A Midlands-based virtual assistant franchise business has seen off thousands of applicants to reach the regional finals in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards (GBEA) 2021.
Suzy (pictured, above) and Paul Sanders of Alchemy Virtual Assistance (VA) were picked from almost 5,000 entrepreneurs UK-wide to become one of only six finalists in the Midlands Family Business Entrepreneur category.
The duo โ whose award winning virtual assistant company provides remote admin and PA support to business owners, entrepreneurs and small enterprises all over the country โ were recognised for their unwavering focus during Covid as they continued to adapt and overcome challenges.
Judges also praised the couple for sensitively adjusting their marketing activities, quadrupling their enquiry volumes, further expanding their successful and thriving franchise, and continuing to champion and support local communities.
โThe number of entries this year is just astonishing. Paul and I literally jumped with joy when we heard we were finalists,โย said Suzy, who set up Alchemy VA in 2016 and has continued to drive and grow the business around her and Paulโs own expanding family, with their second baby due at the end of the year.
โWe are a true family business in every sense, not just because we are led by a married couple, but because we wholeheartedly believe that family isnโt exclusively defined by blood. Our family includes our wonderful franchisees, our loyal clients and our wider business connections too, and we have worked relentlessly to support them all professionally, personally, practically and emotionally, especially over the last 16 months.
โFamily is at the heart of Alchemy, our reputation and brand has been built around this whole notion, so to be acknowledged among thousands of applicants in this yearโs awards programme has honestly left us speechless. Weโre immensely grateful and itโs a true testament to the whole Alchemy groupโs unique approach and the commitment that we all make to support each other and our truly incredible clients.โ
During the official announcement, GBEA founder, Francesca James, said the quality of this yearโs entrants exemplified the strength of entrepreneurship across the UK: โWe have seen some incredible finalists over the years, and this year is no exception. It really is one of the strongest shortlists weโve ever had, and the fact that so many exceptional people have applied during such a tough year is a testament to the resolve and entrepreneurial talent that exists across the UK.โ
The GBEA programme prides itself as being โmore than just an awards programmeโ and is instead a supportive community recognised by government. Judges include some of the most successful businesspeople from the UKโs biggest brands.
The winners will be announced in a ceremony in September 2021.
For more information on Alchemy VA โ their virtual assistance services for entrepreneurs and small enterprising businesses, or to learn more about Virtual Assistant franchise opportunities โ visit www.alchemyva.co.uk.
For more information on the GBEAs visit www.greatbritishentrepreneurawards.com.
