Virtual Assistant 🗂️ Taking the stress out of admin
Posted on June 2nd, 2025 in Harlow Business Case Study
For many business owners, the daily demands of managing emails, scheduling meetings, and handling general admin can feel never-ending. Spotting a gap in the market, local resident Brenda Scott decided to channel her extensive experience and passion for organisation into launching her own virtual assistant business.
Brenda offers a wide range of remote services traditionally provided by a personal assistant — such as email and calendar management, Excel and PowerPoint support, and more — all from the comfort of her home office.
We spoke to Brenda about her journey from a long-standing corporate career to becoming her own boss. She shared:
“I worked as an executive assistant at Pitney Bowes from 1984 to 2021, starting in the manufacturing department and eventually becoming the MD’s assistant. After leaving, a friend recognised my drive and suggested I become a virtual assistant. It’s given me the freedom to choose who I work with and when, while still using my skills and playing to my strengths.”
Over the past two years, Brenda has built a strong relationship with a long-term client, offering reliable and affordable support. Her services are flexible, with clients only paying for the time and tasks they need, without the commitment of a costly contract. It’s a practical solution for businesses looking to streamline operations and save time and money.
When asked about the benefits of hiring a virtual assistant, Brenda said:
“Ultimately, I want to help people achieve their goals by providing dependable, stress-free support. I take on the tasks that are tedious, time-consuming, or holding you back — whether that’s managing emails and diaries, proofing documents, or copy typing. My standard rate is £30 per hour, with monthly retainers starting from £120.”
Brenda is also active in the local business community. She regularly attends networking events such as Pop Connect at the Harlow Hotel, has visited the BNI Chapter, and engages with several Facebook groups — building a strong network of friendly, local business contacts.
Always looking to grow, Brenda is currently expanding her skill set with training in AI and automation — exploring how technology can further enhance the services she offers.
If you’re a local individual, business, or charity in need of admin support, Brenda would be happy to hear from you. With flexible rates and no hidden costs, her services are designed to adapt to your needs—whether it’s managing your inbox, organising your calendar, or simply lightening your workload. Get in touch today for a friendly chat and find out how Brenda can help your business thrive.
🌐 Website: www.brendascottva.co.uk
📞 Telephone: 07719 595 008
📧 Email: [email protected]