Smart Cookie Virtual Assistant

Smart Cookie Virtual Assistant Many business owners find themselves stretched too thin. It is exhausting, demotivating and you deserve more. I can help by taking this off your hands.

Small Business Sunday winner | Tailored virtual support for UK sole traders, small business owners & individuals managing life after loss I Specialising in Architecture, Surveying & Bereavement Support I Practical Assistance for Peace of Mind & ROI With only so many hours in a day they have to choose between working and earning more, or spending time with their family and doing things they lo

ve. I solve this by helping small business owners with their business admin, so that as a result they can work fewer hours and take back control of their time. I understand how it feels to spend your evenings after a full working day having to catch up with paperwork and the daily minutiae that keeps a business running properly. When you work with me as your Virtual Assistant, you won't have to feel torn between honouring your client commitments and time with the family. As a result you will feel more focused and energised, reinvigorate the reason why you started your business and able to fulfil your aspirations outside work. Your time is too valuable to be bogged down with admin issues, let me sort it quickly and efficiently for you.

šŸ“§ Email me at [email protected]
ā“ Find out more about me at www.smcva.co.uk

People often assume the biggest benefit of working with a Virtual PA is getting more time back. And whilst that's certai...
19/08/2026

People often assume the biggest benefit of working with a Virtual PA is getting more time back. And whilst that's certainly part of it, it's not usually what my clients mention first.

More often, it's the relief of knowing things are being taken care of.

Knowing an important email hasn't been missed. Knowing a client has received a response. Knowing appointments are organised and those little jobs that sit in the back of your mind are no longer waiting for you to get round to them.

As business owners, we wear a lot of hats and juggle a lot of moving parts. It can sometimes feel like there's a never-ending list of things demanding your attention.

Having support isn't just about getting through more work. It's about creating a little breathing space and feeling confident that everything isn't resting solely on your shoulders.

For many people, that's worth far more than a few extra hours in the week.

It's peace of mind.

Meet My Temporary ColleaguesOne of the things I enjoy about being self-employed is that no two weeks are quite the same....
12/08/2026

Meet My Temporary Colleagues

One of the things I enjoy about being self-employed is that no two weeks are quite the same.

Alongside supporting my clients, I've also been house sitting and looking after these beautiful cats while their owners are away.

Anyone who knows cats will know they're not all the same. Some are sociable and curious, while others prefer to keep their distance until they've decided you're acceptable company.

They seem to think I'm an acceptable stand-in human, while I'm just enjoying the company and trying not to take it personally when their food receives more enthusiasm than I do!

Looking after someone's home and pets is a responsibility I take seriously, and it's a privilege to be trusted with something that's so important to them.

It's also helping me step a little further outside my comfort zone. I've always loved the idea of travelling and exploring new places but, with very little sense of direction, I've never been the most confident navigator. House sitting feels like a great way to build that confidence while experiencing somewhere new.

My third sit this summer is coming up and, being the furthest from home so far, it will be a good test. There will definitely be no popping home when I realise I've forgotten something!

One of the unexpected joys of running my own business is the flexibility to meet wonderful people, spend time with some lovely pets and enjoy experiences I might not otherwise have had.

Are you a cat person, a dog person, or both?

A slightly different format for this morning's Boost Your Business Network Academy session, with a small group of five a...
06/08/2026

A slightly different format for this morning's Boost Your Business Network Academy session, with a small group of five and no masterclass due to the holiday season.

We enjoyed the usual group coaching session, focusing on members' business challenges and sharing ideas, experiences and support around the table.

We then took a short walk in the sunshine to a local cafƩ for lunch, making the most of the opportunity to continue the conversations away from the meeting room.

One of the things I value most about being part of this group is the willingness to support one another. Running a business can sometimes feel lonely, so having a trusted network of people who understand the highs and lows makes a real difference.

Thank you to James for bringing us together each month and creating such a supportive environment for local business owners.

What's one thing in your business that you know you shouldn't still be doing yourself?Maybe it's staying on top of email...
29/07/2026

What's one thing in your business that you know you shouldn't still be doing yourself?

Maybe it's staying on top of emails.

Maybe it's chasing invoices.

Maybe it's organising appointments, managing your diary or following up clients.

Most of these tasks only take a few minutes at a time.

But when you add them all together, they can easily take up hours every week.

As business owners, we often keep doing things because it's quicker than explaining them to someone else, or because we've always done them.

But sometimes it's worth taking a step back and asking:

Is this really the best use of my time?

The right support isn't about handing over control. It's about creating space to focus on the things that only you can do.

As a Virtual PA, I work behind the scenes to help keep businesses organised and running smoothly, giving owners more time to focus on their clients, projects and families.

What is one task you'd happily take off your plate if you could? Let me know below or send me a message.

A great evening at the Summer in the City event at City Gate last night.Fantastic food with an amazing hog roast, plenty...
24/07/2026

A great evening at the Summer in the City event at City Gate last night.

Fantastic food with an amazing hog roast, plenty of conversations and some great new connections made.

Thank you to The Samphire Club for organising such an enjoyable event

Be honest, could you actually switch off this summer?Not just take a few days away from your desk.I mean properly switch...
22/07/2026

Be honest, could you actually switch off this summer?

Not just take a few days away from your desk.

I mean properly switch off.

Leave your laptop closed.

Stop checking emails.

Enjoy time with your family without wondering what's happening in your business.

For many business owners, summer holidays don't feel much like holidays at all.

The inbox still needs attention. Clients still have questions. Meetings still need organising. Invoices still need chasing.

The challenge isn't taking time away from the business.

It's knowing the business will keep moving while you're away.

As a Virtual PA, I work alongside business owners to help keep things running smoothly behind the scenes. From managing communications and coordinating diaries to supporting client relationships and keeping on top of financial administration.

Because summer should be about making memories, taking a break and returning refreshed, not spending your holiday checking emails from the poolside.

If you're planning time away this summer, what is the one business task you'd love to stop thinking about while you're on holiday?

If the third heatwave month of the summer and the approaching school holidays are playing havoc with your routine, our J...
15/07/2026

If the third heatwave month of the summer and the approaching school holidays are playing havoc with your routine, our July coworking session might provide exactly the change of scene and hot desking you need.

Whether you've already got children at home for the school holidays, are about to, or simply fancy a break from your usual workspace, why not join us for our next Exeter Jelly South West coworking day?

šŸ“… Tuesday 21 July
šŸ“ Generator Hub (Third Floor)
šŸ•™ 10:00am to 3:00pm

It's a relaxed, friendly day where you can get some work done, enjoy a change of scene and spend time with other freelancers, remote workers and small business owners.

You can expect:

ā˜• Free tea, coffee and Wi-Fi
šŸ’¬ Friendly conversation and support
āœ… Plenty of time and space to focus on your work
🄪 Bring lunch or grab something nearby

Spaces are limited, so please book your ticket here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1978117405409?aff=oddtdtcreator

If your plans change, please remember to cancel your ticket so someone else can take advantage of the space.

It would be lovely to see you there.

I'm very excited to be writing this...Smart Cookie Virtual AssistantĀ®ļø is officially a Theo Paphitis   Small Business Su...
14/07/2026

I'm very excited to be writing this...

Smart Cookie Virtual AssistantĀ®ļø is officially a Theo Paphitis Small Business Sunday winner!

To be recognised by Theo and win on my very first application is something I never expected, and I'm absolutely delighted.

Smart Cookie Virtual Assistant is built on trust, providing business owners with a reliable pair of hands behind the scenes, whilst also offering practical support to people navigating bereavement and caring responsibilities.

To have a business centred around helping others recognised in this way means a great deal.

A huge thank you to Theo Paphitis and the entire community for such a warm welcome.

I'd also like to say a special thank you to Mariam from Your SkinAngel, who made me aware of this opportunity in the first place. Had Mariam not mentioned it, I may never have entered.

I'm excited to see what comes next as part of the community.

A lovely evening at my first Exeter Construction Group event and my first visit to voco Zeal Exeter Science Park.It was ...
09/07/2026

A lovely evening at my first Exeter Construction Group event and my first visit to voco Zeal Exeter Science Park.

It was great to catch up with familiar faces, meet some new people and enjoy some interesting conversations about the construction industry.

I had a chat with Colin and Richard from Nevada Construction Ltd about the challenges of CHAS renewals. It seems many businesses share the same frustrations when navigating the process!

It was also nice to meet Lloyd from Arque Ltd and Andrew from Hulley and Kirkwood Ltd. Both are familiar company names from my previous employment, so it was great to finally meet some of the people behind the businesses.

One of the highlights of the evening was unexpectedly catching up with former colleagues and an existing client. Networking is not just about making new connections, but also maintaining existing ones.

Thank you to Exeter Construction Group and HWH Insurance Brokers for an enjoyable evening. The cheese and wine night has definitely piqued my interest!

What does a Virtual PA actually do?It's a question I'm often asked.The reality is that every business owner spends time ...
08/07/2026

What does a Virtual PA actually do?

It's a question I'm often asked.

The reality is that every business owner spends time on tasks that need doing but don't necessarily need to be done by them.

As a Virtual PA, I can help with things like:

• Keeping on top of invoices and payment tracking
• Managing emails and prioritising important messages
• Coordinating diaries, appointments and meetings
• Updating project trackers and keeping deadlines visible
• Organising documents and records
• Supporting client communications and follow-ups

The goal isn't to take over your business.

It's to give you the support you need so you can focus on the work that only you can do.

With the summer holidays around the corner, imagine being able to spend more time with family, take a proper break, or simply switch off for the evening knowing things are still being kept on track.

I don't replace you. I support you.

A little support can make a big difference.

If you've ever thought, "I could really do with an extra pair of hands", send me a message and let's have a chat about how I can help.

Address

Exeter

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+447714991402

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