Lockdown leads to virtual agency franchise, Get Ahead VA, finding its newest franchisee

After being furloughed, Essex businesswoman Sarah Yandell was committed to starting her own company, eventually discovering the Get Ahead VA franchise on what-franchise.com

Coronavirus has created huge challenges for many businesses and franchises. Some have experienced total devastation while others have never seen demand so high.

For Essex businesswoman Sarah Yandell, the past few months have offered a chance to pause and reflect. Sarah was put on furlough from her current role and knew it was time to look for something new. After many years of commuting and managing business teams, she wanted to work flexibly and from home, yet still feel part of something.

She began researching franchising options online and recognised that it could be a successful way to launch her own business quickly and effectively by using an established brand. After weeks of internet searches, Sarah discovered award-winning virtual agency Get Ahead VA on what-franchise.com and it sounded like just the opportunity she was looking for.

Get Ahead VA’s team of over 40 virtual assistants delivers nationwide marketing and business support services enabling businesses of all sizes and from all sectors to save time, money and get ahead. With established franchisees from Wakefield in the north of England down to West Surrey in the south, their team of highly experienced professionals provide flexible business services on an hourly, project or ongoing basis.

Sarah says: “I have worked in the travel industry for thirty years and absolutely loved it. But it was clear that travel was going to take some time to recover from COVID-19. I really wanted to work flexibly and locally, but I also wanted to feel part of a team and not just ‘go it alone’.

“Becoming a Get Ahead VA franchisee enables me to have the flexibility I wanted by working for myself but also be part of the wider team, with access to the fantastic experience of our virtual assistants.”

Running the Get Ahead VA franchise in the Essex-Suffolk borders, Sarah will be working with businesses across Chelmsford, Colchester and Ipswich to provide marketing and business support services through the Get Ahead VA network. 

Rebecca Newenham, founder and director of Get Ahead VA, says: “When Sarah first approached me online, I was impressed by her overall business experience, backed up by her MBA. It was clear that she knows her local area well and is passionate about connecting and supporting local businesses. With many people rethinking their career options after furlough or redundancy, franchising can be an exciting new opportunity. I look forward to supporting Sarah over the next few months and helping her grow her franchise in Essex and Suffolk.”