Enterprise Nation

Roberta Beattie runs a web design business with husband Ben, from their home in rural North Devon. The couple started as freelancers when their first child was born and registered as a company when things started to take off. As the business grew they decided to up-sticks from London in search of a better life. ‘Deciding to leave the rat race and go it alone (together!) has been the best decision we could have made’ Roberta says ‘we've never looked back.’

Business and baby arrive hand in hand

Things started to happen after the birth of our first child. At the time Ben was working for the ITV as the Interactive TV and Broadcasting manager and I was 'let go' from my design agency job in North London, as they were concerned I could no longer put in the overtime hours. We saw a gap in the market for easy to use and affordable websites that could be updated. So Clickcreations.com was born!

What is the one thing you most cherish about your new life in North Devon?

I cherish the fact that there are no limits to my success (or failure!) and that I have had the guts and opportunity to go out there and follow my dreams - and have had the chance to do it with my lovely husband.

Do you and your husband work in the same or separate home office space?

My husband and I share our office space, we are very close, but we are lucky because this would drive a lot of people crazy, somehow we don't crowd each other out and we manage to egg each other on and inspire one another - which is great. We even email each other and instant message each other - even though we are sat at opposite desks! Actually more often than not it is to do with work!

Do you think that by running a business from home, your children will grow up thinking they can start their own business?

My children seem to want to pursue 'normal' careers so far, but I think when they are older and have had a little life experience and a chance to grow their skills and confidence - I hope I will have set a good enough example that they will not think twice about setting up their own business if that is where their heart leads them.

How are you promoting the business?

We are promoting our business through several means:

Word of mouth, social networking, small business forums such as this one (Enterprise Nation), networking groups, advertising in the local paper and entering our business for awards. We also had a stand at a trade show last year.

What one piece of advice would you give to couples considering leaving London to set up new life/new home/new business?

Try to start your business off whilst still working a normal nine to five if you can, or make sure you have enough cash flow to make life a little easier for the first few months. When you make the move to the countryside make as many friends as you can and get involved, or create your own small business networking group. Promote the local businesses around you, and enjoy your new lifestyle to the full!

Roberta Beattie talks to Emma Jones

• Clickcreations.com