Ninety two per cent of business-owning mums believe having children improves work skills

Bringing up a baby is inspiring thousands of women to set up their own business, as well as equipping them with the skills to succeed, according to ‘Mum Magnates’ a study out today from Yell.com - the online service from Yellow Pages.

The study1, found 40 per cent of ’Mum Magnates’ get the idea to start their own business whilst pregnant, or within a year of their baby being born. In addition, 92 per cent¹ attribute their success to a range of skills developed after becoming a mother. These include multi-tasking, planning ahead, a can-do attitude and efficiency.

Yell.com commissioned the study to mark its sponsorship of the ‘Inspirational Business Mum of the Year’ category at the 2008 Prowess Awards2, and worked with renowned psychologist Dr Geoffrey Beattie, to analyse the results.

Commenting on the research, Dr Geoffrey Beattie, said: “Pregnancy has a big effect on the body and the brain; it can elevate your mood for significant periods of time. When people are in an elevated mood state, they are prepared to consider riskier types of initiatives such as launching a business. This can lead to the translation of an initial break-through idea into action.”

Once mums have taken the big leap to set up their own business, the study found they perform a remarkable 18 different job roles – from cook right through to accountant – during any average week. In monetary terms, respondents estimate that they would have to pay an annual salary just shy of £50,000 for someone else to undertake these tasks.3

The research also investigated how the internet is playing a key role in this sector. More than half (51 %) of those surveyed feel they can’t do without the internet for the freedom and flexibility to work around family commitments it gives them. More than a quarter (27%) log on to work after 5pm and 59 per cent of those work between 9pm and midnight. Nearly a third (30%) of businesses formed by mums are wholly internet-based.

Helen Stevenson, chief marketing officer at Yell said: “It’s particularly interesting to see how much the Internet is helping mothers to release their ambitions and set up their own business. As sponsor of the Inspirational Business Mum of the Year award for a second year running, we’re really looking forward to seeing the nominations from this fantastic group of women.”

Yell.com is now calling for budding mum-magnates to nominate themselves for an award and follow in the footsteps of last year’s winner Sarah Steele and her national chain of children’s nurseries. To nominate yourself or a friend, or for general tips and advice on being a business mum go to www.bizmums.yell.com4. Yell offers all businesses a free listing across Yellow Pages, Yell.com and Yellow Pages 118 24 7. For more information visit www.yelldirect.com.