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Business success and motherhood can go hand in hand

Businesswoman and mother-of-one Rachael Taplin is a serial mumpreneur. She

has not only set up three successful businesses herself but she has worked

with hundreds of women to help them achieve their aspirations and dreams

and to become their own boss.

Ahead of John Hutton's anticipated announcement that funding will be

provided to encourage mothers to set up businesses Taplin, who runs a

support site specifically for mothers who want to set up their own

businesses commented: ''I developed Mums in Control to provide advice for

women in business because at the time there was nothing aimed specifically

at women with family commitments who wanted to know how to go about setting

up in business. The service is free and provides loads of tips and advice

on everything from how to decide what business best suits you to what to

think about when marketing it, as well as real life stories about those who

have already succeeded.''

Taplin continued: ''My experience is that the main reason that many women

don't go into business is lack of confidence. If you've been out of the

workplace for a few years, it is really easy to think you can't cut it

anymore but many women have lots to offer and that's where we come in. All

most women need to succeed is to believe that they have support behind

them. The Government has held up the US model as a shining example but we

have been running our own online women's business centre for the last two

years.''

Before setting up Mums in Control, Taplin ran a multi-million pound

business with her husband John but she felt really passionate about the

cause of working mothers so handing over the reins of their joint venture,

she now focuses her time on developing the support provided by the site and

also identifying franchise opportunities specifically for mothers who want

to work at home.

Taplin said: ''The franchise option is perfect for mothers wanting to go

into business, as it reduces the risk. The success statistics are

considerably enhanced and it takes the loneliness out of running a

business. Let's face it women like to talk and by becoming part of a

franchise network, we encourage participation in forums, regular conference

calls and training days so that our mums can share their experiences.''

Women taking advantage of the service Taplin provides include mother-of-two

Amanda Wagg who swapped her part time role as an administrator to set up a

local magazine in Lurgen, Northern Ireland. Amanda said: ''I am in

control of my life for the first time since I became a mum! Becoming my

own boss means that I can balance running my business, with spending time

with my children. But don't think that means I don't take it seriously. I

have big plans for the magazine and have already expanded the distribution.

 This is my opportunity to set a good example to my daughters and show

others what I am capable of.''