Mersey mums who balance a successful career with bringing up a family

An ever increasing number of women are running their own businesses or establishing  successful careers within organisations – and many who are also mums remain the primary carers at home.

It’s the ultimate work-life balance challenge and the issue was discussed yesterday in  Birkenhead during one of the events of the International Festival of Business 2014.

One of those attending yesterday’s event was successful businesswomen, Michelle  Pearson.

For the past 10 years she and her husband Michael have run Wirral Fire Protection, a  consultancy that helps businesses make sure they are compliant with fire safety regulations.

It provides staff training and will service equipment such as fire alarms and extinguishers.

The business employs nine people and Michelle and Michael also have four children aged five,  six, eight and 14.

“Being a mum in business means you have to be adaptable because things can change at the  drop of a hat,” said Michelle, the firm’s finance director.

“I think it helps working for myself because if I want to go see them on sports day and those  kinds of things, then I can. I want to be part of their lives.

“I do all the drop-offs in the mornings and the pick-ups and typically I will try to work term-time  only.

“But through those holidays I still have to make sure that all our staff have work prepared. So  even when I am with my children I am in constant touch with the business.

“Forward planning is important. I have to be organised an adaptable at the same time.”

By Tony McDonough