A VIRTUAL assistant based in Moira has been named as one of the UK’s most inspiring businesses.
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, saving them time on administrative tasks and helping them regain work/life balance.
The business has been chosen to feature in this year’s Small Biz 100, a national campaign which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop local' and support small businesses in their communities.
Taking place on December 5, the Small Biz 100 provides a major profile boost to small businesses across the UK, particularly at this challenging time.
Showcasing a daily celebration of the Small Biz 100 through social media, the campaign aims to support and celebrate a vibrant range of small, community driven businesses across the UK.
Alison set up VirtuAli Administrative Solutions after 20 years working in administrative roles in Northern Ireland and across Europe in organisations of different sizes and in a range of sectors.
She said: “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 VA 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 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.”
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.
