I learned how to touch type in secondary school when I was 17 in 1998 during lunchtime classes. One of my teachers had found some 'learn to type' books from the 1960's (possibly even 50's) and she thought it would be useful for us to learn the skill rather than throw them away, the classes of course were optional. Indeed I thought this could be a useful opportunity, especially as I was pretty fast on a keyboard already. As a child I had always watched my mum and aunt touch typing, I always found it fascinating how they could type so fast without looking at the keys yet made no errors. I loved every minute of working through the 'learn at your own pace' books, and within two weeks I was touch typing at an impressive speed, I had no idea at the time I would use the skill and be running my own successful typing and VA business over 20 years later!
My ability to touch type certainly helped whilst completing my BA Honours Degree in English Literature which I attained in 2002 from De-Montfort University in Bedford, in fact I found it easier to type up my lectures rather than take notes in the lecture hall. My professional career begin in Public Relations and Event Management initially with a small local PR Agency, then onto a well known entertainment PR Agency and then within the press office of a major FTSE 100 company. In addition to writing numerous press releases with captured media attention, drafting advertorials to organising competitions in national media, I loved the event management side and the organisational aspect of the role. I thrived being an integral part of the team at the events but also loved doing anything and everything from formulating and expanding the guest lists (sometimes high profile names) to sourcing caterers. It was from here I realised I wanted to be a Personal PA, I wanted to support someone on a one to one basis and organise (almost every) aspect of his or her life.
So I fulfilled my ambition and became a Personal PA to a High Net Worth Individual (HNWI) and I undertook all the duties I now offer as part of my VA Services, including organisation of travel (national and international), complex diary management, multiple property portfolio management to more traditional duties such as typing letters and distributing and chasing invoices, plus so much more.
In 2013 my employer mentioned above was nearing retirement and had decided to settle overseas. It wasn't until an ex colleague approached me and asked me if I would be interested in transcribing some Public Health Conferences for my local NHS Trust that things really took a different direction for me. This was my first experience with audio transcription and before I knew it, I was purchasing my own audio equipment and introducing my typing services on the internet; and the rest is history so they say. I had always quite liked the idea of working for myself and I have never looked back and it seemed the right time. I developed particularly strong history within the medical sector since that initial audio work I completed for my local Public Health Team and subsequently undertook medical transcription for clients within local GP Practices, Hospitals, private practices and Mental Health Services typing essential correspondence for clinicians within a range of medical specialists from Oncology to Ophthalmology (NHS and private) - many of which benefited and continue to benefit from my VA services.
I am so privileged over the years to have completed typing requirements for such a diverse range of individuals including students, medical, legal and property professionals (surveyors and inventory clerks for example), authors and writers, professional tradesman (for example roofers and builders) and not forgetting members of the public who need assistance with typing.
I started my business in the mind of offering typing and transcription services only, although I have extensive PA experience, I wanted to keep things simple. A number of clients, and after getting to know me better, realised I could help them with additional services, whether it be on an occasional/one off or ongoing basis. I then knew it was time to perhaps start shouting out about my other skills which, like my typing service, could benefit others as well. So I introduced the VA 'leg' of my business formally in 2020.
Thank you for reading my story, please check out my full range of services to see how I can benefit you or your business today.
My ability to touch type certainly helped whilst completing my BA Honours Degree in English Literature which I attained in 2002 from De-Montfort University in Bedford, in fact I found it easier to type up my lectures rather than take notes in the lecture hall. My professional career begin in Public Relations and Event Management initially with a small local PR Agency, then onto a well known entertainment PR Agency and then within the press office of a major FTSE 100 company. In addition to writing numerous press releases with captured media attention, drafting advertorials to organising competitions in national media, I loved the event management side and the organisational aspect of the role. I thrived being an integral part of the team at the events but also loved doing anything and everything from formulating and expanding the guest lists (sometimes high profile names) to sourcing caterers. It was from here I realised I wanted to be a Personal PA, I wanted to support someone on a one to one basis and organise (almost every) aspect of his or her life.
So I fulfilled my ambition and became a Personal PA to a High Net Worth Individual (HNWI) and I undertook all the duties I now offer as part of my VA Services, including organisation of travel (national and international), complex diary management, multiple property portfolio management to more traditional duties such as typing letters and distributing and chasing invoices, plus so much more.
In 2013 my employer mentioned above was nearing retirement and had decided to settle overseas. It wasn't until an ex colleague approached me and asked me if I would be interested in transcribing some Public Health Conferences for my local NHS Trust that things really took a different direction for me. This was my first experience with audio transcription and before I knew it, I was purchasing my own audio equipment and introducing my typing services on the internet; and the rest is history so they say. I had always quite liked the idea of working for myself and I have never looked back and it seemed the right time. I developed particularly strong history within the medical sector since that initial audio work I completed for my local Public Health Team and subsequently undertook medical transcription for clients within local GP Practices, Hospitals, private practices and Mental Health Services typing essential correspondence for clinicians within a range of medical specialists from Oncology to Ophthalmology (NHS and private) - many of which benefited and continue to benefit from my VA services.
I am so privileged over the years to have completed typing requirements for such a diverse range of individuals including students, medical, legal and property professionals (surveyors and inventory clerks for example), authors and writers, professional tradesman (for example roofers and builders) and not forgetting members of the public who need assistance with typing.
I started my business in the mind of offering typing and transcription services only, although I have extensive PA experience, I wanted to keep things simple. A number of clients, and after getting to know me better, realised I could help them with additional services, whether it be on an occasional/one off or ongoing basis. I then knew it was time to perhaps start shouting out about my other skills which, like my typing service, could benefit others as well. So I introduced the VA 'leg' of my business formally in 2020.
Thank you for reading my story, please check out my full range of services to see how I can benefit you or your business today.
