Virtual Assistant business exceed revenue goal following support

About the business

Founded in 2021, Planner Bee VA Services supports sustainable businesses with digital marketing and social media management.

Thanks to support from Business Gateway, I have achieved more than I ever could have imagined as a business owner. Its expertise in business strategy, pricing models and online security has given me the tools to operate my business confidently and I now have my sights set on becoming the ‘go-to’ VA within the sustainable and ethical business sector.

How Business Gateway has helped

After graduating with a degree in sociology from the University of Edinburgh in June 2020, Maya initially founded a sustainable gift business, supported by Business Gateway’s Growth Programme. She pivoted the business amid the Covid-19 pandemic to combine her passion for ethical businesses and her marketing knowledge, to launch the VA service.   

In February this year, Maya enrolled in Business Gateway’s Business Boost programme to scale her operations. After receiving a strategic review with her local adviser, she refined her business model and pricing strategy, establishing the introduction of service packages, as well as setting clear business goals and future projections.   

With the help of DigitalBoost, Maya also undertook a Digital Health Check to identify gaps in the business’s digital performance. Through the programme, she has increased her GDPR knowledge and online security credentials, including software updates, virus and malware protection and implementing a password policy to avoid data breaches. Maya has also worked to develop and refine her ideal client persona, helping her improve her marketing, sales and product development.   

Planner Bee VA Services has continued to grow and recently exceeded its revenue goals within just one year of trading. Maya’s achievements have also been recognised by the industry, when she was announced as a finalist at the Scottish Women’s Awards 2022.   

Recently, the business growth has meant Maya has begun to introduce freelancers to her team as well as a student from Robert Gordon University, following introductions by Business Gateway. With further support from Business Gateway Maya has also broadened her skills in people management attending multiple workshops such as employing people for the first time and managing your people. 