A cost-effective solution to a frequent dilemma facing owners and managers of small and micro-sized businesses, particularly in our current global economic climate, is being offered by an enterprising individual who started her own successful business one year ago.

Carol Lynn of Bedlington, Northumberland, was made redundant in March 2008, but decided to use her expertise to create SOS Secretarial & Office Services, a Virtual Assistant service specifically designed to assist Senior Managers reduce the time they spent on administrative functions so that they can concentrate on their core business.

Having heard about the Enterprise Bridge Programme run by NBSL (Northumberland Business Service Ltd) to help people with business ideas get into self-employment, Carol made an appointment to see what might be involved in getting her own business off the ground. Starting your own business can be a challenging time, but at NBSL there is plenty of assistance available to help you develop your idea it into a business. 

Carol said “The support and advice I received from NBSL gave me the confidence to start my own business. I was given help and support with my business plan, researching my market and with accessing funding. The counselling sessions were always tailored to suit my individual needs and the staff are really approachable and friendly. I was never afraid to ask questions about anything I wasn’t sure of.”

One year on, Carol is an established Virtual Assistant with a growing number of clients from a variety of different types of organisations.  Carol added “I would advise anyone who is considering going down the self-employment route to contact NBSL, as you are guaranteed to receive the necessary assistance with all aspects of becoming self employed.”

Business Adviser Alan Grieves stated “Here at NBSL we work with people from a wide variety of backgrounds to explore business ideas and set up all sorts of business, but one common discussion we have with everyone is about maintaining their ‘work-life balance’; it is true that running a business is very rewarding but it can take over your time if you’re not careful!  The basic principle of ‘work-life balance’ is to enjoy working at making your business a success, but be as ‘smart’ as possible by capitalizing on, for example, business support functions like Carol’s, so you can still enjoy time with your family and friends!”

Alan added, “Hiring a Virtual Assistant service is one way in which pro-active businesses are helping to beat the current economic down-turn.  SOS’s support enables managers to be freed up to spend their time developing their business opportunities, rather than being stuck completing paperwork whilst their competitors steal a march”.  Carol at SOS can be contacted on 0845 838 8583 and This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it