The company has also announced its first franchisee, Carrie Jones, who will operate her franchise in her defined area in Berkshire and Hampshire. Carrie joined the business support specialist as a virtual assistant in 2016, and decided to take on her own franchise when the opportunity arose.

She says: “I decided to become a Get Ahead franchisee as I wanted to expand my own business. The franchise gives me the support, knowledge and insight of a successful business owner who has been there done that, allowing me to focus on tried and tested methods for growing my business.”

Carrie is also busy recruiting new virtual assistants to work in her team. She adds: “I have already welcomed a marketing specialist and an administration specialist on board, so we are ready to provide first-class services for our clients.

“We will be able to provide the full range of key business support services, including a virtual PA and admin, telephone answering, event management, social media, PR, bookkeeping, marketing strategy and business development.”

Get Ahead VA was founded in 2010 after director Rebecca Newenham saw a gap in the market for virtual assistance services that offered the flexibility, value and performance that small businesses and startups need in the modern digital economy.

The business now comprises of over 30 virtual assistants delivering business support for over 100 clients. The company has won awards for flexible working and been selected as one of the Theo Paphitis Small Business Sunday winners.