A WORKING mum from Ryedale has been shortlisted for a national award.

“Mumpreneur” Martina Mercer, who lives in Amotherby, is one of the candidates in the running for the title of Working Mum Of The Year in Pitman Training’s Super Achievers Awards 2014.

Having launched her website, The Consumer Voice, to support consumers across the country while juggling a family, mother-of-three Martina has been confirmed as a finalist in the awards and will now face a judging panel before the winners are announced today.

Martina said: “It’s fantastic to have been shortlisted. It’s recognition for everything that has been done and the work that has gone in to The Consumer Voice.

“To be named Working Mum Of The Year would be such an honour. Working mums everywhere face that balance of family life and work life, and the guilt that comes with it when one gets neglected. It’s nice to get back-up from this award that I’m doing it right.”

Martina went through a difficult divorce at the age of 26. A single parent left in thousands of pounds worth of debt, she went through a very turbulent time, while also falling ill and needing an operation on her gall bladder.

Determined not to be beaten, Martina set up a business cleaning caravans in her local community whilst also studying for her journalism degree when her children were asleep.

Wanting to push herself further and utilise the skills gained during her degree, Martina set up her own blog and began to build a name for herself as a leading business copywriter and journalist.

She also founded The Consumer Voice, a place where customers get free advice for consumer issues.

Martina refuses to take a wage from the company as it is not-for-profit. Instead, she earns money and supports her family through her articles and writing for businesses in the local and wider community.

Super Achievers judge and ex White House Director of Events Laura Schwartz said: “There have been some phenomenal entries, and it was very hard to whittle the nominations down to three in each category.

“We have a very hard job picking the winners; all are very deserving. We wish all of the finalists the very best of luck, and we are very excited to announce the winners on Friday.”

UK independent training provider Pitman Training launched the Super Achievers Awards, now in its third year, to reward people committed to driving their careers forward in a bid to inspire more people to strive for more.

Richard Histon, centre manager at Pitman Training York, said: “We are very happy to see a local mum make the shortlist. We wish Martina the best of luck in the awards and continued success in her business ventures.”

Pitman Training York, offers flexible, tailor-made courses and qualifications with one-on-one student support in subjects including Office, IT, Administration, Finance and Business, which are recognised by employers. The teams also offer free career clinics and CVs advice.

For more information see pitman-training.com/york