Andiamo Business Assistance Blog: Their fire drill doesn't have to be your emergency There’s a quote that, as a former project manager, made me laugh out loud the first time I saw it: "Project management is like riding a bike… if the bike is on fire… and you are on fire… and you are in hell." It hit a little too close to home. But honestly, it wasn’t the project management part that felt like fire. It was the people. The deadlines. The last-minute changes. The “can you just…

We’ve all heard “That’s not my job” or “I wasn’t asked to do that” in workplaces, shops, online. But it’s those small, unnoticed acts that build trust, respect and integrity. Picking up a bit of litter, watering the parched plant in reception, answering the phone that’s been ringing off the hook while everyone looks around—these are the things that change the tone of a place. They're the difference between a team and a group of people who just share a space.

Based in beautiful Bingley, Andiamo Business Assistance offers bespoke support for business owners who want a steady, reliable, and proactive Virtual Assistant by their side. Whether it’s help with admin, comms, planning, or bouncing around ideas – I’m your Support Expert. Let’s make the most of this quiet spell – and get you ready to hit the ground running come September.

There’s something about running your own business — whether you’re a startup founder, freelancer, or proudly self-employed — often from people who have never run a business, never tried what you're doing, and have zero experience beyond maybe watching a few Instagram Reels and listening to one podcast. The next time someone offers you an unsolicited “you should” or “you shouldn’t” — especially if they’ve never been in your shoes — take a breath and smile. You’re allowed to do

This month has been nothing short of amazing. You know those rare moments in self employment when everything feels like it's clicking into place? That’s where I’m at right now. New clients, new experiences, and a flurry of word-of-mouth recommendations have made it feel like the message is finally getting out there—and people are actually seeking me out. That’s surreal in the best possible way.

A reflection on how much the workplace has changed since 2002—from fax machines and smoking rooms to AI—exploring what the future of work might look like next. I don’t consider myself old (some may try to argue I’m middle-aged — I respectfully disagree), but every now and then, something reminds me just how much the world of work has changed since I started out. Take my very first proper job, back in 2002. The induction process was… memorable, to say the least. It began with

Whether you’re a virtual assistant, a dog groomer, a freelance designer, a local florist, or run a micro-bakery from your kitchen — one thing is true across the board: your business lives or dies by your client relationships. Whether you’re a virtual assistant, a dog groomer, a freelance designer, a local florist, or run a micro-bakery from your kitchen — one thing is true across the board: your business lives or dies by your client relationships. Sure, doing the job well mat

Reflections from a self employed Virtual Assistant on a whirlwind April—new clients, changing projects, and staying open-minded while running a growing business.

For the past 30 years, I’ve been working in all sorts of jobs, from a paper route to bar work, telesales, recruitment, and even as a holiday rep. I eventually settled into what I thought would be my “real” career. Recently, however, I felt it was time for a change, perhaps an age thing, and wanted to try something new. I decided to dive into the world of self-employment. With lots of support from my amazing family and friends, I took the plunge and started my own small busine

Month five as a Virtual Assistant and business is thriving. A new NHS contract, growing clients, and better brand planning are shaping an exciting next chapter. Well, here we are—month five as a Virtual Assistant. And what a whirlwind it’s been! If I’m being honest, I’ve been busier than I expected, but in the best way possible. I’m thrilled to share that I’ve recently been offered a six-month contract as a Contract Manager with an NHS Trust. This means three days a week are

As we approach the end of 2024, I find myself reflecting not just on the whirlwind of December but on the entire year. The word that keeps coming to mind is “chaotic”—but in the most transformative way. It’s been a year of massive change, personal challenges, and unexpected joys.

Time flies when you’re building something you love—and just like that, Andiamo Business Assistance is officially six months old! It’s been an incredible journey, and while self-employment is undeniably hard work, it’s given me a freedom I never thought possible in a traditional PAYE role.