Virtual dream becomes a reality….

Heather Wilde had considered starting her own business for a while but, with the safety net of working as an administration employee in various sectors for 23 years, it took the covid pandemic to prompt her to make the final step towards her dream.

Realising that more people were working virtually and no longer expecting their support team to be in the same office, Heather saw an opportunity and launched her virtual assistant business in January 2022.

“I provide administrative and office services for small businesses, especially service-based ones like photographers and branding specialists who work one-to-one with their clients. Business owners can contract me on an ad-hoc basis for a specific project or take out a monthly retainer and have regular help every week.”

Heather’s services range from email inbox management, through to client onboarding, CRM set up, scheduling appointments, and chasing invoices. She positions herself as a great solution for small businesses who need a little extra help but don’t want to recruit an employee or pay agency fees.

The Business Village was an obvious place to be a virtual tenant

When looking at the location for her business, Heather knew she wanted to work from home but also enjoy the option of being in a different environment from time to time. Having worked in The Business Village for six years as an employee of a tenant business, exploring a virtual tenancy was an obvious choice.

“Being a virtual tenant is a really affordable option without the commitment of office space. I still get access to networking events and use of the postal service via reception, plus I can work from the pods in the bistro when I want to get out of the house. Besides, as a Virtual Assistant, what better than to be a virtual tenant!”

At Heather’s first meeting with The Business Village team, they discussed the support available to her via ScaleUp 360. Amongst other things, the programme offers her tailored business advice and workshops and has already led to a new client via a referral from one of the advisors.

Heather is also looking into how she can collaborate with The Business Village to offer additional administrative services for tenant businesses when the reception team are unable to deliver themselves due to time or capacity constraints.

Aiming to eventually move into her own office space and grow a team, Heather has ambitious plans for her business.

Discounted taster sessions in Barnsley

“I love automating things and making them easier, so I’m currently developing a range of specific packages for small business owners. I know people are not usually sure how a Virtual Assistant can help them, so I’m also holding an event at The Business Village on Friday 25th February to give them the opportunity to chat with me informally. I’ll be launching a taster discount at the event too, giving people a low-risk way to work with me on a trial basis.”

With her virtual assistant business now firmly established, Heather is looking forward to getting to work, helping overwhelmed business owners in the region by taking care of their day-to-day admin.

Launch event details:

Date: Friday 25^th February 2022

Time: 10.00am to 1.00pm

Venue: The Bistro, The Business Village

Website: https://www.business-village.co.uk/event/so-much-to-do-and-so-little-time/

Offer available: 10% discount off five ad-hoc virtual assistant hours (to be used by the end of April 2022)

Contact Heather directly:

Telephone: 01226 249 590

Email: heather@heatherwildva.co.uk

Website: https://www.heatherwildeva.co.uk/