Virtual Assistant Training Academy from VACT Limited

27/08/2026

Not yet launched your VA Business but this summer has really highlighted you want / need / have to become a Virtual Assistant... or you have launched but have no idea if what you have done is right or how to find those all important clients. You need to come and join me for my Start Your Own VA Business Webinar which is happening at 7:30pm BST today.

Here's the link:

https://vatrainingacademy.co.uk/how-to-start-your-va-business-webinar-live/

I had someone tell me the other day they had learnt more from me in one session than they had having completed another VA Trainers Course and being coached by a Business Coach. So definitely worth registering for this session.

26/08/2026

For Scottish VAs: Support for Scottish SMEs to use AI

A national programme designed to help smaller businesses in Scotland capitalise on the benefits of AI has been extended for 12 months, the Scottish Government has announced. AI Scotland provides mentoring, workshops and grant funding to help businesses identify AI opportunities, plan AI implementation and test AI solutions tailored to their needs.

Read more about the programme at:

Continued help for small and medium sized firms to update operations

26/08/2026

For the Welsh VA's: Grants to boost productivity in Wales

Organisations in Wales can apply for grants of between £50,000 and £250,000 to invest in new technology and equipment through the SMART Flexible Innovation Support (SFIS) scheme. The funding can be used to boost productivity and efficiency, support long-term growth and facilitate circular economy projects. The latest round of SFIS is open to businesses, education providers, research organisations and third sector organisations. The deadline for applications is 25 September 2026.

Read more about the funding at:

Applications are now open for the latest round of SMART funding to help organisations across Wales invest in new equipment and technology.

24/08/2026

Not everyone I talk to is ready to become a VA and that's ok... In fact, I would rather we have that conversation than you invest in training with me or someone else.

Read this blog to learn if you are ready or not...

Becoming a Virtual Assistant requires a unique blend of high-level administrative skill and entrepreneurial grit. Are you prepared to set firm boundaries, manage multiple client workloads, and act as the CEO of your own brand? If you have been sitting on the fence, my latest article provides a no-no...

19/08/2026

Project to boost self-employed pension participation

Monzo and Nest have launched a project to address low levels of pension participation among the self-employed, after research revealed that just 17% of self-employed people are saving into a pension. The project will investigate how digital banking tools and behavioural design, such as automated pension pots, could increase retirement saving among the self-employed. Project findings will be submitted to the UK Government's Pension Commission ahead of its review of retirement outcomes in 2027.

Read more about the project at:

Monzo and the Centre for Inclusive Money at Nest will test automated retirement saving tools for sole traders, with findings fed to the UK Pensions

19/08/2026

Smaller businesses facing underinsurance risk

Small and medium-sized businesses across the UK are at risk of being underinsured due to an increasingly complex commercial insurance market. This is according to an Association of British Insurers report, which revealed that many smaller businesses underestimate the value of their assets, overlook emerging risks or fail to regularly review their insurance cover.

Read more about the report at:

The UK's commercial insurance market is becoming increasingly complex, with the Association of British Insurers (ABI) warning that underinsurance among SMEs remains a significant and growing challenge. In its recent The SME Underinsurance Trap report, the ABI highlighted that many businesses continu...

06/08/2026

Government sets out next steps in Small Business Plan

The Government has published a one-year progress update on its Small Business Plan, evaluating policy impacts for small and medium-sized businesses across the UK. The plan also outlines policies that will come into effect from autumn 2026. These include the launch of Start Up Loans ambassadors, digital skills roadshows, improved support for co-operatives and changes to apprenticeship funding.

Read more about the plan at:

Late payments and regulatory reform are the headline changes as the government issues an update on its Small Business Plan.

29/07/2026

This month PolicyBee have written on their blog about how to protect the equipment you rely on to run your business. From laptops and phones to specialist kit, this handy guide outlines how to insure your tech properly.

There’s essential advice on:

- The different types of equipment insurance available
-How to work out the right level of cover
-Who should consider equipment insurance and why.

It’s a great resource to help educate and protect you and your essential pieces of equipment.

Business gadget insurance is perfect for protecting your gadgets, laptops, and phones. Our short guide tells you everything you need to know.

16/07/2026

Are you acting as the “Do’er or the CEO” of your business?

How do you stay accountable and keep moving things forward?

Have a read of this recently published blog and then tell me in the comments below…

Being busy and being productive are not the same thing. If your days are full but your business is not moving forward, it is worth taking an honest look at where your time is really going. Here is how to start holding yourself properly accountable.

10/07/2026

Government must rethink plan for small businesses

The Business and Trade Committee has asked the Department for Business to reconsider its response to proposals to improve small business growth. In February 2026, the Committee reported that small businesses were facing cost pressures comparable to the conditions of the pandemic, but without pandemic-style support. The Government's response restated pre-existing schemes and only fully accepted 6 out of 36 of the Committee's recommendations. The Committee has requested that the Government publish a new response, within two months, with better proposals on procurement, tax, energy costs, the cost of crime, 'bogus' self-employment and protections for franchisees.

Read more about the Committee's demands at:

Ahead of Secretary of State Peter Kyle’s appearance on Tuesday 7 July, the Business and Trade Committee has asked the Department to reconsider the Government’s “inadequate” response to proposals to improve UK plans for small business growth.