With more than 300,000 mums running a business and contributing over £7 billion to the annual UK economy*, a group of small business organisations are suggesting the best gift for Mum this year is to buy her a business or lend a helping hand by calling on the government to make childcare expenses tax deductible.

Across the UK mums are seeing the benefits of starting a business – earning their own living whilst still having time for family and friends. Being your own boss means deciding where, when and how you work which makes self-employment attractive whether you’re a Mum who wants to earn in the hours when newborn is sleeping or the kids have left home and you’ve got more time to pursue new interests.