Croydon's home businesses enjoy their sixty second commute

There are over two million home based businesses in the United Kingdom which accounts for around 28% of UK employment, with a staggering combined turnover of £364 billion, who will all appreciate the benefits of running their business under their own roof. Advantages such as saving money and time, convenience and the ability to juggle work and family for a better life balance, all of which buoys well for the home-based entrepreneur. In addition, the ability to work uninterruptedly in a flexible environment must surely improve business productivity, not to mention far lower stress levels and, whilst acknowledging that home working doesn't work for all types of business, the overall benefits clearly outweighing the pitfalls. In particular, it can be easier for people with special needs or disabilities to work in an environment that is already adapted for their requirements.

Undoubtedly, technological innovation in recent times has made running a business from home easier and more feasible. You need to look no further than your spare room, kitchen or garage to discover the foundation on which to build your enterprise.

It is the acknowledgment of all of these advantages that drove Marcie Buxton to set up her business, Kamaka, from home following a sudden redundancy. Having a wealth of experience in management, she decided to tap in to her skills thereby creating a positive outcome to her situation. Says Marcie ?. "I always knew I wanted to be my own boss, so the redundancy was certainly the trigger for this challenge and the perfect opportunity to turn the situation around to my advantage. Running my business from home means I save huge costs on not having to rent an office, not to mention the many tax breaks. Most importantly, I can take charge of my time far more effectively."

Kamaka is an independent coaching practice that supports aspiring women leaders, developing their leadership style and improving performance, with particular interest in  supporting the 'corporate woman' who seeks to develop her talent.

Says Marcie?. "We haven't quite cracked the nut of gender equality, even though we like to think we have. There are still low levels of women in politics for example, especially among our BAME community - and there is still the acknowledged 'glass ceiling' that prevents women from rising too high. As women create and develop their businesses, as they climb the corporate ladder and break the glass ceiling - coaching can be key. In particular, understanding gender differences in communication patterns and in thinking and leadership styles, transformation occurs and everyone gains."

Offering workshops for women who are in management or have set up in business, ensuring they are on track with their values and goals, Marcie says that Kamaka does not offer a 'pot pourri' approach to coaching, rather a more focused and purpose driven environment that will empower individuals to achieve their goals.

The Croydon Enterprise programme is supporting home businesses like Kamaka, by offering a tailored package of services to meet the specific requirements of these types of enterprise. Marcie's business has benefited from this support, attending workshops, receiving specialised business advice and utilizing the many networking events to her advantage. She said?. " Croydon Enterprise is a superb resource and an excellent opportunity to explore the many avenues in business. It confirmed for me that setting up my business was indeed the right way forward."

Marcie Buxton's support from this programme forms part of Croydon's Economic Recovery Plan, which aims to help individuals and businesses survive the recession, with the new Croydon Economic Development Company (CEDC) leading on the activity. More information on the plan can be found on www.croydoncrunch.com.

If you run your business from home and would like to know more about the Croydon Enterprise programme, call the Business Support Hotline on 0208 680 6161 or visit www.croydonenterprise.com.