Shropshire mum shortlisted for national business award

A Shropshire mum who kept her new business going throughout pregnancy and after the birth of her little boy has been shortlisted for a top business award.

The shortlist for the prestigious mumandworking 2011 Awards was announced this month(JULY) - and Journalism and PR, a public relations business based in Roden, near Shrewsbury, is amongst them.

Journalism and PR was founded by Rhea Alton in April 2009 and Rhea continued to run the business after finding out she was pregnant in May 2010 and following the birth of baby George in January this year.

The awards are organised by website www.mumandworking.co.uk and reward and recognise the companies and individuals that make flexible working possible. The aim is to show that family-friendly employment not only supports family life but gives real benefits to the companies involved.

Sarah Beeny, TV presenter, author, entrepreneur and Mum, said, "As a mum of four boys, aged 6,5,2 and 1 - I completely understand the importance of flexible working and the value of spending time with your family. It's great that the mumandworking awards celebrate the people who are making this possible for parents across the UK and its great to see so many successful mums out there taking part "

There are 7 awards categories to recognise working parents, flexible employers and parents in business.

More than 300 nominations in total were made this year and Journalism and PR has been shortlisted in the Self-Employed category.

Rhea said: "It is really fantastic to be shortlisted for this award. I had no idea until I had George how hard parents worked to juggle work and home life and I have a new-found respect for both them and the wonderful companies that make it possible.

"Becoming pregnant so soon after the launch of the business was unexpected as I suffer from endometriosis and poly-cystic ovary syndrome so I knew it would be a little tough but it has been a pleasure to meet the people I work with.

"I must say thank you to the clients who nominated me, not only for the nomination but for their flexibility over the last year - I take great pride in my work and I am really pleased to have been able to continue the business and help companies across Shropshire with their public relations."

The judges, including multi-award winning business woman Wendy Shand of Tots To Travel, are now reviewing all shortlisted entries and the finalists will be announced in September.

All finalists will be invited to the awards ceremony at the BusinessMums Summit in Brighton on October 10, 2011 for a champagne awards ceremony hosted by Alexandra Watson the Happiness Coach who has appeared on TV's The X-Factor. The winners will walk away with a selection of indulgent prizes worth more than £3,000 in total.

Article published by Midlands Business News on 22 July, 2011

Source: www.midlandsbusinessnews.co.uk/2011-07/shropshire-mum-shortlisted-for-national-business-award.