Gander Kids named Mumpreneur's Best Start-up Business

Being a full time mum and running your own business is no mean feat, yet Maxine Lewis from Greenwich, London has done it so well that her business has been named as the winner of the Best Start-Up Business Award, supported by print and digital services company Yell.

Maxine’s business, Gander Kids, an importer of quality toys and play furniture was chosen by a panel of independent judges that included Dragons Den star Duncan Bannatyne. The award, sponsored by Yell, was presented on Sunday 25th September at the Heart of England Conference Centre, Warwickshire.

After receiving her award, Maxine said: “The standard of the other businesses in this category was so high that I’m still in shock at winning! I’m really grateful for the recognition; this first year has been a real rollercoaster.”

Gander Kids is a distributor and supplier of the P’Kolino and IVI rugs brands. After being disappointed with the lack of variety in the UK children’s market, Maxine decided it was up to her to bring the American design revolution across the pond. Since starting the business Maxine has secured orders with some of the UK’s best known names and her business is growing by the day.

Kimberley Watts-Fitzsimmons, corporate responsibility manager for Yell in the UK, said: "It is so inspiring to read about the hundreds of parents who have taken the steps to successfully start their own businesses at the same time as raising a family. Congratulations to Maxine, a well deserved win."

For more information on The Mumpreneur Awards 2011 award winners, visit mumpreneuruk.com, where you can also find support, resources and other events for mumpreneurs in the UK.