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News: Business Mum’s news items
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Music Within April 2008
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Birmingham Composer and teacher has started a pioneering new business providing completely original music relaxation sessions for expectant mums. Lindsay recently premiered 'The Magic Jigsaw' at Birmingham Town Hall to raise money for The Edward Trust. The words were written by the late Edward Dent on whom the trust is founded. The concert was a huge success. Lindsay has composed all the music and songs for her MUSIC WITHIN sessions which are running in Birmingham and Solihull. They have been written explicitly to help mums bond with their unborn babies, whilst providing mums with luxurious 'me-time' to unwind and learn relaxation techniques. She is now developing and extending these sessions for premature babies, helping mums to bond with babies who have had unexpected and possibly complicated, early arrivals into the world.
www.musicwithin.co.uk
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Blossom & Berry April 2008
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Blossom & Berry unique Licensed Baby Massage Teacher Program signs up first Baby Massage Teachers in the UK. The scheme was only launched in
February 2008 and it is growing everyday. There has been huge interest and many have signed up to teach Blossom & Berry's relaxed baby massage and baby yoga classes in their local area. Many of the new teachers are mums. Gayle Berry founder of Blossom & Berry says that becoming a licensed teacher is "a great way to combine a incredibly rewarding and fun job with working flexibly whilst earning an excellent part time income." Gayle is is hoping to share the passion she has for baby massage with new teachers and parents.
www.blossomandberry.com .
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Bras4Mums - March 2008
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Underwear “Baby” Set to Grow
Some pregnant and breast feeding women think that squeezing constantly changing breasts in to an ill-fitting bra is just all part of the challenge! Others - though they undergo a wide range of indignities in the name of motherhood- would not dream of asking for help to make sure their underwear is suitable.
Tracey-Jane Hughes found little or no “support” for her blossoming body during two pregnancies, so she created a successful business supplying - and in parts of the UK fitting - attractive and appropriate undies for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
After extensive training T-J launched bras4mums with the idea of visiting North West mums and mums-to-be in their homes or even hospital wards to help them find the right bra.
This particular “baby” has grown and grown, and now incorporates a popular online advice and retail service.
T-J explained: “At a time when it is hard to get comfortable, and you sometimes feel you look your worst physically, it is amazing how many women ‘make do’ with ill fitting underwear.
“In fact there are sound medical reasons why it is vital to get your bra’s fitted to your own particular – and probably changing – body shape.
“And yes, it is possible to find attractive and even sexy underwear for pregnant and breast feeding mums. What better time to pamper yourself!”
T-J added: ”You may not have the time or energy to trawl round the shops, plus sales assistants can be well-meaning but unable to handle your particular needs. That’s why shopping from home can be a godsend.”
Women in the North West of England can still enjoy the benefits of a home fitting session with bras4mums and T-J hopes to roll out this service nationally in the near future.
Meanwhile, advice is available by telephone or e-mail, and www.bras4mums.co.uk includes information, suggestions and an easy guide to choosing underwear, lingerie and swimwear.
Contact bras4mums on 0845 373 3875 or info@bras4mums.co.uk
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TeesOnline News January 2008
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How it all began...
TeesOnline originally started out as PPJ Banners 'N' Qualitee Shirts almost 5 years ago when Pauline Adams, owner, was expecting her second baby, a little girl. Having just purchased a screenprinting machine for her bannerette business which she had been running for the past 3 years, she decided to print her then, 5 year old son a t-shirt with 'I'm the BIG Brother' on. Knowing how much attention new baby's receive she felt that having been an only child and the centre of her world for so long, he would feel a bit left out, even more so as he wanted a brother! He wore his t-shirt with great pride the day his little sister was born and it also helped focus some attention on him.
The t-shirt business started growing from then on. Friends were asking if they could have a t-shirt for their son or daughter and word has spread over time and the range is continuously increasing due to popular demand. Pauline says that customer's always comment on how the t-shirts feel and look different from any other type of printed t-shirt. She believes this is because each t-shirt is printed individually by hand and she only uses water-based inks which are more environmentally friendly.
TeesOnline will soon be adding to their range with Maternity T-Shirts for the Mum to be (again!)
Pauline recommends that every customer take a photograph of the new baby with their big brother or big sister wearing their t-shirt as it will be a photograph that they will cherish forever.
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Mums in Biz Seminar
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EVENT 1 Tuesday 4th December - Mums in Biz Seminar - see information below
Calling all Mums Who have recently started or would like to run their own business.
Mums in Biz runs Business start up seminars that focus directly on ideas and issues that affect busy mums and provides answers fun and inspiration to get your business moving!
The seminars includes sessions on business planning, time management, finance, life coaching, marketing, child care opportunities, provides business ideas and what to do and where to go next!
We have made it easy for you:
~ A Business Startup seminar supported by Startup Co aimed specifically at Mums
~ Venue, free car parking and subsidised child care from Brighton day Nursery, all within 2 minutes of each other
~ Lunch is provided in a relaxed fun environment in the Casino over looking Brighton Marina
Times 12.15-3.15pm
Date Tuesday 4th December 2007
Venue Rendezvous Casino, Brighton Marina
Cost £25 (Light Lunch provided)
Childcare Asquith Nursery in Brighton Marina (next door to the Casino) - Offers reduced crèche fees when booking with Mums in Biz
Car parking Free (1 minute from Casino and Asquith Nursery)
To book or for further information please call 01273 681484 or email nickyc@mumsinbiz.co.uk
Book online www.mumsinbiz.co.uk
EVENT 2 Wednesday 5th December - One hour taster session - see info below
Mums in Biz - How to stay fit when running your own business
Mums in Biz In conjunction with Back 2 Balance Chiropractic Clinic - A FREE Health & Wellbeing Seminar for mums living in Sussex, setting up their new business or just started out in business.
Focusing on the real issues that affect busy mums and provide answers and inspiration to get your business moving!
Come along 5 December 2007 and get a taster of how Mums in Biz can help you run a business with lots of tips and tools that you can use on a daily basis to help run a viable family focused business and most importantly tips on how you and your family can stay healthy and well.
Date Wednesday 5th December 2007
Time 10am start - one hour
Venue The Studio, 35 Goldstone Villas, Hove, BN3 3RT
Cost FREE
Childcare Mums may bring kids with them (please let us know when reserving your place)
Car Parking Metered
Call 01273 681484 to book your place (Limited places available)
Email nickyc@mumsinbiz.co.uk
To Book Please fill in the booking form at www.mumsinbiz.co.uk
The taster sessions will cover: sources of information and support, time management tips, child care issues, training and funding, specific information on your business ideas and what to do and where to go next! Plus comprehensive health and wellbeing information and tips on how to work from home including best ergonomic set-up and ways to work keeping health problems to a minimum; vital in any new, growing business.
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Truly Madly Baby October 2007
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BT Business - Essence of the Entrepreneur 2007
Julie White of Truly Madly Baby is named one of the UK’s most talented entrepreneurs
Founder of Truly Madly Baby Ltd, Julie White, has been named as a Winner of The BT Business Essence of the Entrepreneur competition. This Award celebrates the achievements of small businesses that have demonstrated exceptional dedication and have found new directions to succeed in business with the help of technology. A panel of judges, including successful entrepreneurs and industry experts, selected the UK's 20 top winning entrepreneurs.
To visualise the success of these entrepreneurs, celebrated photographer Perou will capture the essence of their business in a series of photographs. The series of 20 photographs will then feature in a high-profile exhibition in November at gallery@oxo, on London’s South Bank.
Julie White from Truly Madly Baby will add this to a list of awards won over two years in business, including HSBC Start Up Stars Award winner 2006, UPS Local Business Awards Winner 2007, and most famously being an Investment Winner on BBC2’s Dragons’ Den.
Julie White
Managing Director
Truly Madly Baby
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The Book Duck 13th September 2007
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Usborne Phonics readers supporting your child’s Early Learning Curriculum goals.
Usborne Books for Children is the home of the twelve story set of Phonics Readers, including characters like big pig and toad who help to make ‘synthetic phonic learning’ fun. A report commissioned by the DfES in 2006 proposed the teaching of 'synthetic phonics' for early years literacy. Synthetic phonics are all about sounds; children learn to pronounce the sounds associated with letters 'in isolation' and, once learned, these individual sounds can be blended together to form words. All twelve of the Phonics Readers have been written in conjunction with an educational psychology expert and also contain flaps to make the reading experience more interactive.
If you wish to help your child in becoming a confident reader, the following actions are recommended;
- Start reading early with your child. When they are first born, reading from a book is a great way of them hearing your voice, which soothes them and gets you into the habit of sharing a book with the child.
- Have books around the house from day one. There are many very sturdy block, board and even plastic bath books on the market. It is important that children see books as another form of entertainment just like their other toys.
- Set aside time every day to read at least once - bedtime is ideal, but don't forget that reading is a great way to calm a child down before a daytime nap too. Make sure the room is quiet and comfortable so you can both focus on the book.
- Allowing the child to choose the book will help them develop likes and dislikes in literature and ensure they stay captivated.
- Choose books with flaps, textures etc to encourage the child to interact with the book.
- Talk to the child about what they think of the story and the pictures.
- Ask them what they think will happen next.
- Encourage them to join in - shouting out words or rhymes.
- Point out words on the page, this will start them thinking about how text works - that those funny squiggles actually mean something!
- Consider buying them a book for a birthday present and tell friends and family to do so too! Book tokens are ideal for older children, giving them the power to choose their own likes and dislikes.
- Even when your child starts school, don't neglect story time, it is important that they know that books can be fun throughout their lives.
Submitted By Kelly Mitchell
Independent Usborne Organiser
www.TheBookDuck.co.uk
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AlphaLearners September 12th 2007:
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Support your child’s learning at home
Do you wish you had more time to support your children with creative play, reading, writing and number practice? Although I’m often relieved when their day ends to hide toys, pour a glass of wine and have some adult time, I’m sure I’m not the only parent who finds myself secretly wishing for more hours in the day. Living with young children is so hectic and it’s easy to feel you are rushing from one thing to the next. We all want to do the best for our kids but it’s not always easy. So how can you support your child with their learning?
Firstly, think little and often. Perfect for young children. Capture their attention and whilst you have it focus it. Five minutes here and there are helpful.
Keep them motivated. Find out what appeals to them and make it fun. Children are like sponges and will soak up their new found knowledge, so try to channel their endless energy at this critical learning stage then your child can really benefit. Try to work out how they learn and what makes them tick then use a mixture of activities.
With very young children, handprint a personalised placemat or cards so they can learn to recognise their name. Make an alphabet book – we have one you can make yourself – free with our alphabet stickers! Find pictures in books, or on a colourful, write on wipe off ABC placemat. Say what the picture is. Encourage them to listen for the initial sound. Make up silly rhymes. Draw letter shapes and pictures in sand. With older kids, make it fun – make a times table grid with stickers, use number beads or stickers to practise times tables, give them something that interests them to encourage them to write, etc. Don’t forget kids’ motivation changes all the time, so if something’s not working just now, try something different and give plenty of variety.
Give loads of encouragement, however small an achievement may seem to you. As soon as they start showing an interest in holding a pencil, encourage them to draw pictures. Ask them what they have drawn. Praise them and they will want to do more and more. Don’t forget to label the picture with their name and show it off or give it to a relative as a thank you ‘card’.
Stay one step ahead. This is tricky when you feel like you have less time and energy than your child. But a few small details can really help. When your child is starting to hold a pencil or crayon, encourage them to use a tripod grip and think about the next stage. Teach yourself how to form letters ‘correctly’ so that they can do that right from the outset. Form letters eg an ‘a’ in one pencil stroke, rather than as a ‘ball and a stick’. Even if your school teaches lead in strokes or varies a couple of letters your little one will still have an early grasp of the basics. Start with their name and encourage them to learn those letters first. Use lower case letters only except to start their name. Watch your child is making a letter shape in the right direction. Try our write-on wipe-off placemats. It takes ages to learn to write but if you are a bit prepared you’ll help save lots of unlearning later.
When it comes to reading and your child is starting to read words, try concentrating on one or two frequently used words at a time. Use keyword stickers to help you and fill an activity sheet. Cut them up into cards and play with the words. Get your child to find a word. Make a sentence with it. Write for them and discuss it. When they can write, get them to write the word, make up a sentence and try to write that. As they progress they can write a story! Stretch them a little if they are keen but never push them.
Numbers are all around – there are endless ways to learn. Play counting games. Count backwards from 10. Blastoff in a rocket. Look at door numbers. Count cars, stones, people, beads, pasta. Buy or make up number cards or mats so you have something to hand. Sort number cards into order, and backwards. Use a 100 square grid to count in 10s, 5s, 2s. Count in odd and even numbers. Share cakes amongst siblings or friends. And of course, there’s shopping.
In these ways you can build their confidence. And finally, don’t worry. If they don’t want to read or write, don’t get hung up on it…..play and have fun. They are only children after all and they will learn when they are ready.
Jackie Allen, Managing Director, AlphaLearners.
See our range of colourful educational products at www.alphalearner.co.uk
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Mummy Mitts June 6th 2007:
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Everyone’s been working hard to bring exciting news that Anna believes makes Mummy Mitts an excellent proposition!
Anna Dickson first appeared on television when she took her mummy mitts into the BBC2’s Dragon’s Den. Since then she has enjoyed much success and more recently has been able to expand her range further. Anna and her team have been working with One Tree Hill (onetreehill.nl) on the development of the mitts and are pleased to announce some exiting changes:
· Mummy Mitts are to be re-branded under One Tree Hill with the mitts now known as Buggy Mitts
· Three more products have been added to the portfolio which include fantastic Buggy mummys , reversible seats and mummy bags.
· They have redesigned and repackaged the mitts enabling them to be offered at much more competitive rates.
· The new range has been designed to include fresh colours to suit all tastes as well as the popular black ones.
This means that they can now offer not just one but four fresh innovative products and at a far more competitive rate. Anna firmly believes that by creating this partnership with One Tree Hill she is now able to position the company as market leaders in the UK for Pram and Buggy accessories. They have developed what she already had and now have the samples being finalised.
The newly christened "Buggy Mitts" will be ready in just a couple of weeks. Look out for the products on her website soon.
Anna was featured again on BBC’s Dragons Den in a one off follow up program in July earlier this year.
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