A Coventry researcher and auditor has thanked a leading women’s business support organisation for helping to set up her business.

Julie Murphy has launched AEP Consultancy after receiving advice and support from the city-based Regional Women’s Enterprise Unit (RWEU).

The mum-of-three, who lives in Stoke with her partner, Sean, and youngest daughter, Shealin, started her own business after working in education for over 14 years and wanted a more flexible way of working to look after six-year-old Shealin.

“AEP stands for Adult Education Projects and my business is centred on research and projects for organisations that deal with adult education and training,” Julie said.

“I develop qualifications and course materials, conduct mapping, carry out research in areas such as completion and progression and ensure there is quality assurance and compliance in anything to do with adult education and training and assisting organisations where they need help or support.”

The 46-year-old taught psychology at Lyng Hall School and Woodway Park School and Community College in the city as well as City College Coventry, Henley College and Rugby College and part-time at Coventry University.

Julie was also a development officer at the Open College Network for Central England based at the University of Warwick and has also worked for the examinations board OCR.

“I was looking for more flexible work since I have a six-year-old daughter,” she said. “My other two children have grown up and flown the nest – there is a 20-year gap between Shealin and her sister. They grow up so fast and I want to make sure that I am around more this time.

“I have gained business from various people that I have worked with over the years and I haven’t had to actively seek work yet which is great.

“I’m working when Shealin is at school or during the evenings and I may have to look at the possibility of sub-contracting out some work but it isn’t an avenue that I have looked at yet.

“The RWEU has been really helpful and has given me plenty of good advice and encouragement.

“I went on a one-day course they organised with the Inland Revenue which was fantastic because it covered topics such as how to fill in your tax return form and what you can claim expenses for.

“It has also been great to meet other women that are starting businesses but are at various stages. Some women didn’t specifically know what kind of business they wanted to start and others were about to start operating but it is great to know that you are not on your own.”

Business adviser Minal Sodha, said the RWEU doesn’t just help women set up businesses, it provides on-going support to help companies grow.

“All services are free to women in the West Midlands as we’re part funded by Advantage West Midlands, the DTI’s Small Business Service and the European Social Fund,” she said.

“Anyone considering setting up a business should get in touch, just like Julie did.

“We run courses which provide practical advice on business and financial plans which are vital to have in place before any company gets off the ground.

“Julie has vast experience in her field and her business gives her the opportunity to continue working and look after her daughter before and after school which is the balance that many working mums are striving for.”

The RWEU can be contacted on 024 7623 6111 or email admin@wbda.co.uk