Business Startup

In the past the birth of a new baby often meant a career cutback for many women but not so for five new mums whose act of creation hasn’t just stopped with the arrival of a baby. The North West based women’s enterprise agency Train 2000 has advised and supported five Warrington mums whose business ideas were inspired by the birth of their babies.

Emma Dart, 34, of Appleton runs Buggyfit Classes across Cheshire and developed her business idea after a quest to regain her pre-baby body: “As a new Mum I found it extremely difficult to get the time to exercise after having a baby. Maternity pay doesn't allow for gym membership and crèche fees on top were just crippling. I started walking with the pram and then did some light resistance work at home.”

After shedding four stone Emma realized her regime could help other new mums; so she registered with Buggyfit which offers a structured exercise plan for new mums and qualified as a registered ante natal fitness instructor.

The women’s enterprise agency, Train 2000 helped Emma set up the business which now operates across the North West.

When Amy Conlon, 24, was expecting her first child, Foster who is now 20 months, she was disappointed to discover that no companies offered a baby shower service: “I loved the idea of baby showers which are big in the US and getting bigger here. I couldn’t find anywhere locally so decided to organize everything myself. Everyone had such a great time I realized I could offer the service myself and set up bump2bounce.”

Jo Barritt and Louise Hoggarth are just about to open their first business venture Bmps’nDaisy in Culceth, a boutique specializing in stylish maternity wear. Lou and Jo met five years ago at antenatal classes when Jo was expecting her first baby and Lou her second and they say that their shop will offer the personal touch: “Pregnancy is a lovely and exciting time but it can be an isolating experience as well and it really helps to have people around who have been through it or are going through it too. We at Bumps ‘n’ Daisy really appreciate this and we hope to take this into consideration with all our customers.“

Former theatre technician Cara Chambers used her artistic talents to design handmade baby stationary after her daughter was born in 2006: “After my eldest daughter was born I couldn’t go back to my old job. We have a lot of family living outside the local area that wouldn’t get the chance to see the baby so I designed the cards to incorporate a photo. It was then I realized I wouldn’t be the only new mum in that position and I developed the idea into a business.” Cara has since developed the business to include wedding stationary and offers eco friendly recycled paper products.

All of the women have been supported by the women’s enterprise agency, Train 2000. Claire Pederson, Enterprise Enabler at Train 2000 says “My role is to support women who have an idea for a business by offering advice and guidance around all aspects of business planning and research. I help them to understand the practicalities of running a business and to decide whether this is the best option for them. “