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

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


Welcome New Member, Nina Farr, to the Single Mums Business Network. Nina is a Leadership Coach & Mentor, TEDx Speaker, Author of ‘I am the Parent Who Stayed’, and there’s more! Read on…

I am delighted to welcome Nina Farr, to the Single Mums Business Network, aka SMBN. You really need to visit Nina’s website to fully appreciate the scope of her offerings, from coaching, HR Support, her own Cluster Mothers Membership group, her book, and much more. Here is what Nina says;

Member Impact Story – Claire Harris – Pets2Places

Thank you to SMBN member Claire for submitting our first official Impact Story! The Single Mums Business Network [SMBN] was set-up in 2019 to help single mums with work, enterprise and wellbeing, with a strong focus on positive mental health and economic impact…

Welcome New Member, Claire Standen, Coach, Speaker and Activist, to the SMBN

Welcome New Member, Claire Standen, Coach, Speaker and Activist, to the SMBN. Claire is a coach and therapist helping entrepreneurial and professional women break the generational curse of ‘never enough’ so that they can build businesses, relationships and family lives that light them up. Read more..

The BOOK – Single Mum & 21st Century Peasant – Breaking out of Benefits Jail.

The BOOK – Single Mums & 21st Century Peasant – Breaking out of Benefits Jail, is coming soon! I have held a number of webinars to address barriers to adequate work, homes and finance, and consequential benefits. This book shares my own journey as a Single Mum and self-proclaimed 21st Century Peasant, as I share…

Welcome New SMBN Member – Danielle Baron – Integrative Therapist | Life/Career Coach | Experienced Teacher and AHT 10+ Years | 11 + Entrance Exam Tutor | Seen in Daily Mail, Prima, Grammar School Insider, Brainz Magazine… and there’s more!

I am delighted to welcome Danielle Baron to the Single Mums Business Network! Danielle catalyses children and adults to rise like a phoenix from the flames 🔥 and to reach their optimum potential. She is an entrepreneur, inspiring 11+ and 7+ entrance exams tutor, rapid transformational therapist®, business coach for overachievers, a life coach for…

Right darlings! The Gov have just made a ‘bit’ of a ‘massive’ poop in judging you instead of tackling the root cause and keeping you safe in the interim, so, let me see what I can do to help… Webinar/ Workshop – Breaking Free from Benefits – Flexible Working and Self-Employment – Free of Charge – all welcome regardless of reason for needing support.

I cannot express enough how disappointed I am in the Chancellor’s attitude towards the most vulnerable members of society in receipt of universal credit. I am all for everybody working, and I am all for growing the economy, but punishing the most vulnerable, instead of tackling the root cause, epitomises what is wrong with our…

I’ve had a busy 24hrs! I have spoken to the PM; challenged, listened, delivered our message, presented the barriers, the solutions, the pain, and I am beyond satisfied that I have done all that I can; here’s what was said…

Naturally we do not know whether it will be Rishi or Liz that resides at No.10 next month, but I can hand on heart, in the knowledge that it will be one of them, say that I have spoken to our PM! Quite literally for YEARS, I have been writing to Downing Street, Royalty, MP’s,…

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.…

Aaaaand, we’re off!

Aaaaand, we’re off! The SMBN Single Mums Business Network 2022 Awards are officially OPEN for entries! Read more…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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-profit…

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…

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…

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…

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. We…

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…

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…

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,…

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 SolutionBarriers to Finance, Cost to Economy and SolutionBarriers to Home, Cost to Economy and SolutionStigma,…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Welcome New Member – Susie Mackie – Founder – Women of Spirit

I am delighted to welcome Susie Mackie, Photographer, Author, Founder of Women of Spirit and Hotter Shoes Inspirational Woman! to the Single Mums Business Network. I have been connected with Susie for a few years and admired her work from afar, and I am so proud that she is a fellow SMiB and has joined…

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!

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…

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…

Welcome New Member, Gemma Bullock, Aurora Within

Hi I’m Gem I’m a single mum to two boys aged 9 and 6 my eldest son has additional needs. I work part time in a pharmacy as a dispenser as well as running my own beauty business from home (aurora Within) I’ve just further expanded my Beauty business to do aesthetics such as lip…

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 within…

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 themselves…

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 have…

How the fragile economy and relative poverty will now cost lives..

For too long, relative poverty, high debt and cost have living v low income has been ignored, or brushed under the carpet, and now it is clearly evident that a significant portion of society simply cannot afford to ‘ride the storm’ for a few weeks or a few months, in what should be a time,…

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 -…

Welcome New Member, Carly Wheeler, Trainee Tattoo Artist, TJT

I am delighted to welcome Carly to the Single Mums Business Network. It is so easy to judge a Single Mum, and many still do… 18 months ago Carly was happily married with a young child and a baby on the way, and then tragedy struck…. Tom Wheeler was a loving husband and doting father.…

Welcome New Member – Val Hood. Evidential Medium. Australia and UK

I am delighted to welcome Val Hood, Evidential Medium, to the SMBN. Val is a perfect example of why it is so important for a family to manage on a single income so that women are not trapped in abusive relationships. Val is from the UK but now lives in Australia and offers workshops and…

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