Weald Business Solutions live on Uckfield FM

How can your business survive the 'Credit Crunch'? Phil Edwards of Weald Business Solutions gives advice on air at Uckfield FM.

Sue Edwards
Virtual Assistant Sussex
(01825) 761890

Beat the 'credit crunch' by outsourcing

I wonder how many times you have heard the words "this would be a great job if it were'nt for ....those temps ......that lot in Accounts."

Outsourcing can reduce more than the headline costs, for example:

Staffing - having a relationship with a 'pay as you go' external typing and secretarial resource means you can use it whan secretaries are on holiday or off sick. You're not paying expensive temp rates, which now include, by law, an amount for 'holidays' fo the temp, and no employers' national insurance costs.

IT - It is easy to reduce costs by 'hosting' your software elsewhere, eliminating the need for qualified IT staff. Word, Excel, and Accounts is securely accessed via the internet and all data will be protected and backed up by the hosting company.

Accounts - Outsourcing your accounts can reduce the need for staff and office space, especially when starting up a new business. Continue to have a good relationship with your customers, while your outstanding bills are being chased up for you, keeping your unpaid debts to a minimum.

(Magazine article)

Sue Edwards
Virtual Assistant Sussex
Office admin made easy
(01825) 761890

Planning an exhibition?

Last week we had a stand at the Let's do business exhibition in Hastings. The event was a great success, very busy and we hardly had time to draw breath all day! Well worth the effort and planning.

If you hope to do an exhibition soon, have you considered having at least two people to man your stand? If one of you is busy talking to a potential customer, this seems to be an instant magnet for others to follow - it certainly works for us. Why risk the chance of losing a potentially important customer? Also it gives you both a chance to take a break (which we found difficult as it was so busy) and to walk round and network with other stall holders.

I hope your future exhibitions are a success.

Sue Edwards
Virtual Assistant Sussex
(01825) 761890

An unusual enquiry

Today we had an unusual enquiry that I thought was worth sharing - and just might make you giggle! A lady called and asked if we did typewriter repairs. I didn't think typewriters existed any more.

When I did my secretarial training we used manual and electric typewriters and Tippex paper!! Who can remember those days?! All I can say is thank goodness for the progress of technology and for computers, where would we be without them?

Our children are all growing up with computers and they often know more about them than we do. Some elderly folk however quite often do not find computers easy to use, but if you ask Sue at Virtual Assistant Sussex she is willing to help. Of course businesses nowadays wouldn't be without one - the programmes available are invaluable.

Does anyone else remember training on a manual or electric typewriter at college? Please feel free to share them.

Sue Edwards
Virtual Assistant Sussex
(01825) 761890

The X Factor - fan or not?

If you watch the X factor every week, like I do, you' re probably hooked too. It's a bit like watching a weekly soap - you have to tune in again next week to find out what's next. It's one of the ways I like to chill out at weekends.

I find it absolutely amazing that there is so much talent about. The contestants are so dedicated and the harder they work the longer they will stay in the competition. I guess it's much the same in business - the more effort you put in the greater the rewards.

The press always keep on top of the 'news' but sometimes articles have to be read with an open mind - don't always believe what you read and this is certainly true this week with the story about Rachel Hylton.

I will be switching on again this weekend to see who's next to be eliminated. I think they're all good in their own way and wish them the best of luck!

Sue Edwards
Virtual Assistant Sussex
(01825) 761890

Networking at The Hastings Centre

Only one more week till the Let's do business Exhibition in Hastings on Thursday 13th November. 145 businesses exhibiting and lots of networking opportunities. Don't miss it!

Sue Edwards
Virtual Assistant Sussex
Office admin made easy
(01825) 761890

Moving your business back home?

In the news nowadays you hear regular stories of businesses who are closing up their premises to work from home, simply because they are trying to keep costs down, and their rent is probably one of their highest (if not THE highest) 'outgoings' of the month. Trying to reduce overheads must be a major concern for small business owners, especially now in difficult times due to the credit crunch.

However there is a very simple way in which a small business owner can reduce 'overheads' without the worry of adding to their workload or worse still, losing customers. Hiring a Virtual Assistant (or VA) is a great way to solve the problem.

No need for:

• extra office space.
• another expensive computer.
• more office furniture.
• staff insurance.

.........I could go on. A Virtual Assistant will work from her own office, but she can provide you with as much support as you need, but using her own resources, so you don't have to. And cheaper than you might think too!

In a nutshell your VA will be available as and when needed and you'll only need to pay for the hours required.

Why not give her a try? - you've nothing to lose!

Sue Edwards
Virtual Assistant Sussex
(01825) 761890

Kent and Sussex Courier - Retail survey article

The following story and picture appeared within the business pages of the Kent and Sussex Courier on Friday, October 10, 2008.

A firm that works with small businesses to find ways of simplifying and streamlining processes to improve efficiency is turning its attention to the retail sector.

Weald Business Solutions aims to remove hassle and frustration for managers and staff and help them deliver a better service for their customers.

Having proved itself in engineering and manufacturing organisations it is now starting to look at the retail sector.

Phil Edwards, founder of Weald Business Solutions (pictured right), said retailers were hitting tough times as householders struggled with the effects of soaring fuel costs and a review of working practices could make a difference in challenging times.

Better service

‘We firmly believe we can help retailers cut costs, improve management of inventory, improve staff retention and allow them to deliver better customer service.

We are talking to as many retailers as we can in the South East and undertaking a survey to better understand the issues they struggle with.

Everybody wants to see our high streets stay vibrant with a good range of local shops and we would like to show how we can bring benefits which will lead to improved service for customers and reduced costs for retailers.’

Phil worked in a variety of roles in design, development, engineering, production and manufacturing across a range of industries before setting up as an independent consultant in October 2005.

Clients have included shipping organisations, national charities, international couriers and manufacturers and he has helped them save up to £120,000 a year after reviewing their use of office consumables, utilities, production spares, transport and logistics, print and design, office cleaning, waste disposal and international travel.

Weald Business Solutions, which is based in Uckfield, aims to bring Phil’s experience of process improvement to small local businesses to help them reduce costs and improve efficiency.

Sue Edwards
Virtual Assistant Sussex
Working with Weald Business Solutions
(01825) 761890

CV need updating?

Looking for a jew job? Need a new CV?

If you've been working for the same company for a number of years, chances are that your CV (if you have one!) is out-of-date. If you see a job vacancy, you'll want to act on it now before someone beats you to it, but there's a lot of competition out there! This is when your CV needs to be ready and waiting but it's probably filed away somewhere safe!

Don't panic. We are more than happy to help you update your current CV, produce one from scratch or if you simply want some advice give us a call on 01825 761890 or send an email to vasussex@btinternet.com

Good luck with your job search.

Sue Edwards
Virtual Assistant Sussex
(01825) 761890

Let's do Business Exhibition, Hastings

I provide daily secretarial/office support for my husband Phil at Weald Business Solutions and as part of our ongoing marketing mix we have booked a stand (JR14) at “Let’s do Business, Hastings” on 13th November – details at http://hastings.letsdobusiness.org/. I will be there too of course, not only to promote Weald Business Solutions but also Virtual Assistant Sussex so do come and see us, we'll be happy to meet you.

Sue Edwards
Virtual Assistant Sussex
Office admin made easy
(01825) 761890

How quickly do your invoices and quotes get sent out?

Do you get your quotes out promptly? Have you considered how many customers you might be losing because you've not had time to deal with your paperwork?

I'm sure many small business owners prefer to do all their work themselves, because of course it's cheaper and "I don't need a secretary, I'll do it in my own time". But actually this couldn't be further from the truth.

Think about how much you charge per hour, and how long it takes you to type up all your quotes, then think how long it would take a qualified secretary to do the same thing and at what rate, you'll find it's actually much more economical to hire someone else to do it for you - giving you time to concentrate on what you do best and more opportunity to actually finish work on time.

This is just one of the jobs that could be done by a virtual assistant (or VA). You don't have to provide any office space. The details can be dictated over the phone if required, dropped off/picked up while you're on your way to a customer or sent in the post at regular intervals, whatever suits you. Your VA will even post them for you if you're out of time. Just think how impressed your prospective customers will be to receive their quote so promptly. This could mean the difference between winning and not winning more business.

The same applies to invoices of course. Whether you send them out weekly or monthly, if you miss the next 'run' of invoicing, you'll have to wait till the next one, which of course might mean you won't get paid so quickly, causing cash flow problems.

Your VA can relieve you of all this hassle and stress - just one less thing to worry about!

Sue Edwards
Virtual Assistant Sussex
Office admin made easy
www.virtualassistantsussex.co.uk














Sue Edwards
Virtual Assistant Sussex
(01825) 761890

Antiques for sale

I have some lovely antique items I have recently inherited from my parents who are (trying to!) move house to a flat and need to get rid of a lot of stuff:

Album full of old postcards (around 130) some 1st world war, some 'sewn' birthday cards
Bag full of antique lace items
Parasol
Peter Pan Nursery book ( with colour pics inside)

I don't want to sell the postcards but would be intersted to know roughly how much they might be worth, if anyone can give me some idea.

The other items are for sale but haven't settled a price as yet.

If anyone is interested please send me an email.

Many thanks
Sue Edwards
Virtual Assistant Sussex
vasussex@btinternet.com
(01825) 761890

Networking at Uckfield Chamber of Commerce meeting

Last night I attended a meeting at the Uckfield Chamber of Commerce which was held at the UCTC. My husband is a member and I went as his guest to add to my experience of networking. Chamber members consist mostly of local retailers and businesses from in and around Uckfield. This is the second meeting I have attended and it's a useful opportunity to both network (at which I am a complete novice and need much more practice!) and to find out what issues are being discussed locally.

There were several interesting guest speakers including Uckfield FM, and a gentleman from the local Red Cross group, who have recently moved premises from Belbrook Industrial Estate to Uckfield Volunteer Centre. The proposed plans for the re-development of Uckfield town centre were discussed, including the expansion of the Tesco store, which is not being very welcomed by both local businesses or the public.

The meeting was followed by dinner held in the cafe at UCTC, with further opportunities to network. The food was very tasty and a vast improvement on the school dinners we used to get in our senior school - I don't know what the kids are moaning about! Probably because it's all about healthy eating nowadays and definitely no chips or chicken nuggets!

Sue Edwards
Virtual Assistant Sussex
(01825) 761890

Useful ideas for VA blog.

Are you a VA or secretary working for a small business?

If you know of any useful articles or 'bits' of useful information please feel free to post them here.

Many thanks

Sue Edwards
Virtual Assistant Sussex
(01825) 761890

FIRM HELPS OTHERS CUT COSTS IN TOUGH TIMES

A firm that works with small businesses to find ways of simplifying and streamlining processes to improve efficiency is turning its attention to the retail sector.

Weald Business Solutions aims to remove hassle and frustration for managers and staff and help them deliver a better service for their customers.

Having proved itself in engineering and manufacturing organisations it is now starting to look at the retail sector.

TOUGH TIMES

Phil Edwards, founder of Weald Business Solutions, pictured right, said retailers were hitting tough times as householders struggled with the effects of soaring fuel costs and a review of working practices could make a difference in challenging times.

‘We firmly believe we can help retailers cut costs, improve management of inventory, improve staff retention and allow them to deliver better customer service.

‘We are talking to as many retailers as we can in the South East and undertaking a survey to better understand the issues they struggle with.

‘Everybody wants to see our high streets stay vibrant with a good range of local shops and we would like to show how we can bring benefits which will lead to improved service for customers and reduced costs for retailers.’

IMPROVE EFFICIENCY

Phil worked in a variety of roles in design, development, engineering, production and manufacturing across a range of industries before setting up as an independent consultant in October 2005.

Clients have included shipping organisations, national charities, international couriers and manufacturers and he has helped them save up to £120,000 a year after reviewing their use of office consumables, utilities, production spares, transport and logistics, print and design, office cleaning, waste disposal and international travel.

Weald Business Solutions, which is based in Uckfield, aims to bring Phil’s experience of process improvement to small local businesses to help them reduce costs and improve efficiency.

Sue Edwards
Virtual Assistant Sussex
working with Weald Business Solutions
(01825) 761890

Use Your Library

Do you visit your local library much? I'm sure most people only go to the library to look at books for reading or for the reference section. Are you aware of the amount of business books that you can borrow for example?

Recently I went to our local library to see what business books were available, since they are so expensive to buy and usually once you've read them, that's it. I have to admit the range was not massive but you can of course order from other libraries while you're there, or online. I found two business books which I found very useful and which would have been expensive to buy.

So before you search on Amazon or wherever for the book you want, why not give your local library a try.

Sue Edwards
Virtual Assistant Sussex
(01825) 761890

Is your business hectic ? - relax and wind down with yoga!

Are you a business owner – ladies or gents? (or staff for that matter). Worn out by the end of the day, only to repeat it all again tomorrow? Are you able to unwind when you get home? Do you ever consider taking some time out to focus on YOU for a change?

If you have done yoga in the past or have ever considered it, it’s well worth giving it another go – you’ll be so glad you did! It's so easy to get so engrossed in your work that you forget to make some time to concentrate on exercise?

I have done yoga for over 25 years now (on and off at different classes). It seems to me that you don't always appreciate how much good it's doing you until you stop doing it for a few weeks and re-start again.. Not only is it is great for stress relief but it helps keep those lazy muscles working and helps relieve back ache (in my case), and many other health problems you may have. It also helps you take your mind off any worries at work (or home).

So come on ladies and gents, take some time out for yoga, and concentrate on YOU for a change. You’ll return to the office refreshed and ready for your next challenge. Any comments on your experiences with yoga would be much appreciated.

Sue Edwards
Virtual Assistant Sussex
For all your office admin needs
(01825) 761890

Spending too much time on admin?

Do you usually rely upon agency temps to help out when you're work is piling up or have a large contract to fulfil?

Ever thought of asking for help while you're away with all sorts of office admin to keep things moving while you're away?

Ever considered trying a virtual assistant?

Ask Virtual Assistant Sussex to help you and you can expect a fast, reliable and efficient delivery of a wide range of services eg: stuffing direct mail, invoicing, data input etc.

Why rely on numerous weeks of expensive advertising or agency temps when you need extra help? Virtual Assistant Sussex is available to all businesses and the public, but we specialise in small businesses wherever they are based .

We are more than happy to discuss your needs, however small, so don't hesitate to call. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Edwards
Virtual Assistant Sussex
For all your office admin needs
(01825) 761890