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.

Tailored virtual support for time-poor UK sole traders, small business owners & individuals managing life after loss I Specialising in Architecture, Surveying & Bereavement Support I Admin, Project Management & 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

love. 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.

đź“§ Email me at [email protected]
âť“ Find out more about me at www.smcva.co.uk

The rain may have put a few people off today, but we still had a really lovely Exeter Jelly South West coworking session...
19/05/2026

The rain may have put a few people off today, but we still had a really lovely Exeter Jelly South West coworking session at Generator Hub.

It was great to welcome someone new, catch up with familiar faces, and spend the day working together in a relaxed and friendly way.

There was lots of chat, plenty of work getting done and even a bit of lunch comparison from nearby Mango’s Cafe & Bar, which went down very well.

Thank you so much to everyone who came along today, it really does make the day what it is.

We are back again on 16 June and it would be lovely to see you there.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jelly-south-west-exeter-tickets-1978117405409?aff=oddtdtcreator

Today is International Virtual Assistants Day, celebrated every year on the third Friday in May since 2006.I love that t...
15/05/2026

Today is International Virtual Assistants Day, celebrated every year on the third Friday in May since 2006.

I love that there is a day to celebrate what we do. Even though World Admin Day was only a few weeks ago, this one feels especially relevant to the VA world.

I often say that VAs work quietly in the background and that was highlighted this week. After coming back from holiday, a client said they had missed me because they had to do things themselves that usually just get done. It was such a nice bit of feedback to hear.

Sometimes it is those small moments that remind you just how much of a difference you make.

A bit of good news to share 🎺I have been recognised in three awards this year for Smart Cookie Virtual Assistant.I am a ...
13/05/2026

A bit of good news to share 🎺

I have been recognised in three awards this year for Smart Cookie Virtual Assistant.

I am a Finalist in the Midlands PA Awards 2026 for Virtual Assistant of the Year, and also nominated in both the West Country Women Awards and the UK VA Awards.

As a solo business I am really grateful to everyone who has supported me, worked with me and recommended me along the way.

A lot of my work comes through referrals and long‑term relationships, which reflects the trust my clients place in me to work quietly behind the scenes, helping them feel more organised, less overwhelmed and able to focus on what matters most, so this kind of recognition means a lot.

If you or someone you know could do with a bit more support in their business, feel free to send me a message.

Great to be back at Froginwell Vineyard this morning for the monthly Boost event and to hear from Greg Allen of Devon Ai...
12/05/2026

Great to be back at Froginwell Vineyard this morning for the monthly Boost event and to hear from Greg Allen of Devon Air Ambulance. Greg spoke about his experiences leading high‑performing teams in high‑pressure environments, drawing on his own Snakes and Ladders Leadership and Learning Path career.

He talked about the importance of taking opportunities to make a difference rather than worrying about scale or job titles. When asked what would help DAAT most, Greg shared lots of ways people can support them, from volunteering and fundraising, donating or shopping in charity shops, taking part in the DAAT lottery, becoming a corporate partner, or simply sharing personal stories from those who have been helped.

Greg highlighted storytelling as being central to his work as a leader and the impact he has been able to achieve.

A timely reminder of just how much difference people and stories can make.

Celebrating 5 years in business!In May 2021, on another Star Wars bank holiday, Smart Cookie Virtual Assistant officiall...
04/05/2026

Celebrating 5 years in business!

In May 2021, on another Star Wars bank holiday, Smart Cookie Virtual Assistant officially launched following a year of office closures, lockdowns and finding I quite enjoyed the home-working environment.

5 years on, my business is a values‑led, relationship‑driven service. This has included returning to higher‑level PA and operational support and introducing a heart‑led service supporting individuals navigating life after loss.

It hasn't always been easy, both personally and professionally, but reaching this milestone feels significant. 5 years of resilience, learning, trust and the importance of relationships.

It feels like a good moment to pause and reflect.

This business has grown through referrals, partnerships and long‑term trust far more than through marketing or selling, which feels very fitting for how I work. I am grateful for every conversation, opportunity and recommendation that has helped shape it.

If you have been part of the journey in any way, I would love to hear what you remember most or where we first connected.

If you are a solo or small business owner looking for calm, dependable support behind the scenes, feel free to say hello or send a message.

It was a great day to Jelly yesterday. The sun was shining and the Generator Hub was buzzing, which always feels like a ...
22/04/2026

It was a great day to Jelly yesterday. The sun was shining and the Generator Hub was buzzing, which always feels like a good sign. It was lovely to welcome a new attendee and someone I had not seen for a while, alongside the regulars who make these days so worthwhile. Coworking like this is a great reminder of just how powerful the right space, structure and shared focus can be for getting work done.

Which feels particularly fitting, as today is World Admin Day.

Administrators, VAs and PAs often do far more than people realise. Yes, we manage diaries, emails and systems, but we also create breathing space, bring order to busy businesses and sometimes even build communities too, like these coworking days. We are organisers, facilitators, problem solvers and calm heads, often all at once.

This is exactly how I support my clients. Whether it is taking admin off your plate, streamlining processes, supporting projects, managing inboxes or simply being a sounding board, my aim is to give you back time, clarity and headspace.

So today feels like a good moment to ask: what would you love to hand over? What task do you keep meaning to sort, but never quite get to, and would be relieved to no longer have on your list? If it is admin‑related, chances are I can help.

Happy World Admin Day to everyone who quietly keeps things moving, and to the businesses who trust us to do so.

Q2 already? Where did the first three months go?With a new quarter beginning and spring well underway, our next Exeter J...
16/04/2026

Q2 already? Where did the first three months go?

With a new quarter beginning and spring well underway, our next Exeter Jelly South West coworking day is a great chance to pause, refocus and spend some time working alongside others.

đź“… Tuesday 21 April
📍 Generator Hub (Third Floor)
đź•™ 10:00am to 3:00pm

It’s a relaxed and friendly day, ideal if you work solo and enjoy the option of quiet focus mixed with the chance to chat and connect. Some people stay all day, others come for part of it, whatever works for you.

What to expect:
• Free tea, coffee and Wi‑Fi
• A calm, supportive atmosphere
• Space to work at your own pace
• Bring lunch or grab something nearby

Please get your ticket here so we can make sure there is enough space for everyone:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/jelly-south-west-exeter-tickets-1978117405409

Accessibility note: The venue is on the third floor. Please check ahead if you have specific requirements.

It would be lovely to see you.

If you expected a presentation from a university Deputy Vice‑Chancellor to be a dry lecture, Stuart Brocklehurst complet...
14/04/2026

If you expected a presentation from a university Deputy Vice‑Chancellor to be a dry lecture, Stuart Brocklehurst completely proved that assumption wrong at this morning’s Boost Your Business Network event.

You will all have heard the phrase about wearing many hats in business, and Stuart brought it to life in a memorable way by wearing a different hat to represent each stage of his career. Some included a bowler hat from his banking days and a backwards cap for the tech world, and a top hat symbolising the sense of bereavement that can come with selling a business. A mortar board represented his role at the University of Exeter, followed by a fez to reflect being asked to solve climate change like a magician, finishing with his recent appointment as Deputy to the Lord Lieutenant of Devon.

Alongside the humour, there were some really valuable insights. Stuart spoke about the importance of life planning, not just financial planning, when selling a business. He noted that some people lose a sense of purpose, become bored, and then return to starting another business similar to the one they sold.

He also highlighted the vital role entrepreneurs and business leaders play in creating new businesses, without which the economy would grind to a halt. The King’s Award for Enterprise was mentioned too, with encouragement for businesses to apply across its four categories.

When asked which skills risk being overlooked as AI becomes more prominent, communication and relationship‑building were firmly highlighted as essential. Retaining talent in the South West was also discussed, with career apprenticeships and workplace placements seen as key.

Entrepreneurs, Stuart said, are driven by building something and solving a problem, not simply by making money, and have a shared responsibility to support and develop talent through meaningful learning environments.

It was also good to hear from North Devon Hospice, Stuart’s chosen charity to receive a donation from ticket sales, and to be reminded that, sadly, the people needing their support are often younger than many might expect.

A great deal covered in just 30 minutes. I am already looking forward to the next Boost on 12 May with the Devon Air Ambulance.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/when-seconds-count-serving-to-lead-devon-air-ambulance-ceo-greg-allen-tickets-1986897609235

It feels like I am finally getting some of my energy back after what have been a rather foggy couple of years, and I put...
13/04/2026

It feels like I am finally getting some of my energy back after what have been a rather foggy couple of years, and I put it to the test last week with four events in four days.

There was a lovely catch up over coffee in the sunshine while reviewing my Devon Chamber of Commerce membership. We then managed to bump into each other again at the Chamber Thirsty Thursday event at the Mercure Hotels Exeter Southgate Hotel. It was great to hear about the regeneration project currently underway, enjoy some very nice cocktails and nibbles, and spot the lovely Exeter landscape details in the refurbished room.

Friday morning took me to my second Really Useful Network (The RUN) event at Exeter Racecourse. A short but thought‑provoking talk on the importance of having an AI strategy, a music round (those years always catch me out) and lots of good conversations. It was especially nice to finally meet a few people in person and catch up with familiar faces.

Saturday morning I made it along to the monthly Time Well Spent Walk and Talk. Even better, we had sunshine. There was a brief downpour, but we were indoors by then with coffee, sharing wins, challenges and ideas about what we need to do more of. Plenty of thoughtful discussion and good advice.

On days when you do not leave your desk, it really helps to have something to look forward to or to look back on. I am very grateful for the connections, conversations and flexibility that come with being self‑employed.

I went to "A Fighter Pilot Goes to the Palace" at   earlier this week, and it was just as fascinating as the title promi...
13/03/2026

I went to "A Fighter Pilot Goes to the Palace" at earlier this week, and it was just as fascinating as the title promised. Adam Fox‑Edwards shared a brilliant mix of funny and insightful stories from his time in the RAF and later in the Royal Household.

These ranged from which types of old unexploded ordnance should absolutely be avoided (I would personally say all of them), to the memorable moment he took his mother on a flight even though he did not yet have a driving licence, meaning she had to drive him to the aircraft.

He also explained the significance of receiving a “double blue” photograph when he left his role at the palace, something he is rightly very proud of.

Huge thanks to for bringing such great speakers to Boost. Make sure 14 April is in your diary for the next one.

Address

Exeter

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

+447714991402

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