Virtual Assistant Sussex - Office support, because time is precious.

Weald EVT breaks UK record

2011-06-13T16:20:00.000+01:00

One of our clients, Sussex based electric motorcycle designer Phil Edwards of Weald EVT, recently celebrated setting a new UK record at Santa Pod Raceway.

Phil said: "I am delighted to have broken the record, meeting the target I set myself a year ago. I have learned a huge amount in the process and look forward to pressing on with other projects which revolve around harnessing the raw power we created in the dragster."

Phil will now be turning his attention to helping bring a new electric recreational motorcycle to market. He is also working on an electric speedway bike and an electric track bike.

It has been very exciting to see interest in the dragster build up over the past year and to see new projects coming in.

Phil will now be turning his attention to helping bring a new electric recreational motorcycle to market.

He is also working on an electric speedway bike and an electric track bike.

Sue Edwards Virtual Assistant Sussex vasussex@btinternet.com (01825) 761890

WAAF book signing

2011-05-16T11:28:00.000+01:00

Waterstones in East Grinstead have invited the co-authors of Memoirs of a WAAF, Daphne Dangerfield and Sue Edwards to do a book signing morning on Saturday 21st May from 10-12 am.

This is your chance to purchase a signed copy and ask questions.
Sue Edwards Virtual Assistant Sussex vasussex@btinternet.com (01825) 761890

Record Breaking at Santa Pod!

2011-05-16T10:25:00.000+01:00

Two hours we've driven with cold winds from heaven,

Where is the sun I ask?

So I sit here writing, for our slot we're waiting

Waiting for time to pass.

Excitement and noise and big boys toysMy god what a racket they make

All shapes and sizes all different guises

Speeds the game, forget the brake!

It's our turn soon for our rider Rob Moon
To attempt to break the record
We hope to succeed and feel the need
To be the best, before I get bored!

Our time has come, we're ready for our run
The drivers queue up for the race
With hearts pounding and cameras clicking,
They're off at an amazing pace!

Wow, what a speed, break the record we DID achieve,
With handshakes and smiles all round
With feelings so proud we want to shout it out loud!
A great story for the press is bound.

For more information visit http://www.weald-evt.co.uk/
Sue Edwards Virtual Assistant Sussex vasussex@btinternet.com (01825) 761890

Vacancies in uckfield area

2011-01-19T14:52:00.000Z

For current vacancies in Uckfield area visit Premium CVs blog.

Sue Edwards Virtual Assistant Sussex vasussex@btinternet.com (01825) 761890

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T16:02:00.000Z

What will 2011 bring you and your business?
How about talking through positive steps to move your business forward?

Sue Edwards Virtual Assistant Sussex vasussex@btinternet.com (01825) 761890

CV consultations

2010-12-22T14:42:00.000Z

Your consultation is very important to you, we understand that. So we now offer 3 different methods:

In our office - in complete privacy.
Via telephone.
Via Skype.

So whether or not you are in the Sussex area (our office base), we can arrange a mutually convenient time.

We continue to guarantee a friendly but personal and professional service. This is what makes our family run business so popular. Simply email sue@premiumcvs.co.uk or call 01825 761890.

http://www.premiumcvs.co.uk/

How can I benefit from using your VA services?

2010-12-20T15:56:00.000Z

Use your VA just like you would a normal secretary.
Get things done the way you want it done, quickly and efficiently.
No employment costs, issues or agency fees involved.
Keep up-to-date with what's happening in business so you keep in control.
No need to provide extra office space, I work remotely from home.
Having your own PA presents a professional image, which can only be good for your business.
Simply call me when you need me and only pay for my time.
Use your VA to plan your week/month ahead.

Not sure what to do next? Just ask!

Sue Edwards Virtual Assistant Sussex vasussex@btinternet.com (01825) 761890

Use your time wisely

2010-12-20T15:39:00.000Z

Busy on the run up to Christmas? No?!

Use your time wisely now and get your marketing campaign for next year well under way. When business does start to pick up you may not be able to spare the time.

Things to consider:

email or mailshot campaigns.
set up social media ie: Twitter, Facebook, Linked in, blogging etc.
newsletters.
new products for your website.
new partners to add to your website.

The more you think about it, the more possibilities you will come up with.

If you'd like to talk through some ideas of what to plan for 2011, talk to Sue at Virtual Assistant Sussex. It's all too easy to get stuck in a rut and not realise what you could be doing.

Call Sue Edwards Virtual Assistant Sussex vasussex@btinternet.com (01825) 761890

Reviews for Memoris of a WAAF

2010-12-17T15:07:00.000Z

First review:

"I was drawn in from the first page to the last"

Received from Uckfield Author.

Please post yours here.

Sue Edwards http://www.waafmemoirs.co.uk/ and Virtual Assistant Sussex vasussex@btinternet.com (01825) 761890

Interview Tips

2010-12-16T10:22:00.000Z

Did you watch Lord Sugar's Apprentice? Here's a re-cap on CV and interview tips:

Don't lie or stretch the truth
Don't make jokes.
Confirm what you claim on your CV.
Don't make claims you can't uphold.
Use wording you understand.
Don't talk too much.
State what you did that made a difference in your previous jobs.

Do you homework, research the company before interview. BE PREPARED.

Visit http://www.premiumcvs.co.uk/ for advice and help with your CV.

Sue Edwards Virtual Assistant Sussex vasussex@btinternet.com (01825) 761890

Poem by a soldier

2010-12-15T11:01:00.000Z

A CHRISTMAS STORY

T'WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS,
HE LIVED ALL ALONE,
IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE,
MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE.

I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY,
WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,
AND TO SEE JUST WHO,
IN THIS HOME, DID LIVE.

I LOOKED ALL ABOUT,
A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,
NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS,
NOT EVEN A TREE.

NO STOCKING BY MANTLE,
JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,
ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES,
OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.

WITH MEDALS AND BADGES,
AWARDS OF ALL KINDS,
A SOBER THOUGHT,
CAME THROUGH MY MIND.

FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT,
IT WAS DARK AND DREARY,
I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER,
ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.

THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING,
SILENT, ALONE,
CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR,
IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.

THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE,
THE ROOM IN DISORDER,
NOT HOW I PICTURED,
A TRUE BRITISH SOLDIER.

WAS THIS THE HERO,
OF WHOM I'D JUST READ?
CURLED UP ON A PONCHO,
THE FLOOR FOR A BED?

I REALISED THE FAMILIES,
THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,
OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS,
WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.

SOON ROUND THE WORLD,
THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,
AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE,
A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.

THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM,
EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,
BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS,
LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.

I COULDN'T HELP WONDER,
HOW MANY LAY ALONE,
ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE,
IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.

THE VERY THOUGHT BROUGHT,
A TEAR TO MY EYE,
I DROPPED TO MY KNEES,
AND STARTED TO CRY.

THE SOLDIER AWAKENED,
AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,
"SANTA DON'T CRY,
THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;

I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM,
I DON'T ASK FOR MORE,
MY LIFE IS MY GOD,
MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS.."

THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,
AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP,
I COULDN'T CONTROL IT,
I CONTINUED TO WEEP.

I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS,
SO SILENT AND STILL,
AND WE BOTH SHIVERED,
FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL.

I DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE,
ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,
THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR,
SO WILLING TO FIGHT.

THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,
WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,
WHISPERED, "CARRY ON SANTA,
IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE."

ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH,
AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT.
"MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND,
AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT."

This poem was written by a Peacekeeping soldier stationed overseas.
The following is his request. I think it is reasonable.

PLEASE. Would you do me the kind favour of sending this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to all of the service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us. Please, do your small part to plant this small seed.

Poem distributed by Mike Skinner - Chairman Uckfield FM

Sue Edwards Virtual Assistant Sussex vasussex@btinternet.com (01825) 761890

Xmas present idea

2010-12-09T15:30:00.000Z

How about asking Santa Claus for some business support for your office?

At Virtual Assistant Sussex we do gift vouchers for 1/2 hour or 1 hours work and you can purchase as much or as little as you want. Our charges vary depending on complexity of work and time involved, but vouchers can be used as and when required.

If you want to surprise someone with some office support do give us a call or email vasussex@btinternet.com and we'll be happy to post some to you.

Sue Edwards Virtual Assistant Sussex vasussex@btinternet.com (01825) 761890

WAAF Memoirs review

2010-12-01T17:08:00.000Z

Fancy an unusual Xmas present? Memoirs of a WAAF might be just what you're looking for, especially if someone in your family served or has an interest in WW2 or anything related to it. Help someone you know to relive their wartime memories. For only £6.50 (+p & p) it would make an ideal Santa present.

Here's an early review "I was drawn in from the first page to the last".

Sue Edwards Virtual Assistant Sussex vasussex@btinternet.com (01825) 761890

Present idea

2010-11-27T11:59:00.000Z

Interested in WW2 or the WAAF?

Memoirs of a WAAF, From Gloucester and Cranwell to Bradwell Bay 1942-1943 has just been published in paperback.

A book about an 18 year-old in 1942, who decided she wanted to help the war effort, so she joined the Womens Auxiliary Air Force or WAAF. A true account of daily life, some good times, some bad, taken from the original set of diaries and pictures.

For more information call Sue Edwards 01825 761890

Sue Edwards Virtual Assistant Sussex vasussex@btinternet.com

Late night shopping, Uckfield

2010-11-27T11:52:00.000Z

FRIDAY 10TH DEC
Late night shopping
The Hop Barn, Uckfield
Pop in for your free mulled wine & mince pie.

AND

XMAS PRESENT IDEA!
Buy your signed copy of OUR FIRST PUBLICATION
MEMOIRS OF A WAAF
NOT AVAILABLE IN THE SHOPS.

Call 01825 761890 for further details

Sue Edwards Virtual Assistant Sussex vasussex@btinternet.com (01825) 761890

Just published Memoirs of a WAAF

2010-11-11T12:27:00.001Z

Over the years Daphne Dangerfield, known to her friends as Daff, has reminisced about her time spent in the WAAF from 1942 - 1946, some good times, some bad.

Daff and her husband Maurice are now in their 80's and last year sadly, due to increasing immobility, had to move from their lovely home in East Grinstead, where they had lived since 1960 and brought up their two children. During the move to a flat only ¼ mile away, she was re-united with several years of diaries and a number of photos from her time served in the WAAF from 1942 to 1946.

Over the years the diaries had become very tatty and almost unreadable in places. She realised that the only way to preserve the content, while her memory was still good, would be to put it all onto computer, so she asked Sue Edwards, Virtual Assistant Sussex to help. After reading some of the entries Sue suggested making them into a book, as a lot of interesting and often funny details were logged, including many names of friends and pictures she sketched during her free time (she still paints lovely pictures today!).

So, after a lot of hard work, including internet research and advice, 'Memoirs of a WAAF' was born and the paperback is to be published by the middle of November 2010.

To celebrate the publication we are holding a book launch at The Hop Barn, Uckfield on Friday December 10th from 7-9pm, where signed copies will be available, while savouring the atmosphere of one of the oldest buildings in Uckfield. It is also available to purchase by calling Sue at Virtual Assistant Sussex on (01825) 761890, or visit: http://www.WAAFmemoirs. If you'd like information of other services available please visit www.virtualassistantsussex.co.uk

Sue Edwards Virtual Assistant Sussex vasussex@btinternet.com (01825) 761890

Weald EVT to exhibit at 'Start Initiative' Garden Party on the Mall in September

2010-08-18T16:45:00.000+01:00

Phil Edwards of Weald Electric Vehicle Technology will be exhibiting his new electric bike project at the Garden Party in London, sponsored by the Princes Trust in September. It will be the first public viewing of this amazing bike and arrangements are being made for the fast-approaching day.

Phils is open to any offers of sponsorship or partners to help the project progress, so if this interests you please feel free to contact him on (01825) 761890 or visit http://www.weald-evt.co.uk/

Sue Edwards Virtual Assistant Sussex vasussex@btinternet.com (01825) 761890

Phil aims to build UKs fastest electric drag-racing bike.

2010-08-18T16:37:00.000+01:00

Uckfield businessman Phil Edwards has set himself the challenge of breaking the UK electric bike drag-racing record.

He has set up a new company to take on the project, stripped down a standard motor bike, modified the frame to take electric motors and is now rebuilding the machine using leading- edge technology.

His aim is to take the bike to Santa Pod, home of European Drag Racing, next year and break the UK record over a standing-start quarter-mile run in the Alternative Energy Racing event. Phil said: “What most people are doing at Santa Pod at the moment is making bikes out of golf trolleys and using heavy lead oxide car batteries which don’t have a huge amount of power.

“We have gone for the most modern batteries, tiny little things, yielding a huge amount of power. We are using ex-development parts and have to be at the top end of what is currently being developed to go into the competitive field.”

The current record for the quarter-mile distance is just under 15 seconds at 95 miles an hour. Phil hopes initially to hit 12 seconds at 120 miles an hour and then with further developments get below ten seconds.

“I know someone else is trying for ten seconds so this is a serious challenge,” he said.

Ultimately Phil, who has a background in engineering and manufacturing, hopes he will be able to sell skills developed in the course of the project to other people interested in the same field.

He welcomes support from business and would be pleased to hear from companies interested in being associated with the record-breaker.

Read more about the electric vehicle project at http://www.weald-evt.co.uk/ and see a video, on the Uckfield News Facebook page where Phil shows the bike in the early stages of being re-built.

Sue Edwards Virtual Assistant Sussex vasussex@btinternet.com (01825) 761890

Work more quickly and accomplish more - Learn to Delegate

2010-07-21T13:47:00.000+01:00

Control freaks have a big problem with this one. “Nobody else can do it as well as I do; I might as well do it myself,” is a common way of thinking.

I sometimes think this way myself. However, I’ve come to accept that, there are things I don’t do well at all.

So, now I delegate techie stuff to two virtual assistants. They charge me a lot less than I charge my clients, plus they get the stuff done faster than I ever could.

I did make the mistake once of delegating some of my writing work. I ended up practically rewriting everything anyway, because my personal writing style is something I can’t teach.

Don’t forget about delegating other areas of your life. For example, it may be a good idea to pay somebody else to mow your lawn or clean your house, while you go and do client work.

Article courtesy of Freelance Folder

Sue Edwards Virtual Assistant Sussex vasussex@btinternet.com (01825) 761890

Are you a small business working all hours?

2010-04-08T16:46:00.000+01:00

How many small businesses owners I wonder spend many hours toiling over their paperwork into the wee small hours of the night? Considering how much slower one works when tired, this is a time when most mistakes are made. Surely this is counter-productive?

One email received recently from a small business owner recently was sent after 2 in the morning! Is this common? I would be interested to know how many other small businesses owners work during the early hours just to keep on top of their admin, be it keeping up-to-date with emails or paperwork. Any feedback is most welcome.

Sue Edwards
Virtual Assistant Sussex
vasussex@btinternet.com
(01825) 761890

Do you use a computer?

2010-03-09T16:15:00.000Z

One of my latest customers wanted help with writing to a number of family members in his capacity as executor. The problem was he didn't have a computer, only a typewriter. Just shows typewriters still exist (just!) and are still used in every day life.

Can you imagine doing the equivalent of a mail merge, on an ordinary typewriter? The job was of course relatively quick and straightforward, I was happy to oblige and he was another satisfied customer. His comment was: "Now I know where you are, I'll be back"!

Why struggle because you don't have the right skills or equipment? Use a VA, you'll be so glad you did.

Sue Edwards
Virtual Assistant Sussex
Office Admin Services
vasussex@btinternet.com
(01825) 761890

Use direct mail to gain new customers

2009-12-10T11:32:00.000Z

When was the last time you used direct mail to find new customers, or contact your current ones with new services that you have to offer?

Direct mail can be a successful way to reach new customers. If the content is appealing and attracts attention, it is much more likely to be read. Also, it is not so easily disposed of, unlike emails, which are far too easily deleted or sent to 'spam' and not read at all.

Virtual Assistant Sussex can manage your direct mail campaigns for you, from entering the data onto a spreadsheet, to posting the whole lot for you, saving you time and money. If you've been meaning to get a campaign up and running but keep putting it off, ask Sue at Virtual Assistant Sussex to help you - we'll get the job done.

Sue Edwards
Virtual Assistant Sussex
(01825) 761890

Why use a temp?

2009-12-01T16:53:00.000Z

Get organised now and make 2010 a good year for your business

When extra help in the office is needed, some businesses may hire a temp to help out. However if you hire a virtual assistant, you will benefit from flexibility, among many other benefits on offer.

Flexibility means that work is charged for by the hour, and you can hire a VA for as little as 15 minutes at any one time, if that's all it takes to get the job done. And flexibility means that there is no contract to sign, so you can ask for extra support as and when you need it, often the same day if available. Work can be dropped off and picked up out of normal office hours if required.

If you think a VA could be just what you're looking for why not give Sue a call on (01825) 761890 today? For more information, or if you're interested to see how we have helped our customers visit www.virtualassistantsussex.co.uk and follow the case studies link.

Sue Edwards
Virtual Assistant Sussex
(01825) 761890

Cost reductions for international business travel company

2009-11-19T09:40:00.000Z

Client: Shipping Brokerage
Project Scope: International Business Travel
Project Target: Cost Reduction
Results: Saving of £158,000 (19%) p.a.

This London-based client has staff brokering the shipment of commodities and commissioning
the new-build of tankers and freight vessels dealing across the world.

Correspondingly, international travel is a large expense, but service levels are also critical. Staff are expected to step off a plane and straight into a meeting where they may be negotiating £multi-million contracts, so budget travel would not provide the service that these
highly valued travellers expect.

Solutions needed to take into account the range of flyers, frequent routes and preferred airlines, and the class of travel that different members of staff would be expected to use. Different rules applied as to who could specify a direct route and who was expected to fly through a hub.
A matrix of options was built, and a new Travel Policy put in place, to make sure staff and the chosen Agent could easily determine the best-match for any given travel plan. The chosen Agent remained the same one as previous, but renegotiation of their fees, by removing costly features from the flight booking process, and re-defining the criteria for different classes of traveller the client gained a better managed service with a demonstrable reduction in cost.

If you feel that there is scope to improve quality, service, management, and visibility of your
processes don’t hesitate to call Phil Edwards of Weald Business Solutions on 01825 761890 and ask for advice.

Sue Edwards
Virtual Assistant Sussex
(01825) 761890

Cost and waste reductions for furniture manufacturer and retail company

2009-11-19T09:25:00.000Z

Project Scope: Waste Reduction
Project Target: Cost Reduction
Results: Saving of €320,000 (55%) p.a. on European Pallet procurement and disposal
Saving of €30,000 (100%) p.a. on Waste Disposal
Reduction of landfill volumes by 90% (100% available with further changes)
Reduction of HGV carbon emissions by 30%

The client was struggling with two issues - firstly, the goods arrive in the UK on nonstandard wooden pallets, from which they are unloaded, stored in the warehouse and distributed. Because they aren’t a standard size there was no market for the pallet, and they were paying to have them removed from site.

Furthermore, old and returned bedding products were being sent to landfill – an increasingly costly option, and a large environmental headache.

The solution to the pallets was not a cheaper method of disposal, but eradicating the problem at
source. An alternative method was proposed that cost far less to procure, needed less warehouse space, and one product could be purchased instead of 14 different sizes of pallet. The product also had a recycling value to the client. This was met with such great interest in the UK that the parent company looked at the solution as a global fix to this problem.

The solution for bedding materials meant the products were converted for other use and completely removed the need for any waste disposal associated with these products.

If you feel that there is scope to improve quality, service, management, and visibility of your
processes don’t hesitate to call Phil Edwards at Weald Business Solutions on 01825 761890 and ask for advice.

Sue Edwards
Virtual Assistant Sussex
(01825) 761890