A virtual assistant (VA) based in Moira has been named as one of the UK’s most inspiring businesses, in this year’s Small Biz 100.
VirtuAli Administrative Solutions, founded by Alison Matthews in 2015, works with clients across the UK to review small businesses’ processes and provide solutions to streamline their systems.
Its aim is to save organisations time on administrative tasks and help them regain a work/life balance.
Marking 100 days building up to Small Business Saturday on 5 December, Small Biz 100 is a national campaign which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop local' and support small businesses in their communities.
Alison set up VirtuAli Administrative Solutions after 20 years working in administrative roles in Northern Ireland and across Europe, across a range of sectors.
She said that “receiving the support of the team behind the Small Biz 100, during a time that’s been so tough for so many small businesses, is a huge boost.”
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Alison continued: “A few years ago, not many people knew what a virtual assistant was - a self-employed professional, usually with a particular administrative, technical or creative expertise, working remotely to support clients - but the industry has grown exponentially since then and there are lots of opportunities to work with small businesses doing exciting things!
“I’ve supported over 60 clients since I started my business five years ago and I feel very fortunate to be seeing an increase in demand for my services. Many of my clients are data heavy businesses which deliver online or offline events and I support them to take away the pain of the admin involved. Organisation and the ability to multi-task are key skills needed in the VA industry!”
According to the Society of Virtual Assistants, there are now around 3,800 VAs serving approximately 20,000 small businesses.
Alison said: “There are lots of benefits for small businesses who aren’t in a position to employ someone in-house as you can hire a VA for specific tasks or projects.
“VAs typically have expertise across a range of industries so will bring value added knowledge and can very quickly be working as a virtual team member.
“As business owners themselves they are generally very business-savvy and understand the challenges of running a company which helps understanding of client work greatly.”
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Alison has also recently been shortlisted as Northern Ireland Virtual Assistant of the Year 2020 by the UK VA Awards.
Another Northern Ireland-based business featuring in the Small Biz 100 is Willow and Weeds, founded by Saintfield-based Jo Rourke. She creates watercolour paintings featuring original poetry and turns them into wall art, cards and wrapping paper using sustainable, eco-friendly materials.
Michelle Ovens, MBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK congratulated both companies and commented: “Given the phenomenally tough time small businesses have had, and the special role they played supporting communities in lockdown, it’s vital we continue to support them as this crisis continues.
“This year’s Small Business Saturday is going to be the most important one yet, and we’re determined it will also be the best.”
Now in its eighth year in the UK, Small Business Saturday has grown significantly each year, with a record turnout of 17.6 million people choosing to shop small on the day last year, generating an estimated £800m.
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