Little Helper Founder wins Mumpreneur Award (November 2009)

Little Helper founder Kim Johnson has been awarded ‘Most Inspirational Mumpreneur for the North of England’, by national support network to working mums, Mums In Control.

Mums In Control, which offers advice to working mums and those setting up their own business, recognizes that Mumpreneurs in the UK contribute no less than £130bn to the UK economy*, an achievement that many accomplish while also raising the next generation, running a home, and supporting their partners. The inspirational Mumpreneur Awards highlight those women who are most likely to inspire others through their achievements.

Kim set the company up after deciding that being a stay-at-home mum wasn’t for her. Having worked in a marketing agency before the birth of her daughter, Kim came up with the idea of the FunPod, a concept that allows toddlers to safely stand next to mum in the kitchen helping with the pots and pans.

She said, “The process of taking the product to market was like wading through treacle – there was lots to learn. But I didn’t give up and now the FunPod is sold in more than seven countries Worldwide and has won nine awards! Going into business was a baptism of fire but I’m now my own boss, can be at the school gates and at Christmas plays and events for my daughter, so yes it was worth it!”

Rachael Taplin, Managing Director of Mums in Control said, ‘’I am absolutely delighted to offer Kim this award. All mums who run their own business work incredibly hard. At Mums in Control we wanted to recognize this and to highlight the achievements of these amazing women through our Awards programme.

Taplin concluded, “Our regular research suggests that more mums are setting up their own businesses in order to achieve the flexibility they need to balance family and work, and many also suggest that being their own boss provides the best opportunity to succeed in business. We hope our Award winners offer inspiration to other mums considering taking this step.”