Wow, that year flew by! It feels like yesterday that I was signing off in anticipation of taking up to 12 months of maternity leave; and, while I had visions of having plenty of leisure time to blog and finish that novel I had started 10 years ago, anyone who has had a newborn will know that free time is hard to come by. It’s been quite a while since I put pen to paper, so bear with me while I apply some WD40 to the rusty cogs of my ‘baby brain’.

Obviously, dropping off my 11-month-old at nursery for the first time so I could come into the office was gut-wrenching, but I’m very glad to be back and thankful to have the opportunity to work part-time for a few months while baby and I deal with separation anxiety.

I didn’t intend my first editorial to become about my fresh role as a mum, but it is a crucial part of my new reality and it’s all about striking a balance. Speaking of which, the importance of flexible working has been really brought home to me in my current situation, something I know the industry is striving to do better at.

These days, working from home, compacting hours and flexitime should all be a given – as long as the job gets done. I hope to see more good work from the likes of the Women in Finance Charter to help parents, indeed everyone, achieve a healthy work-life balance.

On that subject, I’m very glad to be back in time to raise a glass with you all at this year’s Mortgage Strategy Awards at Grosvenor House Hotel in a matter of days, where I promise not to bore you all with baby photos, unless you ask!

A massive thank you to Gary Adams for keeping things running very smoothly while I was gone; it’s been a great comfort to know the brand was in capable hands.

I look forward to catching up with you lovely lot. It’s good to be back.