Businesses are increasingly trying to make their workplaces family-friendly. We know that diversity is good for productivity. The overwhelming majority of women now expect to work. Yet the economy, and the institutions that support it, are still not set up for families. Too often, it seems, families are struggling to fit themselves around the economy, rather than the other way round. What would th
e world look like if the needs of families were at the centre of things, rather than being an add-on or an afterthought? Fiz is a new business that supports, highlights and promotes innovations that make life easier for families in the 21st century. Our first project is Mothers of Innovation, a conference – and a book – about the things mothers are doing for themselves, showcasing some of the most exciting and creative ways mothers are changing the world around them. We are also launching the Fiz Prize, to recognize and reward innovations that help families, wherever they come from – businesses, charities, statutory bodies or individuals. Family Innovation Zone was founded in September 2013 by Geraldine Bedell and Vicki Shotbolt. Geraldine Bedell was the founding editor of Gransnet, with a million page views a month. She is a frequent commentator and broadcaster on issues to do with the family. A writer for The Observer for many years and before that, a writer and columnist for The Independent on Sunday, her books include a memoir, The Handmade House, and a novel, The Gulf Between Us, both published by Penguin. Geraldine edited The New Old Age for Nesta and wrote the Make Poverty History Handbook. She has four children and is a trustee of Netbuddy, a social networking site for parents of children with learning disability. Vicki Shotbolt is the founder and CEO of The Parent Zone, a social enterprise that delivers projects designed to make life easier for parents. Working with major brands, The Parent Zone has, for example, created a successful Family Friendly programme with Mumsnet and Digital Parenting magazine with Vodafone. Vicki is on the executive board of the UK Council for Child Internet Safety and is the chair of Fairfun, a charity that provides social activities for children with disabilities.
