Founder of Get Ahead VA releases debut book

Virtually Yours by Rebecca Newenham reveals how aspiring franchisees can follow the company’s proven model to develop a flexible business

Rebecca Newenham, founder of virtual outsourcing specialist Get Ahead VA, has released her debut book.

Called Virtually Yours, it reveals how potential franchisees can be their own boss, run a Get Ahead office and follow the company’s tried and tested model to develop a flexible business that fits into a busy life.

Rebecca founded Get Ahead VA in 2010 and recruited her first franchisee in 2017.

Since then she’s added franchisees from Newcastle in the north to Newbury in the south, who offer marketing and business support services to companies of all sizes on an hourly, project or ongoing basis.

Rebecca says: “I grew up knowing I wanted to run my own business one day, just like my mother did. When my youngest started school, the time felt right, but being able to work flexibly around my family was key.

“After researching various options and seeing how the economic landscape was shaping up after the 2008-09 recession, I decided to launch a virtual agency.

“Though the term virtual assistant was relatively unknown in the UK back then, it was well established in America and I could see the potential. Outsourcing enables agile businesses to keep fixed costs low and respond quickly to market changes.”

By 2016 Rebecca’s business had growth significantly. The team and range of business services offered had also expanded, as had the client base.

The agency went on to win a Flexible Business of the Year award, but Rebecca was keen to take the business to the next level and unlock new growth opportunities.

As a result, she worked closely with a franchise consultant and took time to develop the right franchise offering.

“Mentoring and supporting our franchisees is so rewarding,” Rebecca says.

“I talk about going into business for yourself, but not by yourself, as I’m there to support franchisees every step of the way.”

Virtually Yours can be purchased direct from the Get Ahead website or via Amazon.