Britain is lacking in opportunities to operate from home and to work more flexible hours, according to one entrepreneur aiming to change the situation.

Malene Stanley was born in Denmark and has now established her own online children’s clothes business, operating from Redditch in the West Midlands.

"I’m a big fan of flexible working and this is something that the UK is sadly lacking in," she explained.

"As and when the company expands I would like to provide employment for mums and dads, who can plan their hours around looking after their children," she continued.

With two children of her own to look after, Ms Stanley explains that she turned to the Business Link West Midlands organisation for help in starting-up her own online retail company.

Citing benefits to working parents, the Equal Opportunities Commission recently gave its backing to the Work Wise UK campaign, which aims to encourage more flexible working practices across Britain.