Virtual-y perfect

Apr 10 2008 by Catherine Evans, Merthyr Express

A BUSINESS woman has been rewarded for taking the stress out of people’s everyday lives.

Wendy Locke, of Merthyr Tydfil, has become the first person in Wales to achieve the coveted standard of Master Virtual Assistant.

She has run her own business, Virtual Assistance, since November 2005 and organises everything from corporate events to a busy businessman’s diary.

The title was awarded by American-based VACertification.com which assessed her experience and skills.

Shirley Gandee, of the International Association of Virtual Office Assistants, said: “Wendy’s material was scrupulously assessed and I was very impressed with her portfolio. This designation places Wendy at the very top of the virtual assistant industry – there are only three other MVAs in the UK and just over 100 worldwide.”

Wendy said: “I had been a PA for more than 20 years and had a very wide range of skills from organising corporate events, diary management and project support to knowing what the boss wanted before he thought of it.

“I am also aware that, as the economic landscape is changing, business owners are looking for ways to run and grow their businesses using support services that are flexible and cost effective.

“As a virtual assistant I can provide services remotely using email, the internet and telephone, and busy executives can access the support they want just when they need it.”