A mum from the village of High Littleton has launched a business network for self-employed mums in the Somerset area.

Maria Honeker, a 41-year-old wellness mentor and mum of two, is the co-owner of Paulton and Keynsham-based chiropractic clinic, Your Chiropractor Ltd, which she runs with her husband.

Maria said: “I felt there was a lack of networking opportunities in our local area. All the networking groups that appealed to me were based in Bath or Bristol, so I decided to set one up right here, in Somerset.

“There are so many great independent businesses around and before the event, I didn’t even know that most of them existed. Somerset Business Mums provide a fantastic opportunity for self-employed women in the area to meet other businesswomen and to further our skills and knowledge to make our businesses even better.”

The launch of Somerset Business Mums took place at The Holy Cow Café last Tuesday, when thirty-plus women came together to find out more about each other’s ventures and listen to guest speaker, local businesswoman, Charlotte Lucas, who owns Welton Freerangers Nursery, over breakfast.

Charlotte said: “Often, as local businesswomen, it seems the choices to network exist only in the bigger cities like Bath and Bristol. Today’s session, organised by Maria, provided us all with a reason to stay and build connections where our businesses actually exist, which makes better business sense and strengthens our local communities. I have made many meaningful connections today.”

East Harptree mum, Jenny Cooper, who owns Cotton and Canvas Events, said “Today’s launch was absolutely brilliant. I have made many useful contacts and have shared my business with lots of lovely ladies. I can’t wait for the next one.”

The plan for Somerset Business Mums is to make it a monthly networking opportunity to include breakfast meetings, talks and workshops. The days and venues will change to start with, giving more women the opportunity to attend, depending on their work commitments and access to childcare.

Maria added: “If someone can’t get childcare, they can, of course, bring their little one along. I wouldn’t want to feel that someone had to miss out, because they can’t get a babysitter.”

To find out more about future Somerset Business Mums events, please email: [email protected]

An official website will be set up in due course.