Curlew Secretarial Solutions

07/07/2026

I spent yesterday evening at the Inspire West Cumbria Summer Soiree at Her Citi in Maryport.

What a refreshing and relaxed evening it was. The room was full of businesswomen from a really wide range of industries. And what was lovely about this particular meeting was that it focused on self-care and well-being.

We talked about how easy it is to burn out when you are doing something you love. This really resonated with me because I so love what I do, and because of that, it's easy to just keep on working.

So, we looked at ways to relax, and Helen (Leila) Haslam kindly modelled for an Indian Head Massage from Essence Wellness, and we discussed different ways of switching off in a way that is right for us.

The food from Her Citi was beautiful, and it was great to see the facilities they have there!

A really lovely evening with really lovely company.

01/06/2026

I am looking forward to speaking at Inspire West Cumbria this evening about AI and how to use it sensibly in your business.

I'll be looking at what tools are available out there, how to use them effectively, but also what to be cautious of too.

Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

And if you have any questions about how you can use AI effectively in your business, do give me a shout.

10/02/2026

I was chatting to another virtual assistant last week about how important networking is when you are a VA (and not just for marketing your business).

It can be a lonely pursuit, being a VA. We work from home, and if we're not careful, we can find that we are isolating ourselves from the rest of the world.

Networking serves two important purposes - marketing our businesses, but also building a support network, human contact, and friendship.

It's not always easy to face going out (I don't think the Pandemic has helped our social batteries), but it is so important for mental health, support and long-term wellbeing to interact with other human beings.

I headed out yesterday, on a cold, wet winter's evening to Inspire West Cumbria and I'm so glad I did. Surrounded by lovely people and good food at the lovely Greenhill Hotel in Wigton, we networked and listened to a great talk from Stacey McCourt (Travel Counsellor) about all kinds of holiday types. Plus I got to meet fellow VA Helen Haslam, so another great VA connection has been made.

We even had a guest cat last night who came in to help Stacey with the IT (hence the photo).

So, I guess what I'm trying to say is, get yourselves out there, even if you don't feel like it. It's good for you and for your business.

Thank you, Anne Sowerby and AB Accountancy Solutions Ltd - Accounts & Payroll for a lovely evening.

If you fancy joining us at Inspire, you can find out more here:
https://www.inspirewestcumbria.org.uk/

07/10/2025

Are you ready to grow your business?

If everything you do is stored in your head, it can be hard to bring new people on board. You will be the one training them, showing them how things are done, and answering questions every step of the way.

And when they move on or you are ready to take on more team members, you will need to do it all over again.

That’s where SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) make a real difference. SOPs are simple written instructions that show exactly how things work in your business.

As a VA, I often help clients create SOPs before they grow their teams. But if you are doing it by yourself, I’ve designed a step-by-step course that walks you through how to build your own library of SOPs that will enable you to expand your business productively and sustainably grow.

Inside, you’ll learn how to:
- Identify and map your key business processes.
- Use templates and tools to make documenting tasks simple.
- Create clear, easy-to-follow instructions anyone can use.
- Write SOPs for admin, marketing, onboarding, and more.
- Delegate with confidence.
- Keep your SOPs fresh and up to date as your business grows
- Save time and delegate with confidence

It’s practical, easy to follow, and packed with real examples you can adapt straight away.

Because it’s brand new, I’m offering £20 off until the end of November, just use this coupon code: 20OFF4U

If you want to grow your business in a productive and sustainable way, this course gives you everything you need to build a strong foundation and a confident team.

https://curlewsecretarial.teachable.com/l/pdp/systems-for-success-how-to-create-sops-that-grow-your-business

30/09/2025

Yesterday evening I attended Inspire West Cumbria, a networking group that I've been meaning to go to for years, and I finally got around to joining.

I gave a talk together with my lovely client Anne Sowerby of Sassy Property Styling Ltd about our journey together developing her online course and membership. It was a chance for people to hear about how to create an online course with the support of a VA.

It was such a good evening with stands from lots of different members, some great raffle prizes and I was welcomed into the group so warmly.

If you are looking for a welcoming and thriving networking group in North Cumbria, give Inspire a try. I'm looking forward to the next one now.

https://www.inspirewestcumbria.org.uk/

26/09/2025

Fancy brushing up on your public speaking? Theresa Ribeiro is running a Public Speaking Workshop for Women in Carlisle.

Theresa has given me many great top tips for my public speaking over the years, so I know this will be one not to miss!

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/find-your-voice-tickets-1738589119859?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwY2xjawNDWNNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHrB1awelMikCkK1K-sAz1VCK8-0JFb_gO_biB06LZ_7As-VfGYvaATGpOSvo_aem_FzcAZzN0sZX5AH0YdqFfgg

Empowering women in business to speak boldly, present confidently, and inspire impact at our interactive workshop, Find Your Voice!

03/09/2025

This is why a client recently requested our hand-typed audio typing services. Due to strong accents and the confidential nature of their discussions, AI transcription software was not an option. The text below was sent to us as an example of how AI cannot cope with the accent (😂).

Now, don't get me wrong, AI is great and when AI works for transcribing it's wonderful and easy.

But believe it or not, there is still a place for traditional audio typing. Clients use us because AI isn't always data protection or GDPR compliant and they have highly confidential information, or just because AI can't always handle accents and certain jargon.

I believe AI will continue to improve, but in the meantime, if you need a human to type up your audio, give us a shout!

This is also a heads up to check that when you outsource your audio for transcription, you should check whether or not they hand type it or run it through AI transcription software.

20/05/2025

I had such a lovely time chatting with Shelley Fishel on the Virtually Amazing Assistants - the Podcast for Assistants Everywhere Do have a listen 🙂

🚨 New Episode Out Today! 🚨

Exploring the VA Journey: An Interview with Gwen Backhouse 🎙️

In the latest episode of Virtually Amazing Assistants, I sit down with the wonderful Gwen Backhouse, award-winning VA and founder of Curlew Secretarial Solutions.

👩‍⚕️ From nursing to launching her VA business
🌱 Growing a thriving practice
🤝 The power of networking
💬 Speaking engagements and leadership
🎄 Plus – her unique and thoughtful Christmas card service!

It’s packed with insights, laughs, and inspiration for VAs at every stage of their journey 💻💡

🎧 Tune in now – available wherever you get your podcasts! https://virtuallyamazingassistants.com/episode-23-virtually-amazing-with-gwen-backhouse/

✨🎙️💻

21/04/2025

Happy World Curlew Day!

On this day, we celebrate the beautiful Eurasian Curlew and its wonderful cousins around the world.

Happy World Curlew Day!

On this day - the best day of the year - we celebrate the beautiful Eurasian Curlew and its wonderful cousins around the world.

As Mary Colwell says: Love them, celebrate them, protect them 💚

14/04/2025

Wow, this post from 11 years ago is very relevant today!

A new day and a new week; means a new opportunity to make something special happen. Have a great week everyone.