'Parentpreneur' businesses: starting a business while raising a family

Starting your own business could seem like the perfect way to combine family life with earning a living - you stand to gain flexibility and control over your working day. Indeed many entrepreneurs have seen the arrival of children as the perfect time to put the wheels of their business idea into motion. But is becoming what is often referred to as a 'parentpreneur' all it's cracked up to be?

There are plenty of practicalities to consider when it comes to bringing up youngsters and growing your business at the same time. While you might save time on the commute, what happens when you need to balance business commitments and childcare during the school holidays? If you are keeping a handle on both at home at the same time, would it be appropriate to bring your child along to meetings with you?

While there are many benefits to be had, these might be just a few of the issues you have pondered if you are thinking of starting a business after a new addition to the family, or you are an existing business owner with a child on the way.

We've invited a panel of experts and business owners to offer practical help on working habits, achieving a good work-life balance and giving your business the best chance of success. They will share their experiences and answer your questions in a live Q&A session.

To take part, post your questions in the comments section below anytime, tweet us at @GdnSmallBiz or join us live between 1pm and 2:30pm on Thursday 24 July to chat directly with our panel.

Our panel

Dawn Whiteley is chief executive at the National Enterprise Network, an organisation representing the enterprise support sector across England. She has more than 20 years experience of helping and supporting people to set up and run their own business

Bola Lafe is managing director of Opus Innovations Ltd, established to develop solutions to everyday problems, primarily in the health and childcare sectors. He previously had a career in the financial services sector. Bola is married with two daughters aged three and eight

Caroline Hannaway is the founder of Funky Bubbaloo, an online boutique selling handcrafted hair accessories and tutus for babies and children. She is also a mother to four-year-old Thalia

Laura Tenison MBE is founder and managing director of JoJo Maman Bébé. Laura has grown the company to a forecast gross turnover of £43m in the current financial year, employing more than 500 people. The company has 60 stores nationwide

Cecilia Crossley is the founder of from babies with love, a baby brand that donates 100% of its profits to orphaned babies

Becky Goddard-Hill is a parenting author and professional blogger. She mainly writes about creative ways to raise a family on a budget. She has two children aged seven and nine and used to be a social worker

Esther Radnor is the founder of Mum Plus Business, a website dedicated to helping mothers develop flexible careers. She previously worked in PR before setting up her business in 2011

Stuart Saggers is underwriting manager for Direct Line for Business with more than 20 years experience in the commercial insurance industry, specialising in the SME market

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