Tips - The Indispensary

Virginia

Virginia has over 20 years of experience in supporting roles across a range of industries and is passionate about providing a first-class service. Her career has taken her from office management/PA support in the hospitality sector and wine trade to taking over the reins of a family property business, to name just a few.

She has a passion for property, keeping fit/healthy living and lives with her family in the heart of Chichester, surrounded by the South Downs countryside.

Based in Chichester, Virginia can help you with:

Business Administration
Bookkeeping
Property Management
Online Research
Email Management
File Management
Document Presentation
Data Entry
Proofreading/Strong Attention to Detail
Personal/Life Administration

Rebeka

Rebeka has had 25+ years’ experience as an Executive Assistant supporting C-suite management and senior-level executives, working alongside them as their right-hand woman ensuring they completed their business objectives. Working in industries such as Automotive, Financial Services, Real Estate, IT and Marketing she has gained a wide range of experience. She loves helping people and thinking outside the box for solutions to problems and if she doesn’t know the answer to a question, she will keep going until she does!

Rebeka says multi-tasking is her superpower and she enjoys having lots of plates spinning at once. Based in Berkshire, Rebeka can support you with:

Travel bookings
Research
Diary management
Inbox management
Event management
Organising and coordinating meetings
Social media management
Project management
Setting up and maintaining client databases

Louise

Louise has 18 years’ work experience across private and public sectors, having worked in customer service, administration, data processing and project management within small and large companies. Louise enjoys working in systems and processes and data and anything tech! Supporting people to run their businesses in a smooth and streamlined way is her main goal in all the work that she does.

Based in North Wales, Louise can support you with:

Traditional PA skills
Microsoft and Google systems
Inbox and diary management
Tech systems
Data Management
Excellent organisation skills
Research
Project Management
Minute taking / proofreading

Joy

With a career spanning over 25 years and a passion for organisation and efficiency, Joy works with clients to lighten their workload, streamline tasks, and help them achieve their goals.

Her ability to multitask along with her attention to detail really bolsters the support she brings to her clients.

Joy has worked in business support roles for most of her career, dealing with Partners and Heads of Department. She is used to multitasking and often working to tight deadlines.

Joy lives in Coventry, where she can be found most Saturday mornings volunteering at Coventry parkrun. Joy can support you with:

Blog writing
Proofreading and report writing
Diary Management
Inbox Management
Marketing Co-ordination
Event management
Travel booking

NAME

Amanda has over 15 years’ experience, supporting C-Suite Executives and prides herself on supporting her clients with integrity, open communication and relationships based on trust.

Amanda is a natural planner, a good listener, and a proactive problem solver.

Based in Bristol, Amanda can help you with:

Complex diary management
National and international travel
Organising team events
Minute taking at Board level
Creation of process documents

NICOLA

Nicola has a strong background in customer facing administration, having worked most recently within the Learning and Development team of a local charity.

Prior to that, she spent 7 years as an Account Coordinator for a leading global recruitment company based in London.

Based in Essex, Nicola can help you with:

Diary and Email Management
Travel Arrangements
Personal Administration and Correspondence
Scheduling Interviews/Providing Feedback
Data Entry/Candidate Onboarding
Expenses/Invoice support
Event Organisation
Canva Design

LUCY

Lucy has over 20 years’ experience providing PA and administration support, event management and property management in a variety of roles including a private charity, a private country estate and a group of hotels.

Lucy really enjoys supporting business owners so they can have more time to focus on their core activities and achieve their goals.

Based in Hampshire, Lucy can support you with:

Minute taking at Board level
Event planning and venue finding
Property lettings and compliance
Liaising with customers and contractors
Research
Diary management

MELANIE

Melanie is a highly experienced office professional and qualified HR Manager with 23 years’ experience of working in the private, public and charity sectors.

She has also worked in various senior admin roles including Executive Assistant, Office Manager and PA.

Based in Devon, Melanie can support you with:

Research – for projects, blogs, social media content, website pages
Recruitment admin and support
Setup of systems and processes
Copy typing/document formatting/proofing
Minute taking
Note-taking at HR investigations and hearings
Data input

MICHELLE

Michelle is a qualified ex-teacher with over 20 years of experience in administration, education, health and social care and charity sectors. As a result, Michelle has extensive knowledge of the sectors, regulations, OFSTED, CQC, and GDPR.

Michelle is methodical and organised, with a keen eye for detail, and has extensive knowledge of data protection, confidentiality and discretion.

Based in Cheshire, Michelle can help you with:

Executive Assistant support; including diary and email management
Data input
Reformatting and standardising formal documents, including policies and procedures
Copy-editing and proofreading of documents
Updating policies and procedures to reflect current legislation and include best practice

NATASHA

Natasha worked for over 25 years in a variety of industries. Her roles have included managing an administrative support team working within the scientific community which involved data and documentation management as well project management and process improvement.

She loves building strong client relationships in order to thoroughly understand their business needs and goals. She is solution focused and enjoys solving challenges.

Based in Cambridgeshire, Natasha can help you with:

Creating and implementing business improvements
Proofreading and copy editing
Social media management
Organisation and Project Co-Management
Documentation Management

NATALI

Natali worked for over 17 years within a wide range of fields such as design, events, sales and marketing, business support and project management and started working as a Virtual Assistant in January 2019.

Based in Buckinghamshire, Natali can help you with:

Professional video editing
Audio editing (for podcasts etc.)
Design graphics for print or digital
Brand and logo design
Animation creation – for social media/websites
Website design and updates on WordPress
Designing automated marketing emails
Document design

NUSH

Nush has fifteen years of experience working for businesses that have customer service and attention to detail at the heart of what they do. She has worked with local authorities, private companies and higher education providers, both in the UK and overseas, with previous experience as a teacher, coach, manager and director.

Nush is a problem-solver, who loves new challenges and connecting with others; providing ‘right-hand’ support, in order to give others the time and space to work on the parts of your business which need them the most. Above all, she loves the connections she forms with others by working with them in their business; providing committed assistance and creative problem-solving in order to ensure that a business meets the needs of the customer, in turn helping the business to thrive.

Based in Dorset, Nush can help you with:

Copywriting, editing and proofreading a variety of materials, including blog posts, newsletters and social posts
Providing superb customer support to a wide range of stakeholders.
Process creation and optimisation, and document organisation.
Project management and coordinating tasks.
Data entry and file organisation.

RAAKHEE

Raakhee has a background as an Executive Assistant at Board level. She finds organising people who are disorganised very fulfilling, and she loves a spreadsheet!

Raakhee is passionate about helping the environment and actively aims to be greener in her day to day life. She is also in the process of studying for a BSc in Environmental Science.

Based in Leicestershire, Raakhee can help you with:

Event planning and management
Document formatting
Research
Diary management
Email management

REBECCA

Rebecca has over a decade of experience in the PA and events world. She has orchestrated unforgettable weddings and events worldwide for esteemed clients including Tiffany and Co, F1, The Dubai Government, Carphone Warehouse, and Royalty.

Rebecca has a wealth of experience from her career which has covered sales, business support, PA and management roles.

Based in Devon, Rebecca can help you with:

General admin and PA Duties
Social Media Scheduling
Worldwide Event Planning and Organisation
Lifestyle Support – Appointment Setting, Research, Travel Bookings etc

SARAH

Sarah spent 23 years in the charity arena. Her role grew, as the charity did. From reception, secretarial, and fundraising roles, to responsibility for communications and marketing.

She would describe herself as a ‘doer’. and believes that being able to use her creativity and design skills to help a business tell their unique story is a privilege.

Based in Devon, Sarah can help you with:

Content writing; eg blogs, articles
Newsletter creation - MailChimp and more Canva - design of social posts, presentations, eBooks, brochures, newsletters and more
Creation of presentations on PowerPoint
Public relations including writing press releases
Website overview, and refresh
Kajabi - creating courses, automation, emails
Better Proposals software - proposal creation

SOPHIE

Sophie has over 15 years’ experience in operations management and administration across both charity and corporate sectors.

As a Business Operations Manager Sophie understands the importance of robust processes and policies and sustainable systems to help drive efficiencies and make resources go further.

Based in Devon, Sophie can help you with:

HR support & note taking
Breathe HR partner support
Policy & handbook writing / reviewing
Document formatting (including spreadsheets)
Strategic financial support
Board support & governance
Minute taking
IT & system implementation

SUMEERA

Sumeera has worked with various corporate organisations (including Microsoft, ITV and Shell), SME’s and start-ups over her 20 year working career, in areas including digital, marketing, websites, content and advertising.

She has experience working across a diverse range of businesses including business coaches, estate agents, food and drink, beauty, construction, estate agents, a branding agency, fintech, cyber, oil and gas, psychologists, health fitness and wellbeing, and technology.

Based in Essex, Sumeera can help you with:

Digital marketing
Brainstorm sessions (marketing strategy)
Market research and analysis
Email Marketing
PowerPoint presentations/pitches
Website content updates
Learning programme support

TAMSIN

Having worked in PA and Secretarial roles for over 20 years, Tamsin provides excellent assistance to a variety of high level managers including Directors. She has been involved in organising many staff events, including parties for 200+ staff, off site staff briefings including venue booking, facilities preparation and putting the presentations together along with scheduling staff in to attend.

She loves being one step ahead of a client and thinking about things before they’ve even thought of it themselves. Tamsin says that making a client’s day easier is the best feeling.

Based in Devon, Tamsin can you help with:

Traditional PA work
Inbox/diary management
Research
Minute taking
Copy typing/document formatting/proofing
Data input
Travel/research and organisation
Appointment reminders

VICKY

Vicky’s love of technology and her decision to specialise as a podcast VA followed a radio experience session with the Girl Guides which led to over 20 years of working within community radio.

She now uses that experience, along with her training in voice-overs, to support clients to develop their podcasts, enabling them to be seen and be heard.

Based in Lincolnshire, Vicky can help you with:

Creating and managing podcasts to release content consistently
Taking the headache out of editing video and audio content, whilst repurposing to get the most out of the recording
Making technology accessible to clients, through 1:1 support
Integrating your podcast into your business and streamlining production processes

LOU

With a managerial background in Client and Customer Service, Lou has worked as a Virtual Assistant for over two years. Lou is experienced in supporting both small and large businesses across a wide range of administrative tasks.

She enjoys a consultative approach with clients, offering ideas and solutions across the board. Lou is passionate about wellness and self-care in business and is studying towards a Life Coaching certification with focus on mindset and growth.

Based in Kent, Lou can support you with:

Creation and curation of blog posts
Content and website copy
Organisation and project co-management
Research and collating information
Creating process documentation
General PA duties

LISA T

Lisa has been a PA / EA since 2005 and has worked with companies in the fields of management consultancy, recruitment, law, design and branding, and HNWI.

Her expertise is in complex and proactive diary management (including scheduling across different time zones), coordinating complex business travel, detoxing intense inboxes, compiling documents containing confidential data as well as arranging corporate entertainment.

Based in Berkshire, Lisa can help you with:

Complex diary management
Event organising
Booking travel and accommodation
Inbox management
Copywriting

LISA

Lisa has 30+ years experience in administration including the Employment Service, HM Prison Service, Ministry of Defence and Public Sector Industries, as well as a PA/EA supporting a Captain of the Royal Navy and a Head Teacher.

She also worked as an Events Manager, organising events from business networking and well-being to weddings and activity events.

Based in Lincolnshire, Lisa can support you with:

Providing Executive virtual administration solutions to businesses, entrepreneurs and coaches enabling them to concentrate on their clients.
Diary Management
Email Management
Lifestyle Support
Research and information collection
Day to day organisation of tasks
Event Planning

LAURA

Laura has a background in law and residential property and worked in Central London for 8 years looking after a variety of high profile clients. Her work included new business generation, diary management, customer/client relationships, project management and much more! The boutique companies she’s worked for have her given a well rounded range of business skills and experience.

Based in London, Laura can help you with:

Property management and lettings
Organisation
Email and diary management
Client relationships
Customer service

KIRSTEN

Kirsten has spent the last 20 years providing EA, PA, Secretarial and Board support and event planning services to a variety of business owners and executives in the UK and overseas.

She loves helping people to meet their goals and increase their time to be able to enjoy the things they love most, in their business and personal lives.

Based in East Lothian, Kirsten can help you with:

Board and Executive team support
Event planning and management
Worldwide travel planning and complex itinerary co-ordination
Minute taking
Audio typing
Lifestyle support

JULES

Jules is our resident travel expert! She is passionate about travel and has over 30 years experience as a Travel Agent.

Working in partnership with High Street Travel Agency, Premier Travel, she can offer an ABTA Bonded Travel Booking Service. All package holidays will be ATOL Protected and 100% Financially Secure.

Based in North West London, Jules can help you with:

Package Holidays
Short Breaks
Tailor Made Itineraries
UK, Europe, USA and Worldwide
Tourism Australia Aussie Specialist
Destination Canada & Rocky Mountaineer Specialist
Virgin Voyages Certified Agent
Sandals & Beaches Certified Agent

JESSICA

Jessica has been a virtual assistant since 2017 and specialises in minute taking (Boards, Sub-Committees, Working Groups and Programme Boards) working predominantly in healthcare both for the NHS and private healthcare. She has an extensive background in recruitment having managed the recruitment for a global IT firm across 20+ countries while managing a team based across the world.

Jessica understands confidentiality and discretion, is armed with the full range of administrative and communications skills you may require, and has an excellent career track record.

Based in Berkshire, Jessica can support you with:

Minute taking
Recruitment – process design, advertising, screening, interviewing, offers
Creation of process documentation
Email & Diary Management
Research tasks

JENNI

Jenni has worked for over 25 years in Business Support roles for global corporate companies and SME’s, providing excellent support to a variety of senior managers including Directors through to operational staff.

Based in Merseyside, Jenni can help with:

Traditional PA skills to a high level
Excellent Microsoft skills
Extensive experience in multi Inbox/diary management
Research
Formatting/proofing
Data input
Appointment reminders
Process mapping
Investigations
Report writing
Compliance & audit
Performance KPI Management
Contract Management

JAYNE

Jayne worked for 13 years as a Sales Manager, providing 5* event catering services to corporates, charities, and individuals alongside a large major events portfolio including the BRIT Awards & Royal Windsor Horse Show.

A dedicated, thorough, and hardworking individual, Jayne's skills have been proven in sales system processes, CRM, budgeting, forecasting and vital key administrative support to help maintain efficient operations. Since becoming a VA Jayne also has developed a passion for Canva, helping businesses to maintain a fantastic brand identity.

Jayne loves turning a lead into a sale and says the best way to do this is with a winning proposal and great client relations. Jayne loves taking a new client and putting systems in place to make sure they stand out at the first point of contact and build partnerships to last.

Based in Cornwall, Jayne can help you with:

Growing sales by assessing clients' customer journeys and improving their processes to maximise sales
Monitoring sales leads via email and on social platforms
Designing, creating and sending sales proposals
Implementation of suitable follow up procedures to maximise sales conversions
Managing existing customer service support
Extensive experience with administration and planning, particularly in the hospitality and events sector

JACKIE

For almost 20 years, Jackie worked for The Royal Household at Buckingham Palace, with the last nine and half years being the Personal Assistant to Her Majesty The Queen’s Personal Advisor and Dresser.

Being part of Her Majesty’s personal staff, Jackie always had to work with a high degree of discretion, be organised, detail oriented and maintain confidentiality at all times and these key elements Jackie continues to deliver to her clients today.

Based on the Isle of Skye, Jackie can help you with:

Diary and email management
Correspondence
Travel Arrangements
Client Gifting
Expenses/Invoice
Support Social Media Support
Personal Administration and Correspondence
Personal Shopping
Travel Arrangements
Personal Appointments

HOLLY

Holly worked for almost 15 years as a PA in the funeral sector, as an office administrator, funeral arranger, and PA to the area manager.

Along with her excellent PA skills Holly utilises her Multimedia Diploma from Plymouth College of Art & Design to provide tech support to her clients, such as video editing, photoshop work and canva design.

Based in Cornwall, Holly can help you with:

Visual content creation (canva, photoshop, premiere)
Website updates & moderation
Document & newsletter design for marketing emails
Travel & Event Planning
General Administration
Lifestyle Management

HELEN

Helen has over twenty years’ experience working as a high-level Executive Assistant within the public sector, having worked for CEOs and as a Chief of Staff within the NHS, and the offices of the Government.

She not only brings a wealth of skills and experience to support her clients, but also boasts strong organisational skills and likes to be proactive and forward thinking. Helen is completely comfortable working within a high-pressured environment and is flexible to the demands of a challenging role.

Based in Cumbria, Helen can help you with:

Diary management
Inbox management
Minute taking and meeting management
Travel research and bookings
Project management
Proofreading and report writing
Lifestyle management

HAYLEY

Hayley is a PA/Account Coordinator with over a decade of experience supporting at both Senior Board and Director level.

She has a wealth of experience in a variety of sectors including Beauty/ Packaging and Hospitality. However a majority of her career, skills and experience is working within Executive Search and Recruitment.

Based in Essex, Hayley can help you with:

Email management
Extensive diary management
Travel arrangements (both local and global)
Creation and formatting of documents
Copy typing and dictations
Project Coordination and management
Data Input
Event Coordination

FIONA

Fiona has a comprehensive knowledge of finance and accounting processes having worked in finance since qualifying with the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT.)

She has also studied with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and obtained a Diploma in Management Accounting.

Based in Devon, Fiona can help you with:

Day to day finance administration
PAYE, CIS and VAT returns and liaising with HMRC
Processing payroll
Raising sales invoices and posting purchase invoices
Credit control, chasing overdue payments
Daily banking and allocating of all monies including setting up supplier payment runs
Processing petty cash payments and maintaining the cash book
Maintaining Gift Aid donation records and performing reclamations quarterly for charities
Production of month end management accounts

ELLEN

Ellen worked for over 12 years in ‘people teams’ in organisations in a mix of sectors that include social housing, manufacturing, and retail.

She enjoys supporting a wide range of businesses, including coaches and trainers, lifestyle industries such as fashion, retail, food, and travel.

Based in Merseyside, Ellen can help you with:

Learning and Development
Training and implementation
Social media planning and strategy
Reformatting/updating documents
Email and diary management
Customer excellence (process, training, service improvements, journeys)

CLAIRE

Claire has a background in providing Executive Assistant support to Non-Executive Board Directors, CEOs, Consultants and Partners.

She has also worked as an Editor in information books, project managing titles from inception to publication.

Based in Oxfordshire, Claire can help you with:

Complex diary and email management
Executive Assistant support to CEOs, Directors and Partners within Blue Chip and Financial organisations, including Management
Consultancies
Editorial: Project management, editing, proof-reading and drafting articles for approval
Minute taking at Partner and Board level, including NHS Boards: preparation of papers, attendance at meetings, producing minutes, follow-up of actions
Customer Relationship Management: liaison with clients, prospects, and key stakeholders

ANNE-LOUISE

With three decades of experience as a PA/EA Anne-Louise brings a wealth of expertise to her role.

Her diverse background includes collaborating with professionals at various career stages, from recent university graduates to the challenges of the C-suite and the needs of HNWI.

Based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, Anne-Louise can help you with:

Diary & Email Management
Minute Taking
Document Creation & Formatting
File/Document Organisation
Travel Planning
Organising Events & Gifts

ANNA

Anna has an extensive background in the medical and educational sectors having spent over 20 years working in a medical royal college and a chartered professional membership body.

She has comprehensive experience managing educationally focused projects, supporting boards and committees, and managing operational membership activities.

Anna has a rescue border collie and spends much of her free time indulging her passion for all things canine by studying dog behaviour and training and helping to run local dog training classes. She also volunteers as a co-editor of her local community magazine.

Based in Wiltshire, Anna can help you with:

Project support and project management, particularly projects with an educational focus such as curriculum development.
Minute taking at Board level, including technical/medical subject matter
Preparation of agenda and papers, follow-up of actions.
Proof-reading and editing
Drafting of papers and articles for approval
Stakeholder management, particularly where board members or project experts are working on a voluntary basis.
Research

AMANDA

Amanda has over 15 years’ experience, supporting C-Suite Executives and prides herself on supporting her clients with integrity, open communication and relationships based on trust.

Amanda is a natural planner, a good listener, and a proactive problem solver.

Based in Bristol, Amanda can help you with:

Complex diary management
National and international travel
Organising team events
Minute taking at Board level
Creation of process documents

KATIE

Katie is a student at the University of Exeter studying English and Communications. She is a curious, driven and bold individual.

Katie has experience writing and editing for student journalism and also works on layout for RAZZ student magazine at Exeter University.

In her free time, Katie is an avid reader, writer and podcast editor. On her podcast, Katie has gained experience interviewing people in PR, marketing, journalism and entrepreneurship and has become incredibly passionate about representations in the media.

As a result, Katie works vigilantly to ensure confidentiality and ethics are maintained.

Based in Exeter, Katie can help you with:

Podcast editing
Social media strategy. (Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and Twitter).
WordPress updates
Canva design
Article writing
Copy editing

MADDY

Based between Zambia and Devon, Maddy can help you with:

Videography and video editing including:
- Documentary style wildlife videos
- Promotional videos
- Social events (wedding, parties)
Social media content creation & management (YouTube, shorts, instagram reels, TikTok)
Creative design (Canva)
Photo editing
Creating and drafting newsletters

JOANNE

(Continued...) The recognition received through awards has been both humbling and inspiring. In 2020 and 2019, I was honoured with the title of UK Outstanding VA. In 2018, I proudly received the England VA of the Year award, and in the same year, I was recognised as VA of the Year in the South West, a title I also held in 2017. Additionally, in 2016, I was a Finalist for the prestigious Best Newcomer award.

Our journey continued in 2022 when we were awarded Small Business Of The Year at the Devon Women In Business Awards.

The award I am most proud of however, was Contribution to the VA Community which I received in 2022 from the UK VA Awards.

Outside of the office, I have been volunteering in Scouting for over 20 years and now serve on the Board of Trustees and support the fundraising sub-committee.

UK Outstanding VA 2019 & 2020

Awarded ‘Winner’ of the UK Outstanding VA 2019 and 2020 category in the UK VA Awards

VA of the Year 2018 (England)

Awarded ‘Winner’ of the VA of the Year 2018 (England) category in the UK VA Awards

VA of the Year (South West) 2017 & 2018

Awarded ‘Winner’ of the VA of the Year 2017 and 2018 (South West) category in the UK VA Awards

VA Newcomer of the Year 2016

‘Finalist’ in the VA Newcomer 2016 category in the UK VA Awards

UK Outstanding VA 2019 & 2020

Awarded ‘Winner’ of the UK Outstanding VA 2019 and 2020 category in the UK VA Awards

VA of the Year 2018 (England)

Awarded ‘Winner’ of the VA of the Year 2018 (England) category in the UK VA Awards

VA of the Year (South West) 2017 & 2018

Awarded ‘Winner’ of the VA of the Year 2017 and 2018 (South West) category in the UK VA Awards

VA Newcomer of the Year 2016

‘Finalist’ in the VA Newcomer 2016 category in the UK VA Awards

Based in Newton Abbot, Devon I love:

Assisting business owners strategically, taking a whole-business view and determining the best way to save them time
Helping identify what could be delegated and putting this in place
Supporting whole teams, to enable them to work more effectively together and focus on the bigger picture
Lifestyle support, ensuring clients maintain a work/life balance

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Automation: Why doing less will help you achieve more

Charity, Tips

Wondering why doing more sometimes feels like a waste of time? We spoke to automation expert Jon Cunningham about how automation can solve just that problem.

The Indispensary Limited is a company registered in England & Wales, Company Number 14762047, VAT Number: GB379 95104

Registered address: C/O GX Accountancy & Bookkeeping Services, 1 Fortescue Court, Thorverton, Exeter, Devon, England, EX5 5JN

Registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office Reg ZB535254

UK Outstanding VA 2019 & 2020

Awarded ‘Winner’ of the UK Outstanding VA 2019 and 2020 category in the UK VA Awards

VA of the Year 2018 (England)

Awarded ‘Winner’ of the VA of the Year 2018 (England) category in the UK VA Awards

VA of the Year (South West) 2017 & 2018

Awarded ‘Winner’ of the VA of the Year 2017 and 2018 (South West) category in the UK VA Awards

VA Newcomer of the Year 2016

‘Finalist’ in the VA Newcomer 2016 category in the UK VA Awards

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