Shrewsbury mum is runner up in business awards
A ‘mumpreneur’ whose products have attracted a celebrity fan base is celebrating success in a national business competition.
Rebecca Whitfield, from Shrewsbury, started Kidzears in 2009 after the birth of her son.
The company specialises in ear protection for children and young people from the age of six.
Celebrity fans of the product include radio DJ Edith Bowman, TV presenter Katy Hill and former glamour model Katy Price, who picked up a pair of Kidzears at the NEC Baby Show recently.
Now Mrs Whitfield’s firm has garnered critical success – after coming runner-up in the Mumsclub National Business Mum of the Year awards ahead of more than 300 other firms.
Mrs Whitfield, 30, who is expecting her second child in the New Year, said: “We have started receiving orders from America, Europe and Australia so the plan is to expand the overseas market.
“My husband has been very supportive. After bankrolling the initial start-up costs, he has designed and maintains my website and supports me at events and exhibitions. My son of course, is my inspiration”
Jane Hopkins MBE, founder of MumsClub said: “It’s been a hard task deciding who can go through as the quality was so high, and all who have made my shortlist should be incredibly proud of themselves. I look forward to waiting to see what the future holds for them”
Visit www.kidzears.com
Comments for: "Shrewsbury mum is runner up in business awards"
Bert
Three D-list followers and that's a celebrity fan base?
sowhat
In your opinion Bert.
Good luck to you Rebecca.
V
Aaaah Bert, always nice to see a positive news story about a successful local business spun in a negative way.....I suppose its too much to ask for people just to say "well done"?
Rebecca, congratulations on making a success of a business in hard economic times, all power to you and your family.
Two Tone
I would imagine Berts family would enjoy the product!
Not sure I see the sense in such a concept as 'Kidz Folding Ear Defenders', however if Rebecca makes a few quids, then well done her.
V
Hi Two Tone,
I have been taking my lad to concerts, fireworks displays and festivals since he was 12 months old and the Ear Defenders have meant that as and when he wants a kip we dont have to leave the gig/tent/field.....oh and he thinks he looks "super cool" in them.
kidzears
Hi two tone- parents with young family's benefit from the product when attending loud events such as air shows, fireworks displays, outdoor sports and concerts/festivals - I also sell a lot to family's and schools who have children on the autistic spectrum as a lot dislike loud noises so they and there carers really benefit from the product- hope that helps
Also just wanted to add, they can be used for children from 6 months of age and onwards not 6 years as stated in the article - thanks :)
Two Tone
That makes it all clearer.
Good luck to you.
Kelly
So long as people aren't wasting their hard earned benefits on this kind of rubbish I'm all for it.
RAS
personally, id rather see benefit money spent effectively on preventing a problem which in the future could cost the NHS thousands of pounds in audiology issues and noise induced hearing loss so i think its money well spent!
besides, not entirely sure benfefit receipients would or should have the disposabe income for £200 a weekend festivals or expensive trips down to silverstone - if so then the problem lies elsewhere!
sowhat
What are you on about Kelly???
Shortie
As a parent of a child who has ASD (autistic spectrum disorder) I would have purchased some of these if they were available when my child was younger as everyday tasks such as shopping and travelling on public transport with him was horrendous because of the noise which triggered him to go in to a panic and have a melt down...it is not always the volume of the noise that affects people with autism it can also be the intensity of a situation where there is a high number of people such as supermarkets. Myself and my son have never been to a gig or a concert or a firework display because of this. Saying that I do believe that very young children whether Autistic or not should not be exposed to noise levels that are often associated with music festivals. If ur child needs to have a sleep whilst at these types of events then surely ur child should be at home in the comfort of his/her bed not stuck in a pushchair in the middle of a field with drunken and sometimes people on drugs around them.... Music festivals are not the place for young children!! Anyway rant over I wish Rebecca and her family all the success in her business venture x
Daniel
Well I for one thinks Rebecca should be commended (which she has been!). The product looks fantastic, if I had kids I'd definitely be a customer. But I haven't, so I won't.
Well done anyway! :)
Edward
What a great idea. So much irreversible damage can be done to young ( and old) ears by the excessive noise levels experienced at events of all kinds these days, Every family should have one or two pairs, or more for such occasions and with bonfire night coming up soon they would be an ideal way to let the children enjoy the colour and spectacle of the fireworks without the bangs. I've seen young children wearing them at football matches as well. Good luck Rebecca.
kidzears
Thanks everyone for your comments - whilst i dont expect everyone to 'get' the product or understand its benefits, people who do have families and who do care about their childrens hearing can understand the positive benefits of these ear protectors - and with numerous bonfire and fireworks events coming up, make it an event ALL the family can enjoy this year! Thanks again for all the good wishes
Stuart
I think this is brilliant
Well Done Rebecca and good luck for the future - great to see