As we look back on 2020, it will most certainly go down for most people as a year to be forgotten. A global pandemic took hold of the world, shaking us to our very core. For many businesses, there has been hardship beyond their imagination but for Jackie Hutchinson, Founder of Virtual Executive Assistant Support Services (VEASS), 2020 is the year where digging deep took on a new meaning.
January 2020 was memorable for Jackie in that she had already made the decision to take a bold step to transition from a sole trader into a virtual assistant company that would grow and builds on the reputation Jackie had worked so hard to create. VEASS was launched with so much hope and optimism in January 2020, despite there being murmurs circulating about a new flu virus that would work its way to the UK.
As March 2020 hit and the United Kingdom went into a national lockdown, plans for VEASS took a slightly different route to those in the business plan! Whilst Jackie became even more aware of the significance of giving back to those in need, she took the decision to dig as deep as possible to support her longstanding existing clients and also offer support to those needing her services. Complimentary virtual assistant services were offered to those business leaders who desperately needed a Virtual Executive Assistant, but whose businesses had declined due to the pandemic. VEASS flexed their service offer to meet the changing needs of Executives, which included call handling services, diary management, and minute and transcription services to name just a few. Although the world may have paused for a time, Jackie believed that it was a time to be bold and impactful as well as staying true to her values of helping others in need.
Building on this momentum, Jackie’s perseverance paid off with the launch of the new VEASS website, and the growth of the virtual assistant’s brand across external platforms including networx4business. This rapid digital growth meant that VEASS finally had a strong online presence, which was used to recognise and celebrate other small businesses, share best practice,s and collaborate with others.
The team of Virtual Assistants started to grow, with new associates joining the team. Each Virtual Assistant brought with them a wealth of knowledge of virtual assistance, quickly getting up to speed with the ‘VEASS values’ and their exceptional levels of customer care. With team growth came further business growth, as Jackie was appointed Board Secretariat for one of her existing clients, a role that would see her support the Board function and become a seamless extension of her client’s business across internal waters.
As the year draws to a close and many look forward to a brighter 2021, VEASS has already put plans in place to build on its successes to date. They have already secured new offices on the outskirts of Manchester and are planning to recruit a new Virtual Assistant in the New Year.
Talking of the past twelve months, Jackie said;
“I always knew that I wanted VEASS to be anything but the standard virtual assistant solution. I wanted to inject my passion and commitment in to our delivery, and ensure that every client was completely satisfied. As a business, we are authentic, determined, reliable, knowledge-based, caring and passionate, and myself and my team uphold those values each and every day. I think that’s how we have not only survived, but thrived in 2020.
“It has undoubtedly been a tough year for many, and we are fortunate to have bucked the trend in many ways. I really cannot wait to see what 2021 brings for VEASS! I have so many exciting plans and ideas, you’ll just have to watch this space for what will come next!”