A BUSINESS Link survey has revealed that the number of working parents who have started their own businesses in Cambridgeshire is high. Of those surveyed with either young children at home or flown the nest, eight out of 10 said they started their busine

A BUSINESS Link survey has revealed that the number of working parents who have started their own businesses in Cambridgeshire is high. Of those surveyed with either young children at home or flown the nest, eight out of 10 said they started their business after having children, with almost half admitting their children were the inspiration behind it. And it's the mums who are standing out, with 70% of respondents combining motherhood and their entrepreneur ambitions.

The results also highlighted that combining having a family and running a business is realistic, as half of respondents with children work full-time. For those looking at the options, two thirds of respondents work from home, whilst the most popular third-party childcare were revealed as asking a family member for help or using a childminder or nanny.

Pat Smith, chief executive of Business Link in the East of England, said, "The figures uncovered by our survey certainly make clearer the potential that starting a business and being self-employed can hold for working parents in the region. Whether you are looking at your working arrangements, are interested in starting a business or want to look into rights as a working parent or as an employer, Business Link is on hand to provide the advice and support you need."

The survey did, however, reveal one area that remains unclear: a tenuous link between employers and familiarity with parental rights. Two thirds of respondents in the region admitted they had never reviewed their maternity/paternity packages. The importance of changing paternity laws (coming into effect for fathers of children born on or after 3rd April 2011) for Cambs' businesses was also highlighted, with more than 90% of businesses surveyed enacting statutory maternity and paternity packages.

Whether you are inspired to discuss the flexible options starting your own business can provide, or want to research the employment laws for parents, your local Business Link is the place to go for free, professional and impartial advice. For information on starting, planning, or growing a business, visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/east or call 08457 17 16 15.