Sunderland Echo

Baby business is all grown up

- By Kevin Clark kevin.clark@northeast-press.co.uk Twitter: @kevinclark­jp

A Sunderland digital marketing firm is expecting great things.

The Office Rocks has been a source of advice and comfort to couples trying to conceive as well as expectant and new parents for more than a year through its website Bump, Baby & You.

The site, which launched early in 2016, is supported by social media channels, including a Facebook page– which now has more 270,000 likers – and a forum of more than 54,000 members, reaching people across the UK and beyond.

For The Office Rocks director Laura Middleton – herself a mum–Bump, Baby & You has become a significan­t area of her business and of her life.

“It’s been amazing seeing thousands of people use Bump, Baby & You as a place to turn for support, to ask for advice and to share their happiest, and sometimes saddest, moments on their parenthood journeys,” she said.

“For some time now, members have been asking us to organise local meet-ups, where they can get to know other local parents in a safe and secure environmen­t, and so we’re thrilled to begin the next stage in the Bump, Baby & You journey – our local Cuppa, Cake & Chat events.”

The events, which are initially being piloted in Newcastle, Chester and Leeds, are planned to be rolled out across the country later this year.

Parents are invited to come along for free, to enjoy a cuppa, cake and a chat, where Bump, Baby & You hosts will be on hand to ensure everyone has a great time.

And Laura has drafted in another Sunderland success story, ARTventure­rs, who run learning through art and creative play sessions via a network of mums nationwide.

Business owner Fiona Simpson said: “This is such a wonderful idea and we’re really looking forward to bringing some colourful fun to these events.”

Each attendee will receive a goody bag, including a luxurious Mama Mio sample and a special gift pack from Boldon-based internatio­nal baby brand Nûby.

Informatio­n can be found at www.bumpbabyan­dyou.co.uk, and businesses keen to be involved should e-mail hello@bumpbabyan­dyou.co.uk.

 ??  ?? Laura Middleton (left) and Fiona Simpson.
Laura Middleton (left) and Fiona Simpson.

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