A NEW networking group launched by a local lady to help make business easier for mums is gearing up for a ‘mega meeting’ in Chard this month.

Elsie Stacey founded the Somerset branch of the Mum’s in Business Association (MIBA) at the beginning of this year and has already seen 350 people turn out for her events.

As well as uniting business women, the Combe St Nicholas mum has also used Somerset MIBA promote messages, such as a body positive campaign.

Elsie said: “Being a mum and choosing not to miss out on time with my daughter by being employed, I wanted to fit work around her.

“Great as this is, it can be isolating on a daily basis with no one to bounce ideas off of and to talk about the juggling act of work and family time.

“This group is full of support, both for personal and business reasons, being able to discuss options with people who understands the struggles of working from home with family.”

As well as founding the group, Elsie runs her own website, thetrendinglifestyle.co.uk, which provides advice for saving money and time to help people achieve their goals.

Somerset MIBA holds child-friendly meetings every month, and has a ‘mega meeting’ on May 25. It will be held at Tumbles Gymnastics Club in Millfield Close, from 10.30am to 1.30pm.

“There are already networking groups around, of course,” said Elsie.

“However being able to bring your children and include your children - without judgement too - makes it far more accessible for more women.

“They are the people who really need the support to change their futures. The community and positivity it is bringing together is why I love it.

“There were some counties already set up and I wanted to bring that vibe and support to Somerset. They’ve since set up in Australia and just getting started on breaking into America too.

“The Somerset group currently stands around 350 members and growing fast

“It’s free to join our Facebook group, and the meetings are pay as you go (£15 per ticket) and includes a goody bag incorporating products, samples, vouchers and discounts promoting other be people’s businesses too.”

The mega May meeting will feature a talk from MIBA’s national co-founder Estelle Keeber.

Elsie added: “She’s an internationally published photographer, and known as the ‘Insta Queen’ for her in-depth knowledge of Instagram and has just launched workshops in the UK and soon abroad too.

“We’ll be hosting an Instagram Workshop in Somerset too the same day as the mega May meet.

For more information, visit the MIBA Somerset Facebook page, or you can contact Elsie on 07494 983068.