Tag Archives: women

The Average Woman Will Change Dress Size 31 Times in Her Lifetime

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London Fashion Week 2012The average woman will change dress size 31 times during the course of her adult life, according to new research.

 

Key size-gain spikes in life are having kids, moving in with a partner and the first years of marriage – while major size-drops occur pre-wedding, after the loss of someone close and following break-ups.

 

Regular ‘blips’ happen during Christmas and the winter period – and also after holidays away.

 

Men will typically go up or down a clothes size on 24 occasions as an adult – with a third identifying stress at work as the reason for the change.

 

The research of 1,000 women and 1,000 men was commissioned by Fits Me, a fit tool that helps shoppers to find their perfect size.

 

 

Six in 10 women said they aren’t happy with their clothes size – compared to 45 per cent of men who feel the same way.

 

Three quarters of females own garments that no longer fit them properly with around 16 ill-fitting items found in the average woman’s wardrobe.

 

While 61 per cent of males have kept hold of clothing that is either too big or too small for them – on average keeping hold of 14 items.

 

Half of respondents said they hang on to clothes that don’t fit because they want to get back into them one day and a fifth have a sentimental connection to the items.

 

The typical female is most happy with her clothes size aged 28 and men are most content at 29 years old.

 

In contrast, women are most dissatisfied with their proportions at 38 while males feel similarly aged 39.

 

A quarter of men and almost half of women have avoided going to clothes shops because they were concerned they wouldn’t find garments that fit as they would like.

 

Four in 10 respondents have been shopping for clothes only to find their size has gone up while 26 per cent have seen their size go down.

 

Perhaps as a result, three quarters of females and 44 per cent of males said they worry about finding something that will fit well.

 

While 21 per cent of men said they experience a drop in confidence when clothes shopping and two in five women said the same.

 

Over a fifth of Brits admit they aren’t confident they know which clothing items look best on them – however three quarters said their size changes from retailer to retailer.

 

Of those surveyed, 58 per cent have felt intimidated by shops that are “too cool” – with the range of clothes available the thing that threatens them the most, followed by the prices and the shop staff.

 

Three quarters of respondents buy clothes online, however 86 per cent think it’s a gamble as to whether the items ordered will fit as hoped.

 

Four in 10 people prefer to try clothes on in a shop fitting room and 45 per cent would rather be left alone to do so – and on average three items will be taken into the changing room with them.

 

A third of men and women would rather see how the garments look on them at home and 28 per cent have no preference.

 

The number one boost to people’s confidence when clothes shopping is seeing clothes they like – followed by getting something that fits well and finding an item in the sale.

 

 

MumsThread: No, Women Can Not Have It All By Getting Up An Hour Earlier

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get up an hour earlier, have it all, women, First it was in the papers. Then it was in some magazines. Of course, it was in the Daily Mail. It was sexism and bullshit dressed up as self-help. It said that women can have it all if they just get up an hour earlier. Much like a lot of self help: it was geared towards women to let them know that they weren’t good enough. That they weren’t working hard enough, that nothing they give is enough. Because, ladies, we should all be getting up an hour earlier. The leading story on The Daily Mail earlier today was a group of slim, successful working mothers who all get up at 4am. For quality time, to exercise, to work. Well I have had enough. You know what women really need? More sleep. I already work to 1am most nights, I don’t need to cut off hours at the other end.

Now, getting up earlier isn’t necessarily bad advice, but I take umbrage at it being marketed to working mothers. To any woman actually. Now, nothing happens in a vacuum. This started when author Samantha Ettus claimed to have come up with the formula to living a guilt-free and fulfilling life in her new book The Pie Life. I haven’t read the book, and getting up earlier IS a good way to get more done. But it doesn’t fit everyone and too many publications have taken it and used it as a stick to beat women with. Sleep is important for health, and if you are tired you will be less alert. I get more done when I have had a good nights sleep, I am sure you do too.

The truth is, no one gets to have it all and the bigger truth is that it would take more than an extra hour for me to fit it all in enough to have it all. What working mothers really need is for daddy to help out more. Or a nanny, a cook, and a cleaner. I am not saying that men don’t do their fair share, but I would like articles to point this out more: that a child has two parents and that mum needs a break sometimes. Working smarter is better than working harder. I get hardly any sleep as it is and there is no way in hell I am letting anyone take that away from me. So sleep ladies. Sleep until the baby/toddler/child wakes you up, and if it is a weekend, make sure you hand them over to daddy for an extra 10 minutes.

British women are damaging their health with weekday diets and weekend bingeing

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fitness-get healthyBritish women could be seriously damaging their health by sticking to strict diets during the week and binging at weekends, according to health experts.

Researchers have discovered a “feast or famine” culture with the majority of young women aged 18 to 40 (80 percent) restricting their diet during the week, only to overindulge at the weekends on junk food and alcohol.

Unsurprisingly, the survey showed Monday is the day women consume the least, with as many as one in ten consuming as little as 1,000 calories on the first day of the week.

A further one in twenty stick to a dangerously low calorie intake of 500 calories a day from Monday through to Thursday.

But on a typical weekend, the majority of women (83 percent) admitted they over indulge, with one in ten consuming 3,000 calories per weekend day (average) – with a further one in twenty admitting to binging on 4,000 calories or more on a Saturday or Sunday.

In terms of alcohol consumption – the average number of drinks consumed on a typical weekend evening (3 drinks) was more than three times the amount drunk on an average week night (less than 1 drink, 0.7).

Nutritionist Karen Poole said: “For many of us the weekend is typically a time to kick back, relax, catch up with friends and enjoy a little indulgence. Sometimes though it can simply mean too much of a good thing.

“If, at the weekend, you ramp up your junk food calorie, refined carbohydrate and alcohol intake, then you are looking at a potential sugar overload and your body will have to work hard to deal with the major increase in blood glucose levels, storing any excess for the future.

“Bodies function better with a regular varied diet of lean protein, essential fat and fresh vegetables providing a rich supply of vitamins and minerals.”

The report also revealed that a weekend of excess leaves 47 percent of women feeling tired and ill-equipped to deal with the busy week ahead.

The triggers for entering into a “binge” were also revealed, including a stressful week at work (40 percent), office cakes and treats (18 percent), a Friday takeaway (24 percent) and a Saturday morning fry up or bacon sandwich (27 percent).

83 percent admitted that on the whole, they are guilty of weekend excess when it comes to food and alcohol.

A further 77 percent said they wished they were more moderate with their health habits and indulgences.

Yesterday a spokeswoman for Spatone, which commissioned the survey among 2,000 women said: ‘’The working week can be long and tiring enough but if you’re also not eating a consistently healthy and balanced diet you may find your energy levels might suffer as you’re not getting enough vitamins and minerals to maintain normal energy function.

“Allocating time for rest, healthly eating and exercise throughout the week rather than dieting at the beginning of the week and then becoming unhealthy towards the weekend, can make it much easier to maintain energy levels and reduce tiredness and fatigue.

“Those who can’t get their iron requirements from dietary sources alone could consider taking a natural food iron supplement like Spatone”.

Christmas Gift List For Her

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Top picks for the woman in your life.

mcguiganwineMcGuigan Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

A luscious red wine full of red and blackberry fruit flavours. This Cabernet Sauvignon shows the distinctive cassis and blackcurrant fruits as well as a subtle herbaceous note that finishes with eucalyptus . Fine velvety tannins add to the finish. This wine is matched perfectly with a range of rich dishes including red meat stews or casseroles.

RRP: £9.99 (Tesco.co.uk, ASDA.com)

 

McGuigan The Shortlist Shiraz

A classic fruit driven Barossa Valley shiraz, this wine displays ripe mulberry and plum characteristics. The conscious integrations of oak results in subtle vanilla and spice. This wine has youthful, grippy tannins and will develop in the bottle for the next 10 years. Matched perfectly with red meat dishes such as glazed beef short ribs.

RRP: £14.99 (MajesticWines.co,uk)

We tried both wines and they are first class.

sheabutterreviewcandle

Body Butter and Candles from Shea. A small family run business that specialise in creating handmade natural products including body butters, hair care and scented soy wax candles.

All Shea Innocence candles have been hand poured using natural soy wax providing a clean burn and long lasting fragrance. Shea Innocence candles are free form GMM, pesticides and herbicides. They also make brilliant body butter. We tried all of the following: Nourishing Body Butter with Lavender & Orange, Triple Butter Whip – Mango, Grapefruit & Orange, Body Butter – Mums to Be & New Mums (Unscented) and Mandarin Body Butter – Little Ones. Body butter is £10.95 and candles are £6-18.00. Highly recommended on quality. They smell great too.

http://www.sheainnocence.com/

adultcolouringbooks

Adult Colouring Books are the in thing at the moment. Taking time out and staying away from technology is relaxing and essential for health. Quercus Books are publishing 4 gorgeous, small, paperback-format colouring books in a series called ‘The Little Book of Colouring’. Their small size is unique and handy both for carrying with you as well as curling up on the sofa, while the brief affirmations on every page provide the perfect opportunity for colouring fans to focus their minds and step away from the hectic pressures of day-to-day life.


Adult Colouring Book available here

 

speaker

Divoom Voombox ONGODivoom Voombox Ongo. We tested this great speaker, it really is water resistant and weather proof. Perfect for taking anywhere, give the woman in your life the chance to get her groove on when on the move. Perfect for picnics and outdoor parties too. 

Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who want to listen to music while out and about, the Divoom Voombox Ongo comes with a bike mount and is water resistant and shockproof. Its compact size offers impressive sound with a passive subwoofer and two 1.5inch drivers, and offers a built-in speakerphone solution to make calls while on the move. The Voombox Ongo is available in a range of colours and is perfect for use around the campfire this summer.

Divoom Voombox Outdoor Speaker is available here.

thomasdakingin

Thomas Dakin Gin

This brilliant gin includes 11 botanicals including horseradish and the gun-metal grey bottle is superb. Thomas Dakin Gin is a classic style London Dry Gin which takes its name from the forefather of English gin, Thomas Dakin, who created the world’s first quality gin in 1761 in the North West of England.

Nose: Juniper perfumed notes upfront with sweet orange and citrus aromas and a hint of red cole botanical at the end.

Taste: Smooth, intense and piquant which softens, leaving a sweet citrus and savoury taste.

Finish : Medium to long lingering finish.
Thomas Dakin Gin is a juniper-led classic style gin with sweet orange and citrus notes and a pepper and savoury finish, thanks to the cubeb berries and red cole. We love it: a superior gin that tastes sublime.

Thomas Dakin Signature Serve
Tom & Tonic
50ml Thomas Dakin Gin
125ml good quality tonic water
Orange peel
Sprig of fresh Coriander

Pour the gin over a full glass of ice and pour over the tonic water. Twist a 5 cm strip of the orange peel onto the top and garnish with a sprig of coriander.

Thomas Dakin Gin is available in Harvey Nichols and Booths.

babylisshairdryer

Babyliss Hairdryer Twilight Shimmer Set from Lloyds Pharmacy.  We absolutely love this. The hairdryer is excellent and it comes with a sparkly bag and some hair clips.

The BaByliss Twilight Shimmer 2000W dryer set features a lightweight and compact dryer with the drying performance of a regular sized hairdryer. Includes a concentrator nozzle and 2 sectioning clips to make styling easy. The pretty sequinned pouch is perfect for cosmetics.

burtsbeenatural

Burt’s Bee The Natural Edit. (rep £29.99)

A great gift set from Burt’s Bee, contains a mix of their best products. Burt’s Bees naturally nourishing milk & honey body lotion for super soft skin, Burt’s Bees shea Butter hand repair cream for those hard working hands, Burt’s Bees coconut foot cream for dancing feet and a duo of 100% natural lip care and colour products – perfect for mistletoe ready lips! All of the products are great, making this a wonderful present.

 

Burt’s Bees The Natural Edit, Gift Set is available here.

 

How To Speak Emoji

howtospeakemoji

A great, humorous book. Who hasn’t wondered what a certain emoji someone has sent you means? A great gift to make someone fluent.

How to Speak Emoji is available here.

 

Label.m Fashion Fix The Bardot Beehive.

labelm

The Bardot Beehive Fashion Fix comes with everything you need for this iconic hairstyle.This is a great, unique gift.

Professional Haircare brand label.m has taken its catwalk inspired hair- up, in-salon service, label.m Fashion Fix and created the perfect DIY Kit for clients to enjoy at home for the party season.

 

With a choice of two of the most requested Fashion Fix styles – The Bardot Beehive and Nouveau Knot, each kit includes the key label.m Create and Complete products, Hair Up Brush and accessories. Also there’s a comprehensive step-by-step for re-creating the look with fool- proof results!

‘Retro inspired 80’s pony’ label.m Bardot Beehive Fashion Fix Kit RRP £27.45

The Kit contains: label.m Volume Mousse, label.m Texturising Volume Spray, label.m Session Hair Up Brush, label.m u-pin Straight Black 50mm, label.m Kirby Grip Straight Black 70mm & label.m No Pull Braiding Bands Black 15mm.

 

Candles are always a perfect gift. We love Rathbornes Cedar, Cloves & Ambergris and the limited edition Charles Farris VII Pinetum Pine, Fir, Balsam & Cinnamon. They both smell amazing and look great. 

candle

candle rathbonescandle

A demonstration in luxury hand-crafted work, Rathbornes is officially the oldest candle brand in the world. Created and crafted with love in Dublin for over 500 years; the hand-poured wax candles are infused with the highest quality natural essential oils, tested to ensure optimum scent distribution and burn time.

The new ‘Beyond the Pale’ collection is inspired by the Irish saying which refers to the wild countryside beyond the city parameters or ‘pale’. This new range is comprised of six uniquely formulated scents that encapsulate the romance of the Irish landscape with a luxurious and modern edge.

Travel size- single wick candle, burns for 20 hours, £16

Classic size- two wick candle, burns for 50 hours, £30

Luxury size- four wick candle, burns for 60 hours, £46

From Fenwicks & Brown Thomas, Dublin

www.rathbornes1488.com

 

Steeped in a heritage that dates back to 1845, Charles Farris scented candles still use the same traditional methods from the Victorian era to make the best candles for modern day- slow burning, long lasting and of the highest quality.

By Appointment to Her Majesty the Queen, this historic London brand has become the gold standard in quality candle-making. Using 170 years of experience, Charles Farris has now created a range of seven premium scented candles and reed diffusers, specifically for use at home. Working with master blenders to create unique and beautiful scents, the candles have been crafted using traditional techniques, the highest quality ingredients and are encased in artesian hand-finished glass.

The essential oils used come from the finest sources and are infused in the signature wax and hand-poured in a time-honoured fashion that pays tribute to the Charles Farris legacy.

30cl candles- £30

Reed diffusers- £32

Stockists include Fenwicks, Heals, Fortum & Mason

www.charlesfarris.co.uk

 

 

Women ‘Three Times More Likely to die of Heart Disease than Breast Cancer’

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fitness-get healthyCardiovascular disease kills as many women in the UK as it does men, accounting for a combined total of 155,000 deaths each year or one death every three minutes.

More than 30,000 women die from coronary heart disease in the UK every year with over 700,000 women living with the consequences of heart disease and stroke, according to research published by The British Heart Foundation ahead of World Heart Day on 29th September.

World Heart Day is organised by the World Heart Federation and aims to raise awareness of heart disease through education, advocacy and research. The aim of World Heart Day is to create healthy heart environments and encourage individuals to make healthy heart choices wherever they live, work and play.

This year, World Heart Day will be focusing on women’s heart health, as despite the shocking statistics above, The British Heart Foundation claim that women often wait longer then men before calling 999 after experiencing symptoms of a heart attack. Often, this is due to women being less likely to recognise the symptoms of a heart attack or being reluctant to cause a fuss. As Dr Cliff Bucknall, Consultant Cardiologist at London Bridge Hospital, notes,

“Many women believe that heart disease is a condition that only affects men. This is simply not true and as a result, women are less likely to be aware of the associated risks, particularly, around heart disease and contraception.” 

Dr Bucknall states that for most women taking oral contraception, or Evorel HRT patches, there is a very low risk of experiencing a heart attack. However, this does rise with age as the risk of having a heart attack rises significantly following the menopause. Dr Bucknall comments:

“There are different types of hormonal contraception which can have different effects on the formation of blood clots and potential heart attacks. Consequently, it is extremely important to discuss with your healthcare provider the birth control options that carry the least risk for you.”

Also, Dr Bucknall dispels the myth that Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) medication protects women against heart disease. He states,

“HRT will help to relieve menopausal hot flushes and night sweats but don’t expect it to help your heart. Recent research now suggests that HRT isn’t heart protective and, as with all drug treatments there are potential side effects.” 

For women who are worried about their heart health, Dr Bucknall shares the following advice:

“There are a number of simple self-help actions that women can take to reduce their risk of heart disease. These include, giving up smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and undertaking more physical activity.”

 

 

Anne Hathaway Losing Roles To Younger Actresses At Grand Age of 32

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AnneHathawayAAFeb09Being an actor is hard and being an actress even more so. An actresses career used to be over by the time she was 40. Thankfully, there are still some roles for actresses in their 40s now, but it seems that ageing is still a disadvantage for a woman in film. Women have always had a tough time in film but recently more actresses have been speaking out about sexism and ageism. Sometimes with depressing results. In this months Glamour magazine, cover girl Anne Hathaway said that she was already losing roles to younger actresses. “I can’t complain about it because I benefitted from it, When I was in my early twenties, parts would be written for women in their fifties and I would get them. And now I’m in my early thirties and I’m like, ‘Why did that 24-year-old get that part? I was that 24 year old once. I can’t be upset about it, that’s just the way things are.” She admitted.

Anne also says “…there are fewer roles [for women] and the competition is just as fierce as ever. I look around at my peers and I’m so blown away by their talent…and we’re all trying to get the same parts.” She had to audition for her role in The Intern. In the great interview she also says she doesn’t beat herself up as much anymore. Buy this months Glamour and have a read.

 

 

Behind Every Great Man there’s a Great Woman | Influential Women

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Aretha Franklin sang in ‘Sisters are doing it for themselves’, that behind every great man was a great women. She was right of course, so to celebrate the Blu-ray and DVD release of The Theory of Everything, out 11th May, we took a look at some of the inspirational and influential women that have been the driving force behind their male counterparts.

 

Jackie Kennedy & JFK

Jackie Kennedy & JFK

Jackie was the First Lady and wife of the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy. JFK was in power from 1960 until his assassination in 1963. Jackie was remembered as one of the most popular First ladies in American history, perhaps due to her skill at entertaining. Jackie proved quite popular among international dignitaries.

 

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt

Brad and Angelia didn’t start their relationship in the most admired fashion, Brad was married to America’s sweetheart Jennifer Aniston at the time of meeting Angelina. Angelina Jolie a successful actress and director, stole the heart of Brad on the set of Mr and Mrs Smith. Together they now have 6 children and have recently been married.

Coretta Scott King and Martin Luther King

Coretta Scott King and Martin Luther King

Coretta an activist and a key leader in the Civil Rights Movement in 1960, met Martin Luther King in college. Coretta’s support for her husband and the fight for racial equality continued after Martin’s tragic death in 1968. She honoured Martin’s legacy by founding the King Center and also succeeded in having Martin’s birthday become a National holiday in America.

 

Victoria Beckham and David Beckham

Victoria Beckham and David Beckham

Victoria rose to fame in 1990 with her all-female pop group The Spice Girls. After meeting popular footballer David Beckham in 1997, Victoria quickly became the driving force in becoming one of the most loved couples and families in the world, originally dubbed Posh & Becks by the media. Both very successful in their own right, Victoria has not only managed her husband’s career she has started paving the path for the careers of her sons Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz to by securing endorsement deals and becoming successful models.

 Kate Middleton and Prince William

Kate Middleton and Prince William

Kate Middleton not only captured the heart of the very eligible Prince William, she won over the world with her kind nature and humble background. Kate Middleton has recently given birth to her and Will’s second child, Princess Charlotte.

 

Beyonce and Jay- Z Beyonce and Jay- Z

Beyonce and rapper Jay-Z started a relationship after collaborating on song, Bonnie & Clyde in 2002. To date the couple have sold over more than 300 million records together. A self-described “modern-day feminist“, Beyoncé writes and performs songs that are often characterized by themes of female sexuality and empowerment.

 

Hillary Clinton and Bill Clinton

Hillary Clinton and Bill Clinton

Hillary, was the first Lady of United States of America from 1993- 2001 supporting her husband Bill through thick and thin during his Presidency. She has since become the first women senator on the only ever First Lady to have run for public office. Leaving office at the end of Obama’s first term, she authored her fifth book and undertook speaking engagements before announcing her second run for the presidency in April 2015.

 

Jane Hawking & Stephen Hawking

 

Jane Hawking & Stephen Hawking

Jane Wilde Hawking is the first wife of Professor Stephen Hawking. They met at college through mutual friends and later married in 1965, shortly after Stephen was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. Jane supported and cared for Stephen during their marriage in dealing with his disease and still remain very close friends. In 2007 Jane wrote her memoir Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen, which was then adapted by Anthony McCarten and became the Academy Award winning film The Theory of Everything starring Felicity Jones & Eddie Redmayne.

 

The Theory of Everything is out on Blu-ray and DVD to own on 11th May

 

 

 

Rise of The ‘Returners’ Women Over 30 Starting Their Own Businesses Increases

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feminism, working women, equality, Naomi West is at the front of a trend: Women over 30 taking the plunge and starting their own businesses.

Naomi West, 32, worked in digital marketing for a Financial Services company before her first son, Jacob, now almost 3, was born. She no longer wanted to be on conference calls at 6am with her colleagues in Australia and Skype meetings at 9pm with her American team. She freelanced for a while but still found it difficult to juggle family life with deadlines and client commitments. The peaks and troughs of work made planning childcare difficult and when her second son, Benjamin, was born with a heart defect, Naomi knew she needed to find a new way of working that would enable her to be there for her family.

 

Having enrolled both her children in Baby Sensory classes, Naomi waited for an epiphany about her future career. It came when her Baby Sensory class leader told her she was recruiting for a new class leader and Naomi got the job, gaining valuable experience. When the opportunity to take on her own franchise came up in her area of Bromsgrove, Worcester, she jumped at the chance, borrowing £15,000 in two loans from Startup Direct and launching her first classes in January this year. She now runs 11 classes per week, with up to 20 babies in each class.

 

“When the opportunity to start my own franchise came up, I felt instantly it was something I could make a success of”, said Naomi. ”I had experience with the business as a client and class leader, and had the skills from my career in digital marketing to set up and market the business in my own area. I now have regular class hours doing something sociable and creative, which fits brilliantly around family life. What’s not to love?”

Data released by Startup Direct shows that the number of women over the age of 30 seeking start up finance and mentoring increased by a third in 2014.

 

In 2013 women over the age of 30 made up just 25% of enquiries to the Government start up loan provider, but this grew to 57% in 2014, an increase of one third (32%). This trend is being driven largely by ‘Returners’; women who have taken a break from the workplace to have a family and are motivated to start their own business by the challenges of finding flexible and stable employment which is well paid enough to cover the cost of childcare.

 

They are starting predominantly internet-based micro businesses, employing fewer than 5 employees, which they can run part-time from their homes and are undeterred by the challenge of juggling home and family commitments with the demands of a new business.

 

James Pattison, CEO of Startup Direct, said: “A growing number of women are disillusioned by the difficulties of combining family life with a traditional 9 to 5 job, not least the inflexible hours, lack of well paid part time work and the cost of childcare, which continues to spiral. The internet has made it easier than ever to start up a business from home and women are drawn to the prospect of being their own boss, choosing their hours and cutting childcare bills by working flexibly around family life.”

 

Startup Direct is encouraging more women to follow their dream of launching their own business by running a series of workshops aimed specifically at women, offering advice on all aspects of entrepreneurship as well as practical advice on childcare and time management. In particular it is targeting ‘Returners’, those are want to start businesses following a period of maternity leave or a career break after having children.

To apply for a start up loan, visit www.startupdirect.org