Virtual Assistant Training Academy from VACT Limited

03/06/2026

Over two-thirds of employees want to be self-employed

A report by Remitly Business has revealed that 69% of employees dream of being self-employed. Around half believe they have the skills to start up their own business, but only 16% will actually take the steps to start up on their own. The main reasons given for wanting to become self-employed were greater flexibility over when and where they work, more independence and a better work-life balance. However, 80% agreed that social media makes self-employment look far more appealing than it actually is and 77% believed that modern "hustle culture" places too much pressure on solo professionals.

Read more about the report at:

Discover the true benefits of self employment UK data reveals. A new study shows 0% of freelancers regret going solo, despite the hidden stress.

01/06/2026

I have watched VAs walk into The UKVA Conference unsure of where their business is heading, and leave with complete clarity.

Not because someone handed them a plan. But because being in that environment - surrounded by VAs at different stages, hearing what is working, what is not, and where the industry is going - forces you to think.

You cannot sit in that room and stay stuck. You start to see what is possible.

Whether you are six months into or six years in, there is always a next level. Events are one of the fastest ways to find it.

If you are ready to find your next level, your ticket is waiting. Choose a full conference and awards ticket or a day ticket. Early bird pricing closes 30 June - and if budget is a consideration, the three instalment option is there for you.

Book your place here: https://vatrainingacademy.co.uk/va-conference-and-awards/

31/05/2026

When was the last time you reviewed your VA rates? 📈💼

As a Virtual Assistant, it is easy to get so comfortable with a full roster of clients that years fly by without a single price adjustment. But let’s be honest: this is a business, not a hobby. Inflation rises, your expertise grows, and your rates need to reflect that reality.

Many VAs avoid the pricing conversation out of fear; fear of losing clients or being "too expensive." But your pricing shouldn't be a race to the bottom. Your rates reflect the professional training you’ve invested in, your availability, and the massive value you deliver every day.

If it's time to adjust your fees, you can do it with absolute integrity and confidence by following these steps:

Give ample notice: Give your clients fair warning so they can adjust their budgets.

Acknowledge their loyalty: Start the conversation by thanking them for their continued trust.

Demonstrate the value: Remind them of the results you deliver and how this shift sustains a premium service.

Stop apologising: Price increases are a standard, normal part of business growth. You have nothing to say sorry for.

When you charge what you are worth, your focus improves, your boundaries get clearer, and you make room for clients who truly value your expertise.

Ready to stop undercharging?

30/05/2026

Confession: I still get nervous before walking into a room full of strangers. Even after years in the industry, that little voice sometimes tries to talk me out of the room before I’ve even parked the car. If your hands shake or your voice wavers, you aren't "bad at networking"—you're human. Here is why those jitters are actually a sign of growth.

Read the full article: Your Mindset For Networking
▸ https://lttr.ai/ArqKN

28/05/2026

Attending a conference or a masterclass is not the same as learning from it.

Most people leave with a notebook full of scribbles, a handful of business cards they'll never follow up, and a vague feeling that they should probably do something differently.

Then Monday arrives and nothing changes.

Actionable learning is a choice you make before you walk in the room.

Whether you're coming to the UK VA Conference or joining me on one of my training masterclasses, the question I'd ask you to sit with beforehand is this: what do you actually want to walk away being able to do?

Not think about. Not research further. Do.

That shift in mindset changes everything. It means you stop passively absorbing and start actively extracting. You're not there to be inspired. You're there to get equipped.

At the conference, that might mean picking two sessions where you commit to leaving with a specific next action, rather than trying to absorb everything from everyone.

In my masterclasses, I build that in deliberately. We do not do theory for theory's sake. Every session is structured around what you can implement straight away, because that is the only measure of training that actually matters.

Knowledge you do not use is not an investment. It is a very expensive afternoon.

So if you're considering either, brilliant. Come with intention.

Come with a notebook and a plan for what happens after you close it.

If you want to know what's coming up and where I will be speaking this summer, drop a comment or send me a message and I'll point you in the right direction.

28/05/2026

Lovely to see the UK VA Awards discussed by Louisa and Mags in this recent episode. I love that they are honest and discuss that not all awards are equal.

28/05/2026

We are bringing the UK VA Conference back for 2026 and we cannot wait. Take a look at some of the faces from past events - do you spot anyone you know? The VA Conference and Awards takes place on 16 October 2026 and tickets are available on early bird pricing and with a pay over 3 option.

If you have never been, this is your sign to grab a ticket and get in the room. You will not be disappointed.

We have full conference and awards tickets / day only tickets / evening only.

https://vatrainingacademy.co.uk/va-conference-and-awards/

21/05/2026

Discovery calls for me are not about selling to you - they are an opportunity for me to wow, to help you move forwards with your VA business. To demonstrate how I can help as and when someone is ready for support.

So I love it when someone leaves me a review. A huge thanks to Ruth, who had a call today.

21/05/2026

The VA industry can be a lonely place for some Virtual Assistants.

You are often the only person in your household who understands what you do. Your friends think you "just do admin." Your family really have no idea about what a retainer is.

Events like The UKVA Conference matter because they put you in a room with people who get it.

Not just get the work - get the isolation, the imposter syndrome, the pricing conversations, the difficult clients, the good months and the hard ones.

Connection with people who genuinely understand your world is not a nice-to-have. For a lot of VAs, it is what keeps them going.

If you are ready to be in a room with people who genuinely get it, tickets are open now. Full conference and awards or a day ticket - whichever suits you. Early bird ends 30 June, and you can pay in three instalments if that helps.

Details and booking here: https://vatrainingacademy.co.uk/va-conference-and-awards/

20/05/2026

Recommendations for micro businesses support

In response to the King's Speech, the National Enterprise Network has published a paper outlining how Government priorities can be aligned with the needs of start ups and micro businesses. Recommendations include developing regional growth plans that incorporate start-up and self-employment pathways, linking enterprise support to local economic development and expanding community finance initiatives and micro grant schemes.

Read more about the paper at:

Aligning National Policy Priorities to the Needs of 5.4 Million+ UK Micro Businesses Executive Summary Micro businesses are the foundation of the UK economy. They represent the overwhelming majority of UK enterprises, sustain high streets and rural communities, support local employment, and provide....