Where it started
I was 8 years old when my Mom and Dad got me my first typewriter and I fell in love with typing. From that moment all I wanted to be was a Secretary. I would type shopping lists, letters to relatives and my Dad’s meeting notes! So when I left school it was a no-brainer, I trained to be a legal secretary.
After qualifying I landed my first role in the Corporate world, working at the HQ of Tarmac Ltd. It was an amazing experience working at such a high level at such a young age. The knowledge and skills I gained back then I still use today!
It began with the idea…
I initially looked at becoming a VA 15 years ago, when my daughter Cordie was born. I loved the idea of with working with different people and different businesses and doing it all from home around family life!
Unfortunately, 15 years ago, technology was not what it is now, and it was obvious working virtually was not an option. So reluctantly, when my maternity leave was finished I returned to work full time.
Don’t get me wrong I loved my job but was very repetitive; the same systems, processes and routines day in-day out. However, I loved organising and I loved admin!
The idea of becoming a VA never went away and every couple of years I would do some research on the world of ‘virtual’ admin support.
Everything happens for a reason
Since I was a little girl I’ve been a Birmingham City supporter. My Dad would take me to St Andrews and I fell in love with the Blues! I remember when I was 16 Karen Brady became Managing Director and I didn’t want to be her, I wanted to be her
secretary!
One day, a PA/EA role came up at the Blues and a friend recommended me. I had a chat with the Director and was invited to an interview. Two interviews later and I was one of the final 2 candidates. This was my dream job in my dream place. Only I didn’t get the job...
I didn’t know it at the time, but not getting that job was the best outcome for me. It gave me the push I needed to set up my VA business. And like everything I do, I threw myself in 100%
What’s in a name...
It all started with 2 cousins catching up over a bottle of wine and talking about the future. By the end of the bottle, we had decided to set up a business!!
What followed was 6 months of planning, planning and more planning. The first challenge was choosing a business name that represented our vision for why businesses should work with us. It was not just about us doing their admin, it was about us helping with their business growth.
After many, many ideas we settled on Aggrandise. Aggrandise means to add wealth, reputation and growth – It couldn’t be more fitting for us.
It was all about getting the business ready and right, for businesses to feel confident in our experience and professionalism. WE work based on trust and we worked hard to instil credibility through everything we did from the get-go.
A growing team...
Over the last 12 months, the Aggrandise team has grown and, as a team, we have the skills and knowledge to take care of everything that enables our clients to focus on their businesses, from internal and external communication through to developing a customer relationship management tool and managing day to day diaries.
We work with businesses who are passionate about helping others. People who deliver a service to others, leadership, training, and community interests. We give them the time to do what they do best, safe in the knowledge that everything is taken care of.
Our key values ‘Commitment, Quality of work, Respect for others and Hard work’ are at the core of everything we do.
Helen
Director & Virtual Assistant
Describe your perfect day
Definitely starts with a lie in, as I'm not a morning person! Get up to a coffee and bacon butty in the sunshine. The day would be spent on a sun lounger, somewhere warm with a good book on my kindle and a chilled bottle of wine in the cooler followed by a huge Paella and Sangria for friends and family.
What's your favourite quote?
'You can do ANYTHING, but not EVERYTHING' - I am someone that loves to multitask so I have to remind myself that just because I can do something doesn't mean that I have to do it - it's okay to ask for help!
If you won the lottery what would you buy first?
A luxury beach holiday for me and my family, with a private plane to take us (that way Remy could come too)!
Amy
Virtual Assistant
Describe your perfect day
My perfect day would start with a lie in, followed by breakfast in bed with a classic movie. Then a day of self care; massage, hair and makeup done. Maybe pop for a bit of shopping and then an early dinner and drinks.
What's your favourite quote?
The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. -Nelson Mandela
If you won the lottery what would you buy first?
A plot of land big enough to build my dream house (& I’d buy everything in my shopping baskets online!!)
Racheal
Virtual Assistant
Describe your perfect day
My perfect day would start with a cup of tea & bacon sandwich sat in the sunshine in my egg chair in the garden.
I’d then head off to enjoy a day of complete relaxation & pampering at Hoar Cross Hall spa with a full body massage & facial before heading home for a Chinese takeaway & wine with family & friends.
What's your favourite quote?
“If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.”
If you won the lottery what would you buy first?
I’d pick up the phone & hire the biggest pink stretched hummer I could find! Fill it with bottles of pink champagne & then drive to my close friends & family to share the news & fizz!!
Remy
CTO - Chief Treat Officer
Describe your perfect day?
Sleep, eat and repeat - with the occassional belly rub in between! Definitely NO walks!
What's your favourite quote?
"Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen." and most the time I'm saying feed me!
If you won the lottery what would you buy first?
I would buy a machine that fed me an unlimited supply of dog biscuits.
