BUYING clothes which fit can be a challenge if you're pregnant or have just given birth – but one Brentwood woman is looking to change all that.
Former City accountant Helen Neville, 40, has started a new business in Weald Road, Brentwood which, in her own words, is a "one stop shop for all your maternity clothes".
The shop, christened Maternity World, stocks underwear and formal and casual clothes for women from size six through to 20 and, according to its owner, is unlike anything else you would find on the high street.
"There is nobody that does just maternity clothes," said Mrs Neville, who lives in Randalls Drive, Hutton.
"There is Mothercare, which has a small range of maternity wear, and, at Lakeside, some of the bigger names like Next and H&M have a maternity wear section but, again, it is quite small."
Mrs Neville, who lives with her banker husband Tony, 42, first had the idea of setting up her own maternity wear business when she was pregnant with her son William, now aged two.
She said: "When I was pregnant and trying to find maternity clothes, I struggled so badly.
"I didn't want to go back to my high-pressure job – I wanted something easier, so I thought I would see if this was viable.
"As an accountant, I did the figures and it seemed to work, so I thought I would give it a go."
Tailored trousers, skirts, dresses, leggings and jeans are among the items on sale at Maternity World, while customers can also purchase breast-feeding underwear and tops.
Although she has only been in business since July 12, Mrs Neville has big plans.
"The minimum goal is to break even, but I am confident I will make a small profit this year.
"After that, I would like to open more shops around the country and have a chain," she said.
Maternity World is at 2 Weald Road, Brentwood.
It is open from 10am until 5pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 10am until 5.30pm on Thursdays and from 9.30am until 5.30pm on Saturdays.
Call 01277 212 130 or visit www.maternitywear4u.co.uk
