A COMPANY helping working mothers, co-founded by a woman from East Finchley, has won an award from the Queen.

Women Like Us was created in 2005 as a small social enterprise to help London mothers return to work after having children by giving them free career coaching and finding them part-time jobs.

It now has a team of 45, spread across two offices, and has helped 10,000 women back to work.

Co-founders Karen Mattison, 40, and Emma Stewart, 38, were presented the Queen's Award for Enterprise yesterday by Jenny Bianco, deputy lieutenant for Southwark Council, at the company head office, in Archway.

Mrs Mattison, 40, from East Finchley, said: “We are delighted to have been recognised for the work we are doing to support the 500,000 talented women across the UK who want flexible work to fit around their family lifestyles.

"We are equally proud that we have now helped 10,000 women across London. This is testament to the fact that there are countless employers across London who recognise the business benefit of recruiting experienced part-time staff.

"We now look forward to continued growth, to help make flexible working a reality, UK-wide.”

The Queen's Awards for Enterprise recognise outstanding achievement by UK companies.

The awards are made each year by the Queen, on the advice of the Prime Minister, who is assisted by an advisory committee consisting of representatives of Government, industry and commerce, and trade unions.