It’s our 3rd Birthday!

We are three years old this week! www.motherswhowork.co.uk, your free resource for all things related to being a working mum was founded three years ago by resident editor Joycellyn Akuffo who is a married mother of two young children and a journalist. When the site was created the aim was to inform working mothers about their rights in the workplace and show mums that they can have their cake and eat it - a successful career and a happy family life.

What exactly is a franchise business?

Franchises are touted as a means to run your own business if you don't have your own business idea, or would like the support of an established brand, an organisation and the benefits of corporate marketing. A franchise is an arrangement between an established company (the franchiser) and a local operator (the franchise owner, often known as a 'franchisee').

Pregnancy and the law by trimesters: third trimester – final lap

You have now reached your final stretch of pregnancy and are probably very excited and anxious about the birth of your baby. Work wise, you will probably be preparing for your maternity leave, and may have decided whether you will be returning to work or not. Either way, it's important to think about childcare during this time, as your circumstances may change during your maternity leave, and you don?t want to be left without any options.

Are you sure a franchise right for you?

Franchises are a popular investment opportunity for parents who want a bit more flexibility in their lives but don't have a business idea of their own. The chance to have a steady income, ongoing support and training from the company itself, as well as a customer base all are things that usually tempt a prospective franchisee to take the financial plunge into owning a franchise.