hampshire as it was before cupcakes were everywhere! We progressed to a small bakery supplying cafes , play centres and gelato bars. We now also do Children”s Themed Cupcake Decorating Boxes which was a lockdown idea we started whilst all our customers have been closed. These are delivered locally or nationwide by Royal Mail. I’ve got lots of new ideas for the business but lockdown has delayed these slightly!
Although my boys are older now I am passionate about how hard it is for single mums in business and how overlooked we are! If you are a single mum who has started and rubs her own business then you can do anything!!

You can visit Jane’s website by following this LINK

Friend of the SMBN Carol McIntyre – Founder of Exec Pro VA – A Welcome Renewal!

It is always lovely to welcome a new member or new friend to the SMBN, but it’s something extra special when a member has a break then re-joins, or renews their membership. It’s a real pleasure to extend a warm second welcome to Carol McIntyre, after her confirmation of renewal of being part of what we are so proud to be. A force for good.

So, for those of you who don’t know about Carol or Exec Pro VA – here’s a little snippet:

by Jules

Welcome ‘Friend of the SMBN’, Katie Phillips, The School of Self Love

The Empowered Feminine Approach To Dating When it comes to preparing midlife single women to be ready to receive their ‘one’ and enjoy an empowered relationship – our friend Katie Phillips is your gal. Katie is a master at guiding women through the inner work that’s required to experience a shift in their external circumstances.Continue reading “Welcome ‘Friend of the SMBN’, Katie Phillips, The School of Self Love”

by Jules

Aaaaand, we’re off!

Aaaaand, we’re off!

The SMBN Single Mums Business Network 2022 Awards are officially OPEN for entries! Read more…

by Jules

Cost of Living Crisis – How the Government are trying to step up.

I say step-up, and not help, because they should have stepped up a long time ago. I have always said that the cost of living outweighs inflation and that we have, for our entire lives, trusted that our tax is used for the right reasons, but it has been like observing a solicitor who has been given a trust fund live a very comfortable life on it and giving the beneficiary peanuts instead of the intended income….

So, today, the Chancellor, as a result of outcry and pressure, sadly not through genuine understanding, has announced the following:

@MartinSLewis
#costoflivingstatement

by Jules

Categories announced for the SMBN 2022 Awards…

Categories this year are:
Campaigner of the Year
Acing Adversity Award
Super Start-up
Community Champion
Excellence in Customer Care
Employer of the Year
SMBN Champion of the Year
Best Corporate Responsibility
Best Innovation Award
Best Business Marketing

Read more…

by Jules

Welcome ‘Friend of the SMBN’, Charlotte Webb, Principle at Castle Green Financial Planning

I am delighted to officially welcome Charlotte to the SMBN as a ‘Friend’, being a friend of the SMBN means that you benefit from the exposure on-line and in print whilst supporting our quest to make work work as single parents. We appreciate every friend of the SMBN as, with their actions, they demonstrate they support our work and mission, whilst enabling us to support theirs. Here is a little about Charlotte:

by Jules

Ruth and the Single Parent Rights Team are working hard to bring single parents employment experiences to politicians..

I have a lot of respect for the work Ruth does, to date alone and unfunded, to ensure that we do not face various discriminations due to our status. As I discuss barriers I realise that as a protected characteristic we would be better placed to fight for equal opportunities to home ownership, work, businessContinue reading “Ruth and the Single Parent Rights Team are working hard to bring single parents employment experiences to politicians..”

by Jules

Small Business – Big Difference! In this interview with Alison Cork we discuss how she champions female entrepreneurs, is passionate about healthy living, and how she has now launched a Viral Campaign for the UK Small Business Community to Donate £1 each to support Ukraine Appeal..

Just wow! You know that question that often pops up – if you could choose just a few people to have dinner with, well, Alison Cork would certainly be on my list, she is an absolute powerhouse, doer, thinker, entrepreneur and all round great lady to support, motivate, inspire, whilst knowing how to pull something out of the bag in an absolute humanitarian crisis to help us all so SOMETHING, when we may feel we can do nothing!

by Jules

2022 – The Year of the Single Parent!

2022 – The Year of the Single Parent!

I have it on good authority! Things are changing for us, we are raising awareness of, and challenging, genuine barriers that feed negative public perception. We are making it okay to be single, and a parent! We are not ashamed, we are celebrating a future where relationships are only about love, and not about necessity, we are showing our children that

by Jules

It’s official! Purple Shoots Responsible Finance Raising Funds to Specifically Support SMBN Members! and we are so grateful!

This is Mike and Karen, from Purple Shoots, receiving flowers at this years’ Single Mums Business Network Awards, in gratitude for having faith not only in me (Jules), but in a handful of my members when banks had written us off because the computer says no. Purple Shoots Business Lending (“Purple Shoots”) is a not-for-profitContinue reading “It’s official! Purple Shoots Responsible Finance Raising Funds to Specifically Support SMBN Members! and we are so grateful!”

by Jules

From MEH to Magnificent! Ways to grow through student life. By Sarah Harvey

I am so excited for SMBN member Sarah who has today published her book on Amazon – From MEH to Magnificent! Ways to grow through student life.

I have had a front row seat for the past two years as Sarah has developed her courses, piloted in private secondary schools and with true relentless tenacity has not given up on her commitment to support the education sector with her experience, advice and expertise, and now she has published a book too, to directly help the students directly or via schools or parents who purchase this book.

by Jules

Welcome New Member, Crystal Gregory. Leadership Coach and Business Consultant – GEC Coaching

I am delighted to welcome Crystal Gregory, an executive leadership coach to the SMBN. Crystal Says: I’m an executive coach who helps leaders understand where their stress comes from, choose the right tools to master these stressors and create a successful career path.  Managing leadership roles, family and other committments can be difficult. The toolsContinue reading “Welcome New Member, Crystal Gregory. Leadership Coach and Business Consultant – GEC Coaching”

by Jules

Welcome New Member – Nicola Booth, Founder, Director, and Chair of Trustees – Single Parents Support and Advice Services aka SPSAS

I am beyond pleased to welcome Nicola Booth, of Single Parents Support and Advice Services, to the SMBN. Nicola and I connected when I did THE BIG EVENT, for Single Parents Day 2021, and we all know that actions speak louder than words, so the fact that she has since joined so that we can support each others empires and in turn further support the parents we support warms my heart in so many ways. …

by Jules

Look at this amazing woman! Welcome New Member Natasha-Dawn Ni Leighn [aka Ash] Founder of Dandelion Weatherstone: VEGAN, ANTIBACTERIAL AND FUNKY C-SECTION KNICKERS…

Look at this amazing woman! Welcome New Member Natasha-Dawn Ni Leighn [aka Ash] Founder of Dandelion Weatherstone: VEGAN, ANTIBACTERIAL AND FUNKY C-SECTION KNICKERS…
Yes we all need underwear! But we don’t always realise what challenges exist if you’ve had a c-section, are a pregnant transman or if you have had any kind of surgery that leaves you needing antibacterial high waisted knickers with soft fibres to avoid incision irritation! But just like me with the KIH Bed, Ash became aware of a gap in the market through her own experience and as a necessity entrepreneur with a ‘I can solve this problem for the masses’ attitude, embarked on her own journey of creating something for other people’s benefit, and she is infused with ethics and helping others from her eco chain to her anti slavery and vegan checking measures.. what a very cool lady she is! Here’s a few words from our newest member Ash…

by Jules

Wow – my mind is blown! Welcome New Member Donna Easton – Joyologist and Founder of LifeShine! You have to see her website…

Wow – my mind is blown! Welcome New Member Donna Easton – Joyologist and Founder of LifeShine! You have to see her website…

Ever since setting up the SMBN I have been like a broken record talking about the amazing women out there doing this solo, and changing public stereotyping is an ongoing effort. I am blown away every time I meet yet another incredible woman, and then another one pops up! I just knew they were out there. I have a queue now of women to introduce who have joined lately, but one at a time – as they deserve exclusive PR and recognition! Meet Donna Easton – Donna is a Joyologist, a laugher, a performer, a people connector, a mindset coach, Founder of ‘LifeShine’, ‘WellMeOke’ (wellness cabaret show) and ‘The Selling with Heart Academy’. there is not much I can say except wow – just take a look at her website and see for yourself! @mylifeshines

by Jules

Gratitude Post to Friend of the SMBN & Media Foundations Fiona Scott, of SCOTT MEDIA – because we didn’t just fall into the press!

Let me begin at the beginning! How do you write a post when you know it is about a professional media writer that could write it better than you!! – but, alas, this isn’t a PR post it’s an authentic from the heart raw and unchecked post – so let me start by saying –Continue reading “Gratitude Post to Friend of the SMBN & Media Foundations Fiona Scott, of SCOTT MEDIA – because we didn’t just fall into the press!”

by Jules

Welcome New Member, Carly Newman, of Carly Newman Coaching, to the Single Mums Business Network

I’m delighted to welcome Carly Newman, of Carly Newman Coaching, to the Single Mums Business Network. Carly has a strong career background and has combined all of her skills and experience to help others. Here is what she says; Hi I’m Carly, single mum to my 3 year old boy. I am certified life coachContinue reading “Welcome New Member, Carly Newman, of Carly Newman Coaching, to the Single Mums Business Network”

by Jules

Welcome New Member – Teri Chance. Owner of Teri Chance Boutiques, to the Single Mums Business Network

WELCOME NEW MEMBER – TERI CHANCE. OWNER OF TERI CHANCE BOUTIQUES, @terichanceboutiques TO THE SINGLE MUMS BUSINESS NETWORK. This lady is beautiful, inside and out. I began networking with Teri in 2014 at the beginning of my KIH Bed journey, and I have witnessed her incredible private and professional battles, so to welcome her now, with her business and spirit thriving, to the SMBN is really something else. Teri was one of the ladies who helped me build my own confidence so I know you are in safe hands when you shop with her! Here’s what Teri says;

by Jules

Local Business Woman ‘Leading the Hospitality Industry’ in Flexible Working and Removal of Barriers to Work – Don’t ever believe you can’t make a difference because you can!

So today I’ve been having some fun, standing in the middle of the road having my pic taken with this amazing lady who is taking on the world of hospitality, showing true leadership, and doing her bit to create a better future for us all. Some of you will have seen my last blog, (or recent at least) where I was passionately upset about being reminded how we are locked out of so many customer facing roles that need weekend staff. My local landlady read my blog, and said ‘I want to do something about this Jules’ we had coffee – and this is what happened next!

by Jules

Must be able to work weekends.. why this statement is such a killer and the direct link to your tax bill and the ‘benefits culture’ – how so many industries are getting it WRONG

We all just accept things the way they are, instead of standing up and pointing out how a simple stubborn decision, or comments such as ‘that’s just the way it is’ have such a detrimental impact, not only on the individual but on society as a whole, not only our wellbeing but our economy. WeContinue reading “Must be able to work weekends.. why this statement is such a killer and the direct link to your tax bill and the ‘benefits culture’ – how so many industries are getting it WRONG”

by Jules

Welcome New Member, Fay Victoria Durrant, Owner of Wellness & Wilderness, Self Care for Wilder Women Online or In Person ‘Retreats in the Spanish Mountains’ – I am very excited to welcome Fay – You HAVE to look at her website!!

I am delighted to welcome Fay Victoria Durrant, Owner of Wellness & Wilderness – Self Care Sessions
Health & Wellbeing for Wilder Women online & in person on retreats, to the Single Mums Business Network. Fay offers Mindset Movement * Menopause Support *Nature * Yoga * Pilates *Plant Based Food Online & In person on Retreats in the Spanish Mountains. Read more….

by Jules

The lockdown Swan, A new Business, a new Woman, a new Mother, The Power of Networking!

12 months ago you would never have been able to tell Shannon what she would feel like today. She was struggling with her full-time job in a school and battling childcare, home, life and work and she was desperate to take the plunge and use her incredible art skills to start her own hand letteringContinue reading “The lockdown Swan, A new Business, a new Woman, a new Mother, The Power of Networking!”

by Jules

Welcome New Member – Chrissie Lowery, to the Single Mums Business Network. Chrissie is a Crafty Entrepreneur, Author, Radio Presenter, Owner of The Cuddle Bed Company and Founder of shophandmade.co.uk!

WELCOME NEW MEMBER – CHRISSIE LOWERY, TO THE SINGLE MUMS BUSINESS NETWORK. CHRISSIE IS A CRAFTY ENTREPRENEUR, AUTHOR, RADIO PRESENTER, OWNER OF THE CUDDLE BED COMPANY AND FOUNDER OF SHOPHANDMADE.CO.UK! – If you sell Art and Craft please do take a look at Chrissie’s platform to help you increase your sales! Read more…

by Jules

Do you want to be a Single Mum in Business? – Check out the Salary and Job Description (and join the SMBN if this sounds like you!)

Do you want to be a Single Mum in Business? – Check out the Salary and Job Description (and join the SMBN if this sounds like you!)
Hours – 119 to 126 per week (must not expect Sundays off)
Salary – £2.30 per hour OTE £30K +
Holiday Pay – No * Sick Pay – No * Perks such as Gym Membership or Costa – No
Bank Holidays – No * Annual Leave – Sorry, No (needy springs to mind)
You must be driven, able to work autonomously, and free to carry out emergency childcare (without taking any time off) in case of pandemic, 13 weeks of school holidays, in-service days or sickness.
If that sounds good so far and you meet the job description below (read on) – you may want to join your comrades in the SMBN!

by Jules

Welcome New (old) Member, Esther Nagle, a copywriter from South Wales who helps ADHD and addiction coaches attract clients through engaging blogs, articles and web copy!

WELCOME NEW (OLD) MEMBER, ESTHER NAGLE, A COPYWRITER FROM SOUTH WALES WHO HELPS ADHD AND ADDICTION COACHES ATTRACT CLIENTS THROUGH ENGAGING BLOGS, ARTICLES AND WEB COPY! I am really pleased to be able to welcome Esther, from ‘Be here write now’ back to the SMBN! I never take offence if somebody leaves for a while, life does that to us, what I really love is that she came back, after knowing what it looks like on the inside! and just in time for the Spring issue of the SMBN mag! super duper..
Read more….

by Jules

Social Impact Review Report

You can download the Social Impact Review Report (special first edition with typos) pdf HERE, but I have copied the content below for ease of reference. Single Mums Business Network Social Impact Review Barriers to Work, Cost to Economy and Solution Barriers to Finance, Cost to Economy and Solution Barriers to Home, Cost to EconomyContinue reading “Social Impact Review Report”

by Jules

2020 – The Year We All Made History. 2021, The Year of Imminent Fun

We have all fought this year. We all have our own personal challenges and triumphs. The main thing is that we are here to tell the tale. We all know the dance isn’t over, but we all know it will be soon. Whatever you have survived for 9 months, you will survive for 3 more. The human timescale for rebirth and readjustment. A future that learns from the past..

by Jules

SMBN Awards 2021 – New Sponsor – Laura Callahan, Willow HR

When Laura joined the SMBN in 2019, I could not have imagined how supportive she would be. She has offered guidance, coaching, she always wants to find ways to support me and my other members, and I have a had a front row seat as she has expanded her own business, and supported so many families through such a difficult year. She not only won the Family Employer of the Year category 2020, she has now pledged her support for the 2021 Awards by sponsoring the same category. Membership fees are so low for the SMBN, at only £5pcm, and without any charitable status or Grant support, outside of my own income I am cannot express my gratitude for sponsors enough

by Jules

I should never have been on benefits, but lack of flexible working cost the tax payer thousands…

I SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN ON BENEFITS, BUT LACK OF FLEXIBLE WORKING COST THE TAX PAYER THOUSANDS…

I was blissfully unaware of issues surrounding flexible working in my 20’s and early 30’s. As I was blissfully ignorant and judgemental around benefits. I had been quite happy for 20 years in my 9-5 (or more like 8-8), and short of wishing it was a four day week, so that I could get things done, like mortgage phone calls and fridge deliveries or electrician appointments etc, I wasn’t too troubled, as at least I could swim at 7am and visit the gym until 9pm.. it was when I became a single mum, I realised I was living this crazy world of presenteeism, that actually destroyed so many people!

by Jules

Welcome New ‘Friend’ of the SMBN, Clare Griffiths, Founder of the Thrive Effect

I am delighted to welcome Clare Griffiths, University Entrepreneurship Educator, Advocate for Female Founders and Women in Business and Founder of The Thrive Effect, as a friend of the Single Mums Business Network. I met Clare through her Thrive Huddle, and was really impressed with the way she supports fellow women in business, and so it is a real pleasure to celebrate her via the SMBN. Clare is based in Brighton but facilitates networking and events on-line as well as in person so it really doesn’t matter where in the UK you are based!

You do not have to be a single mum to join, we have friends of the SMBN too. Every time a new member joins she is not only helping herself but helping every other member and friend of the SMBN, we welcome you x

by Jules

Catfish UK are looking for people who have been chatting to someone online for quite some time but have never met up in person or even seen each other on video chat. A ‘Catfish’ is someone who lures a person into a relationship by adopting a fictional online persona, something that annoys me greatly, as I am consistently approached by ‘fake’ Gerrard Butlers, Leonardo Dicaprios and Single Dad Soldiers!

I don’t normally talk about dating through the SMBN, it is a business network, and it is for single mums only as I want it to remain a professional network where members are unlikely to hit on each other (I am primitive I appreciate what is natural). I do signpost men where I can, as is evident on the first page of the SMBN, but our group is girls only..

I cannot count how many message requests and connection requests I have had from fake Gerrard Butlers, fake Leonardo Dicaprios and fake Single Dad Soldiers. Now I can send them to Catfish UK to investigate further…

by Jules

Welcome New Member, Trupti Dudhia, of Consept Accounting Solutions to the Single Mums Business Network

I am delighted to welcome Trupti Dudhia, of Consept Accounting Solutions, to the SMBN. Consept Accounting Solutions is a Watford based, independent accountancy firm specialising in supporting business start-ups. Providing financial and strategic advice specially tailored to you, providing key insights and ideas to transform your business.

Members enjoy exposure to their business with every visit to the SMBN and associated PR. Please don’t hesitate to join us if you are a Single Mum working hard to pay the bills alone, we are here to help you. You do not have to be a single mum to join, we have friends of the SMBN too. Every time a new member joins she is not only helping herself but helping every other member and friend of the SMBN, we welcome you x

by Jules

Welcome New Member, Aruna Bansal, Founder of the Asian Single Parents Network CIC, to the Single Mums Business Network.

I am delighted to welcome Aruna Bansal, Founder of the Asian Single Parents Network CIC, to the Single Mums Business Network. It is so rewarding to connect with a fellow single parent who can offer support to a community that I do not have experience of, around divorce, legal advice and stigma. We had a very good meeting a few weeks ago and it was so refreshing to be able to ask questions and understand more about arranged marriages, how they differ to forced marriages, and not to feel like our different experiences and understanding has to divide us, when coming together is so much better to support all UK single parents. I am very proud to help raise awareness of the Asian Single Parents Network.

@AsianSinglePar1 @asp.network

Members enjoy exposure to their business with every visit to the SMBN and associated PR. Please don’t hesitate to join us if you are a Single Mum working hard to pay the bills alone, we are here to help you. You do not have to be a single mum to join, we have friends of the SMBN too. Every time a new member joins she is not only helping herself but helping every other member and friend of the SMBN, we welcome you x

by Jules

Special Award – Friend of the SMBN – A must read!

SPECIAL AWARD – FRIEND OF THE SMBN – A MUST READ!
[…] There was no way that I was going to let this go unrecognised, so without having to be nominated or nominate herself, I awarded Marie Hall, of Empowerment House. Best friend of the SMBN for 2020. I hope she puts that award somewhere she always sees it, so if ever she’s having a tough day or doubting what a difference she makes, she remembers how incredible, appreciated and loved she is. ..

by Jules

Welcome New ‘Friend of the SMBN’ – Fiona Scott of Scott Media – Journalism, Public Relations and Media

I am delighted to welcome Fiona Scott, of Scott Media, as a Friend of the SMBN’ I have known Fiona for a number of years and have worked with her when she helped me launch the business and I am so proud that she has joined as a friend, to further support the network. Fiona Scott is a journalist of more than 30 years’ experience and has run her own media consultancy for the last 12 years, working with business large and small. She offers both training and service delivery in PR, marketing strategy, animation, videography & social media management. She started her career in newspapers and Hospital Radio, went into television and has worked on programmes including The One Show, Flog It!, Dispatches & 100s of regional tv programmes. She set up her own business and now is a PR/journalist hybrid.

by Jules

Welcome New Member, Gemma Wall – Priestess of the Woods! to the Single Mums Business Network..

I am delighted to welcome Gemma Wall, Priestess of the Woods, to the Single Mums Business Network. Gemma is a Nature Priestess, Tarot reader, Writer, Poet, Artist and creator of Moon Magic Ritual Boxes, and here is what she says: Hi, I’m Gemma. I’m a writer, artist, priestess and single mother of four children, three sonsContinue reading “Welcome New Member, Gemma Wall – Priestess of the Woods! to the Single Mums Business Network..”

by Jules

Single Mums Business Network Awards and Covid-19 – This is what is going to happen!

We had planned to celebrate with the first UK National Awards for Single Mums in Business on May 23rd 2020. Due to Covid, we played it safe and postponed the Awards until November 21st 2020, but following today’s announcement by the Prime Minister about events closing down, likely for another 6 months, we have had to succumb to the virus and make alternative plans! But challenges never stop us, and we always reflect on the positive! So here’s the GOOD NEWS….

by Jules

Member success story – single mum in business created three female breadwinners, and has now hired a new member of staff who is pregnant

To try and articulate how immensly proud I am to share Laura’s story seems to great a task. Not only is she a single mum who faught to make work work for her and her family, she sustained, she grew, she employed, and during Covid-19 when the self-employed partners lost work, she created and sustained three breadwinners. To add icing on the cake she has now employed a new member of staff who is pregnant. That story will follow. I always wanted to showcase the single mums who dispel misconceptions that single mums are work shy living on benefits to get a free house. We are women, and amazing women at that! Here is what Laura says:

by Jules

SMBN MEMBERSHIP – PROFIT OR PURPOSE?

For our children, we work together, for change, for a better life. PARENTING SHOULD NOT CARRY A FINANCIAL PENALTY, We NEED to create tomorrow’s carers, nurses, shopkeepers, vets, cleaners, administrators ETC. We have to continue the life cycle! and we SHOULD not be dismissed for doing it!

by Jules

Meet Jane, shop eco for xmas, and browse for some cards to post to your loved ones..

We love Jane. Jane has been a member of the SMBN for several months and she supports so many local networks it’s incredible. Jane promotes herself as a Utility Warehouse Partner (see her welcome post here), but that’s not all she does – like getting blood out of a stone I recently learned of herContinue reading “Meet Jane, shop eco for xmas, and browse for some cards to post to your loved ones..”

by Jules

Genny Jones – Happiness and Wellbeing Consultant

Genny Jones has been working in the accounting profession for 25 years in various roles. Over the years she has overcome a period of work burn out, depression and low self esteem to developing her unique happiness and wellbeing sessions aimed at businesses to help employees manage their stress levels so that they can be more productive.

by Jules

Welcome new ‘Friend of the SMBN’ – Carol McIntyre, Exec Pro VA

I’m delighted to welcome Carol McIntyre, Exec Pro VA @execprova as a ‘friend of the SMBN’.

The mission of the SMBN is ‘To help self-employed working mums in the UK who are fighting solo to be financially independent whilst there for their families’. Friends of the SMBN are valuable in helping us gain this exposure and benefit from very affordable exposure with every visit to the SMBN.

by Jules

Welcome New Member, Esther Nagle. Blog and Social Media Content Writer for Yoga Teachers

I would like to welcome Esther Nagle, of beherewritenow.co.uk to the Single Mums Business Network. Esther is based in Wales but the nature of her work means that she can help you wherever you are in the UK! Here’s what Esther says: What do you get when you combine a love of writing with aContinue reading “Welcome New Member, Esther Nagle. Blog and Social Media Content Writer for Yoga Teachers”

by Jules

We don’t need no education! (despite the double negative!) We just need less time control..

As part of my journey in establishing the SMBN and what it stands for, I have spent a significant amount of time researching what support is out there, for women who have been locked out of their careers, since making the very selfish decision of keeping the conveyor belt of life going.. Gone are theContinue reading “We don’t need no education! (despite the double negative!) We just need less time control..”

by Jules

Students in Mind..

SMBN Member Sarah Harvey joined the network when her business idea was in its infancy. She has since supported other members, coordinated meetings in Liverpool to help other women grow and now she is ready to share more information about her business – Students in Mind. Students in Mind offers wellbeing coaching & facilitating withinContinue reading “Students in Mind..”

by Jules

Covid-19 and destitute self-employed, self-sufficient single mums

I have long campaigned for the right of a mother, or any primary carer, to be able to enjoy the sanctuary of employment with some flexibility to work 0.6 or 0.8 FTE without sacrificing skillset or pay scale. As it stands, many women ‘choose’ self-employment, as an alternative to a benefits lifestyle when they find themselvesContinue reading “Covid-19 and destitute self-employed, self-sufficient single mums”

by Jules

Welcome New Member – Danielle Fletcher – Certified Social Media Marketer, Facebook & Instagram Ads Strategist, Learn Digital With Danielle

I am delighted to welcome Danielle Fletcher, Certified Social Media Marketer, Facebook & Instagram Ads Strategist, Learn Digital With Danielle, to the Single Mums Business Network. We met at a recent Woman Who awards event in Coventry and made an immediate connection. If you are still shy about networking, please don’t be, once we haveContinue reading “Welcome New Member – Danielle Fletcher – Certified Social Media Marketer, Facebook & Instagram Ads Strategist, Learn Digital With Danielle”

by Jules

Welcome New Member, Rebecca Flynn – Director of Alpha and Omega Recruitment, London & Liverpool

I am delighted to welcome Rebecca to the SMBN! Again, Rebecca just showcases the professional woman that is also a Single Mum – are you beginning to see? Rebecca met Sarah, our County Coordinator in Liverpool last month and I am so pleased that she has now decided to join our fantastic National Network, ofContinue reading “Welcome New Member, Rebecca Flynn – Director of Alpha and Omega Recruitment, London & Liverpool”

by Jules

I’m a Finalist! Woman Who Achieves Awards 2020 with Sandra Garlick MBE

Just in-case you didn’t see my post on Facebook, or Instagram, or Twitter, or Google, or LinkedIn, or if you didn’t see me skipping down the road! I have news… I’m a finalist! and yes I am celebrating it’s a really big deal.. I first applied for the Woman Who Achieves Awards in 2018 –Continue reading “I’m a Finalist! Woman Who Achieves Awards 2020 with Sandra Garlick MBE”

by Jules

Welcome New Member – Noreen Khan, Board of Directors – Neesie. NEESIE is a unique concept which provides supportive friendships and help for single mothers

I am delighted to welcome Noreen Khan to the Single Mums Business Network. Noreen is on the Board of Directors at NEESIE, an organisation which I had not previously heard of, but now I know about it I am very pleased to share it with you. NEESIE is a grassroots organisation providing a platform forContinue reading “Welcome New Member – Noreen Khan, Board of Directors – Neesie. NEESIE is a unique concept which provides supportive friendships and help for single mothers”

by Jules

Welcome New Member, Nina Bambrey of Flipturn – Author of ‘Journey into Parenting’ – a book and online course…

Nina and I met on Linkedin and I am very pleased to welcome her to our national network of Single Mums in Business. I am so proud of the Calibre of women who are joining the network to not only help themselves, but help each other. Here’s what Nina says; Author of “Journey into Parenting”,Continue reading “Welcome New Member, Nina Bambrey of Flipturn – Author of ‘Journey into Parenting’ – a book and online course…”

by Jules

Welcome New Member, Genny Jones from Genny Jones Training (accountancy) to the Single Mums Business Network

I am delighted to welcome Genny Jones to the Single Mums Business Network. We have been connected on Twitter for some time and I had no idea she was a fellow SMiB! Here’s what she says: With over 20 years experience of working in the accounting field in various roles. In my business, I helpContinue reading “Welcome New Member, Genny Jones from Genny Jones Training (accountancy) to the Single Mums Business Network”

by Jules

Welcome New Member, Gill Hogg, Will Writer at The Will Guys to the SMBN. Gill has also taken on the role of County Coordinator for two Counties, Northumberland & Tyne and Wear!

What a superwoman! Gill is not only a full-time teacher but she has trained and set-up as a Will Writer. Single Mum to two children and now SMBN County Coordinator for two Counties! Here’s what Gill says: Hi everyone,  my name is Gill and I work with ‘The Will Guys’ who are based in Wallsend,Continue reading “Welcome New Member, Gill Hogg, Will Writer at The Will Guys to the SMBN. Gill has also taken on the role of County Coordinator for two Counties, Northumberland & Tyne and Wear!”

by Jules

The first ever National SMBN awards, will be held on Saturday 23rd May 2020, finalists will be announced on 21st March 2020 #SingleParentsDay

The first ever SMBN awards, will be held on Saturday 23rd May 2020, at #Mercure #Gloucester, Bowden Hall Hotel. The event will be from 5pm – 8/9pm and is a black tie event for parents and children. Award entries are closing soon and finalists will be announced on 21st March 2020 #SingleParentsDay Single Parents Day.Continue reading “The first ever National SMBN awards, will be held on Saturday 23rd May 2020, finalists will be announced on 21st March 2020 #SingleParentsDay”

by Jules

Welcome New Member, Claire Harris, Pets 2 Places (a great franchise opportunity!)

Welcome New Member, Claire Harris, Pets 2 Places (a great fanchise opportunity!)

Members enjoy exposure to their business with every visit to the SMBN and associated PR. Please don’t hesitate to join us if you are a Single Mum working hard to pay the bills alone, we are here to help you. You do not have to be a single mum to join, we have friends of the SMBN too. Every time a new member joins she is not only helping herself but helping every other member and friend of the SMBN, we welcome you x

by Jules

Making work work as a mum is a serious issue, not a fluffy millennial snowflake fad. Yesterday I spent four hours listening to an abused lady, too scared to leave her husband, for fear of how to survive…

I am clearly serious about the Single Mums Business Network, but I often promote it in a very light-hearted way, but when I have a meeting like the one I had yesterday, I cannot stress enough the importance of enabling a person to generate a healthy income, whilst being a primary carer. A relationship shouldContinue reading “Making work work as a mum is a serious issue, not a fluffy millennial snowflake fad. Yesterday I spent four hours listening to an abused lady, too scared to leave her husband, for fear of how to survive…”

by Jules

Catherine Gladwyn, ‘Friend’ of the SMBN, runs a successful virtual assistant business, has published an award winning bestselling book, mentors other business owners, and, lives with Addison’s disease and recurring pituitary tumours… she shares because she cares!

Catherine Gladwyn, Friend of the SMBN, runs a successful virtual assistant business, has published an award winning bestselling book, mentors other business owners, and, lives with Addison’s disease and recurring pituitary tumours… she shares because she cares!

by Jules

Welcome New Member, Shannon Andrews, Lettering Artist, to the Single Mums Business Network..

Welcome Shannon Andrews, Lettering artist living is Surrey specialising in bespoke notebook cover designs. Each notebook is hand lettered to order with an inspirational uplifting quote or personalised with a name of your choice – making them the ideal gift for yourself, a friend or loved one. Want your own saying or favourite quote? Get in touch…anything is possible!

by Jules

I set up the Single Mums Business Network following my own 8 year journey as a single mum trying to balance work, childcare, finance and business.. despite stigma.

‘FLEXIBLE WORKING ISN’T AN OPTION.’ THAT’S WHAT MY EMPLOYER CONFIRMED DURING MY MATERNITY. I HAD TO CHOOSE, MY CAREER OR MY DAUGHTER? I CHOSE MY DAUGHTER, AND PAID THE PRICE. When I say I paid the price I want to be clear from the off, I do not and never have regretted choosing my daughter. Every cuddle,Continue reading “I set up the Single Mums Business Network following my own 8 year journey as a single mum trying to balance work, childcare, finance and business.. despite stigma.”

by Jules

Welcome new ‘Friend of the SMBN’ – Hannah Edwards, Empowered Virtual Assistant

I’m delighted to welcome Hannah Edwards of Empowered VA as a ‘friend of the SMBN’.

A membership was donated to Fiona Scott’s Silent Christmas Auction which she runs every year in aid of Ainslie’s Pavilion project, which she set-up in memory of her friend Ainslie, who lost her life to Breast Cancer in 2015. I try to support this most years and this year Hannah made a donation and was the lucky winner of the annual SMBN membership. Read more…

by Jules

Welcome New Member Laura Callahan of Willow HR, to the Single Mums Business Network

Laura says: ‘At the end of 2016, after 15 years in HR and Recruitment, I started Willow HR Consulting. We specialise in supporting small to medium-sized enterprises achieve their strategic objectives through their people. This sometimes means we are supporting a business to resolve an immediate critical issue, working on medium-term projects or offering long-termContinue reading “Welcome New Member Laura Callahan of Willow HR, to the Single Mums Business Network”

by Jules

Welcome New Member – Chel Dowdie of Translation Well (French * English) to the Single Mums Business Network

Welcome New Member – Chel Dowdie of Translation Well (French * English) to the Single Mums Business Network

Chel specialises in translation services to the education, journalism and legal sectors

I have no doubt of the calibre of Single Mums in the UK and the SMBN is here to ensure that they get the exposure they deserve to help them succeed in making work work alongside of caring for their family

by Jules

Welcome New Member – Nehaya Zitawi – Hiya’s Healing, to the SMBN

I am delighted to welcome Nehaya to the SMBN, a professional network of Single Mums in Business in the UK. Nehaya works from Bristol and I met her at our Bristol meeting this week, she is absolutely amazing with her journey and sincerity towards helping other. Here’s what she says:

by Jules

Welcome New Member, Tanya Gebhardt, to the SMBN, Tanya specialises in Permanent Make Up and is based in Malvern

I am delighted to welcome Tanya Gebhardt to the Single Mums Business Network. I will confess that reading Tanya’s introduction made me cry. So many of our members share stories of walking down the isle or starting a family in a loving relationship and never expecting to be a ‘single mum’, but alas we are and we are coming together to not only support ourselves, but support all Single Mums in Business throughout the UK, read what she says here;

by Jules

Welcome new member Jane Scanlan, Cherish, Transform, Upgrade

I’m delighted to welcome Jane Scanlan of Cherish Transform Updgrade to the SMBN, a UK wide network for Single Mums in Business. Jane is based in Bournemouth and she may well be announced as the County Coordinator soon! Watch this space! Here’s what Jane says;

by Jules

Welcome New Member – Charlotte from The Marketing Barn – to the SMBN

I would like to welcome Charlotte England, from The Marketing Barn to the Single Mums Business Network. Charlotte is based in Somerset but works with clients Nationwide. Charlotte is not only now gaining exposure to ‘her’ business but she is helping all Single Mums in Business in the UK (members) gain exposure to theirs. Thank you Charlotte for joining the SMBN

by Jules

Award Entries now OPEN

The awards are FREE to enter and the event will be kept as cost. The event is early evening for parents AND children. We already have some great prizes and will continually look for support to make sure amazing memories are created for these children watching their amazing single mums!

by Jules

Published by Jules

Director of KIH Products and Founder of the Single Mums Business Network. Multi-Award-Winning Business Woman and Visionary. Also co-organiser of Find Your Power Event 2021 and Author of Finding Happiness and Freeing Your Spirit. Wellbeing Practitioner. Human.

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