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Our Story

Welcome to The Indispensary

The company began life as Joanne Manville Virtual Assistance, back in 2015, and re-branded as The Indispensary in 2024.

I had worked as an Executive Assistant in Exeter in various roles for over ten years, reporting to either the Managing Director or the Chief Executive Officer – and I loved every minute. In addition to supporting senior leaders, I also supported the Board of Directors and Management Teams and ran the admin teams and the office – I loved being busy! But the time came when I felt the need to do something else.

I tried moving companies to see if I needed a change of scenery, but that wasn’t it. I wanted to do something ‘more’, to work with different people, in different industries, with different challenges. It wasn’t until I discovered Virtual Assistants that I realised my calling!

And so Joanne Manville Virtual Assistance was born…

I launched Joanne Manville Virtual Assistance in 2015, growing the company from ‘just’ me to a team of amazing VAs. We’ve worked with such brilliant people in a wide range of industries, from Charities and Executive Coaches to Surveyors and Tech Start Ups. These are people who are serious about doing the right thing and making an impact on the world whilst they do it – and they are people who recognise the value that having a Virtual Assistant on their team can add.

I have volunteered in Scouting for over 20 years, initially as a leader and most recently as a Trustee. I love organising – things, people, anything that moves – and I love helping people. I also love supporting and inspiring others to achieve their ambitions – whether that is a PA who wants to take the leap and start their own business, or our interns who are gaining work experience by working within our business and with our clients.

Oh, and I LOVE an Escape Room!

Our Values

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Being a safe, caring pair of hands
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Creating a space where everyone feels supported and respected
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Easing the growing pains and creating a platform to develop
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Working together to make the world a better place

Being a safe, caring pair of hands

Creating a space where everyone feels supported and respected

Easing the growing pains and creating a platform to develop
Working together to make the world a better place

How Can We Help You?

Whatever your situation, you arrived here because you care about your business or charity and the people you support, and you want to do more of what you love.

We look forward to hearing from you and supporting you on the next stage of your journey. You can book a call with us here.

P.S. Not sure what we can help with? Take a look at our case studies and services for inspiration.

Imagine having the time and headspace to focus, spend quality time with family and friends, reach new clients and continue to grow your organisation…

“Working with Joanne has been transformative – she has helped me to move towards creating accessible systems and processes so that I can outsource many of the tasks I was previously stuck doing inefficiently myself.

Perhaps just as importantly working with Joanne has also made me feel differently about my business, she is far more than a PA she is another member of the team who shows a genuine interest in, and commitment to my business. I would recommend her without reservation.”

Sam Delbaere

Leadership & Learning Consultant / Company Director

If this sounds like what you need, we’d love to talk to you.