Breakout sessions include:

• Get Started! Invaluable advice on how to set up your own business by Julia Chanteray, Channel 4 business expert
• Get Out of Your Rut! Ongoing business development. How to keep up the momentum and revolutionise your business practices by Carmen MacDougall of The VA Coaching and Training Company
• Get Noticed! Branding and brand promotion by author and award winning entrepreneur Mumpreneur Guide Antonia Chitty of ACPR
• Get Confident! Robyn Hatley, coach, Mums the Business

The afternoon starts with a Case Study, “Business Stripped Bare” – hear how Jo Wise’s started a new service to beat the recession. Get Social with Nikki Backshall of Webmums who shows how Harnessing the Power of Online Networking can get your name out there. This is followed by a panel discussion and your chance to question Sophie Cornish of NOTHS, Sam Willoughby of WhatsOn4 and Alex Stone of Just too Busy

The Business Mums’ Conference 2010 will help you get inspired and learn skills to develop their business. Book at earlybird rates until 30th June. For more about The Business Mums’ Conference 2010, see www.businessmumsconference.co.uk

Annabel Karmel’s ‘Eat Fussy’ range is the Number 1 Kids Chilled meals brand and the fastest growing year on year. She is also the author of 22 books with global book sales of over £4million. At the BusinessMums Conference Annabel will be sharing her advice for mums in business and would be mumpreneurs. Annabel Karmel is pleased to be part of the event and says, “I wish there had been a business mums conf when I was starting out. The BusinessMums Conference in October in Brighton is a unique and exciting event that celebrates the growing contribution that business mums make to the economy. It has taken me many years to build my business and I’ve learnt so much along the way. I’m looking forward to sharing my business advice and experience first hand to so many inspiring mumpreneurs along with my top tips on how to manage motherhood and a thriving company.”

The Business Mums’ Conference 2010 will help women get inspired and learn skills to develop their business. At the show you will meet other mums running their own businesses, plus those thinking and planning to start up. You’ll meet people who have attended the Mumpreneurs Networking Club, those from the Mums in Biz training events and mums from across the south of England and beyond. It’s a chance to catch up with old friends, meet people you have only ever emailed or chatted to on forums, and to make new contacts. It is going to be a fun and glamorous event, with lots of practical applications for any mums who own a business.

For more about The Business Mums’ Conference 2010, see www.businessmumsconference.co.uk

For more about Annabel Karmel see www.annabelkarmel.com.

80% of parents have changed their working pattern since having children. The main reason parent change the way they work is to spend more time with the family. Just over half of parents explained that their priorities have changes, while nearly 3 in 10 found that their work hours didn’t fit the childcare available, and 3 in 20 found that it was financially no longer worth working due to the cost of childcare. Overwhelmingly, parents are happy with the choice they have made. Not one respondent wished they had never resigned, while 4 in 10 say that is has been the best decision they ever made, and nearly 6 in 10 describe the experience as ‘hard at times but worth it’.

Only 43% of parents who responded are now employed with the rest self employed, seeking work, studying or taking a career break.  And only 17% are working full time. Director of mumandworking and Practical Parenting Business Parent of the Year 2007/08 Sam Willoughby says, “This shows how traditional employment patterns are no longer normal. The 2010 mumandworking awards which are supported by Sarah Beeny reward and recognise the companies and individuals that make flexible working possible and show that family-friendly employment not only supports family life but give real benefits to the companies involved.”

Changing the way you work after having children has a big financial impact – seven out of 10 families have seen a drop in income and for nearly half of those this reduction is between £10-£40k a year. Three in 10 feel they are financially ‘fine’, while four in 10 are ok most of the time but struggle sometimes. Nearly a quarter struggle financially more often than not, with just under one in 10 finding they never have enough money or even have serious debt problems.

Money is not the top priority for parents, however. When asked to list their top three priorities, time with the family came out first for a massive 17 out of 20 parents, while flexible hours were a priority for three in four. Seven in twenty prioritised how much they earn and three in ten prioritised job security. Career progression was a priority for just one in 10. Director of Family Friendly Working and Inspirational Mumpreneur of the Year 2009 Antonia Chitty says, “Employers need to take this message on board to attract and retain employees. I’m pleased to support the 2010 mumandworking awards that recognise outstanding companies and individuals who are committed to flexible and family friendly work.”

To enter the awards or nominate someone go to www.Mumandworking.co.uk. Nominations are open now and there are a range of exciting prizes for the winners.

For Immediate Release

UK Industry Response to Recall of Infantino ‘Bag Style’ Baby Carriers

In light of the current recall of the Infantino “SlingRider” and “Wendy Bellissimo” slings in North America and  the possibility of similar corporate action within the UK and Europe, Rebecca Ward of the Consortium of UK Sling Retailers and Manufacturers said, “We are pleased that steps have been taken to ensure that using a baby sling is a safe way to carry your baby. If you are using a ‘bag style’ baby carrier and have concerns, we urge you to contact the manufacturer. The majority of baby carriers and slings are still safe to use, if they hold baby in proper alignment and fit snugly by design and instruction. These safe designs of sling include shallow pouch-style slings, ring slings, soft carriers and wrap slings.”

Advice for Parents

If you carry your baby in a bag-style sling, Rebecca Ward of the Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers says, “While we are unaware of any fatalities in the UK in these bag style slings at the present time, we would caution against using them in light of the recall”.

If you use a ‘bag-style’ carrier, you can contact your local babywearing group through Sling Meet, www.slingmeet.co.uk, for advice on alternative slings.

If you have another sort of baby carrier, Rebecca advises, “No safety problems have been brought to our attention with any other baby carriers. Make sure you read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.”

When using a baby sling, follow these basic principles:

Keep your baby close and keep your baby safe. When you’re wearing a sling or carrier, don’t forget the T.I.C.K.S.

Tight                                       P

In view at all times               P

Close enough to kiss            P

Keep chin off the chest      P

Supported back                    P

~~ENDS~~

Issued by Antonia Chitty on behalf of Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers 23/03/2010

Media enquiries to Antonia on 0845 643 1874 or 07900 580668

Rebecca Ward: 0117 9082479 or 07525650429

Notes to Editors

More information on Baby Sling Safety will be added to www.babyslingsafe.com

Background

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has raised concerns about “bag-style” baby carriers. It is thought that 14 deaths have occurred in the US over the last 20 years, including a number linked to the “bag-style” sling. UK Sling retailers and manufacturers are taking steps to ensure that parents have the information they need to continue to use safe designs of baby carriers and position their babies in the safest way possible.

One design of sling now seems to have potential risks. In “bag-style” slings, the deep pouch where baby sits puts the baby in a potentially suffocating curved position. Excess fabric with an elasticized edge may cover baby’s face and inhibit breathing. The design may cause the baby’s face to turn in toward the carer’s body, potentially smothering the baby. It also obstructs the baby from the parent’s view, due to the high and gathered side panels.

To find out more about baby wearing and get advice on safe ways to carry your baby there are several trusted websites to help you:

• Slingmeet
• TheBabywearer.com
• Facebook page for Babywearing Safety
• Mothering.com
• LaLecheLeague

Benefits of Baby Wearing

In well-designed products, studies have shown that baby wearing is not only safe, but is actually beneficial. Such studies have shown that quality baby slings and carriers have been shown to save lives, improve health, decrease crying, increase IQ, and facilitate breastfeeding and bonding. [i] Studies have also shown that worn babies are happier and spend more time in the quiet alert phase. In this phase they benefit more than their non-worn peers in language development and knowledge acquisition. Babywearing also helps babies sleep better, and physical needs, including breastfeeding, are met more quickly by a close, responsive parent. Millions of babies over time have been worn to their benefit making baby slings and carriers more of a necessity than the often-publicized fashion accessory. [ii]

Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers Members

Baba-licious, Baby Armadillo, Baby Bean, Babyhut, Big Mama Slings, Born, Brightsparkslings, Calin Bleu, Close Parent, CN Sales, Daisy Chain Slings, HippyChick, Huggababy, Kari-Me, Lifft Slings, Little Possums, Mama Natura, Napsack, Natural Connection, Naturally Happy Slings, Natural Nursery, Ocah Carriers, SaSaSlings, Sling Jax, Slumber-Roo, Snugbaby, The Carrying Kind

[ii] Source: La Leche League International

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has raised concerns about “bag-style” baby carriers. It is thought that 14 deaths have occurred in the US over the last 20 years, including a number linked to the “bag-style” sling. UK Sling retailers and manufacturers are taking steps to ensure that parents have the information they need to continue to use safe designs of baby carriers and position their babies in the safest way possible. One design of sling now seems to have potential risks. In “bag-style” slings, the deep pouch where baby sits puts the baby in a potentially suffocating curved position. Excess fabric with an elasticized edge may cover baby’s face and inhibit breathing. The design may cause the baby’s face to turn in toward the carer’s body, potentially smothering the baby. It also obstructs the baby from the parent’s view, due to the high and gathered side panels. The majority of baby carriers and slings are still safe to use, if they hold baby in proper alignment and fit snugly by design and instruction. These safe designs of sling include shallow pouch-style slings, ring slings, soft carriers and wrap slings. Advice for Parents If you carry your baby in a bag-style sling, Rebecca Ward, of the Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers advises you to contact your local babywearing group through Sling Meet, www.slingmeet.co.uk, for advice on alternative slings. She says, “While we are unaware of any fatalities in the UK in these bag style slings at the present time, we would caution against using them in light of the recommendations by the US Safety Commission”. If you have another sort of baby carrier, Rebecca advises, “No safety problems have been brought to our attention with any other baby carriers. Make sure you read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.” When using a baby sling, the advice provided by the Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers is to follow these basic principles: Keep your baby close and keep your baby safe. When you’re wearing a sling or carrier, don’t forget the T.I.C.K.S.

Tight

In view at all times

Close enough to kiss

Keep chin off the chest

Supported back

~~ENDS~~

Issued by Antonia Chitty on behalf of Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers 22/03/2010 Media enquiries to Antonia on antonia@acpr.cpo.uk 0845 643 1874 or 07900 580668 Rebecca Ward: 0117 9082479 or 07525650429 Notes to Editors To find out more about baby wearing and get advice on safe ways to carry your baby there are several trusted websites to help you:

• Slingmeet
• TheBabywearer.com
• Facebook page for Babywearing Safety
• Mothering.com
• LaLecheLeague

Benefits of Baby Wearing In well-designed products, studies have shown that baby wearing is not only safe, but is actually beneficial. Such studies have shown that quality baby slings and carriers have been shown to save lives, improve health, decrease crying, increase IQ, and facilitate breastfeeding and bonding. [i] Studies have also shown that worn babies are happier and spend more time in the quiet alert phase. In this phase they benefit more than their non-worn peers in language development and knowledge acquisition. Babywearing also helps babies sleep better, and physical needs, including breastfeeding, are met more quickly by a close, responsive parent. Millions of babies over time have been worn to their benefit making baby slings and carriers more of a necessity than the often-publicized fashion accessory. [ii] Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers Members Baba-licious, Baby Armadillo, Baby Bean, Babyhut, Big Mama Slings, BORN, Brightsparkslings, Calin Bleu, Close Parent, CN Sales, Daisy Chain Slings, HippyChick, Huggababy, Kari-Me, Lifft Slings, Little Possums, Mama Natura, Napsack, Natural Connection, Naturally Happy Slings, Natural Nursery, Ocah Carriers, SaSaSlings, Sling Jax, Slumber-Roo, Snugbaby, The Carrying Kind, Wilkinet

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##Ends##

Notes to Editors

1. For media enquiries, email Antonia@acpr.co.uk or call Antonia on 07900 580668. Mambino UK, Made In Water, Made  in  Water Ltd c/o Key  Mail  UK  Ltd Unit 12 Saxon Way Trading Est. Harmondsworth Middlesex UB7  0LW

With the internet bringing the entire world on your desk, it’s tempting to focus on big leads, national campaigns, being first on search engines… It’s a big world out there but there is one lesson I have learned over the last four years, it’s always nurture your local market.

I enjoy the challenge of promoting Calin Bleu and baby wearing in general locally, getting out there, talking to parents, sometimes you spend several hours talking to one customer for one item or for none! Other times, after one shopping appointment or dropping off leaflets in a café, I see a cluster of orders over the following months, all from the same area or even the same street. It is also a cost effective way of increasing sales. People love shopping from a local company and are happy to refer their friends and families to us.

It is an opportunity to stay closer to customers and learn a lot about our own products and how they are used. Recently I was helping her mum use her baby carrier. As I talked to her, I came up with a new way to explain how to get the wrap nice and snug for the little one, and it comes in very handy when I help a customer by phone or email.

The local market isn’t just local customers, think suppliers and partners! There is one product that we searched high and low for, internet, yellow pages, wholesaler directories to find it by chance driving through a business park. We also found our fulfilment company at a Small Business exhibition.

I always look forward to local networking events, especially women’s events. Managing your own business can be isolating, it’s nice to get out of the office and meet real people. In addition to great business contacts, I always leave re-energised. You never know who you’re going to meet and how they could help you in ways you hadn’t even contemplated. Recently, I had dinner with a group of dynamic business ladies, one of them turned out to have a background in sewing threads (our wraps have 10m of expensive thread!), another woman had recently launched a local magazine,  another one gave me some tips on promoting our events and that was before we swapped seats for dessert!… I achieved more in one evening than the whole of the previous week.

I believe so strongly in nurturing your local market that I encourage our retailers to promote their local sales as well and support them in any way I can. We’re getting great response.

Get out there, its fun!

For more ideas on promoting your business locally, buy A Guide to Promoting Your Business.