Meet the woman who’s gone from furlough to franchisee

Sophie Birley-Brown invested in a Get Ahead VA franchise after finding the award winning business on what-franchise.com

When Cheshire-based Sophie Birley-Brown was placed on furlough in March, she knew the time was right to look for something new.

With many years of operations and PA experience, she was keen to realise her ambition of running her own business. 

Sophie began researching franchise options online, as she thought franchising could offer her the best of both worlds: the flexibility of being her own boss and a support network she could lean on.

She focused on virtual assistant franchises so she could build on her operations, administration, HR and event management expertise.

After searching several websites, Sophie came across award winning virtual agency Get Ahead VA on what-franchise.com and it felt like the perfect fit.

Get Ahead VA’s team of over 40 virtual assistants delivers nationwide marketing and business support services, enabling companies to save time and money.

With established franchisees from Wakefield in the north of England to west Surrey in the south, its team of highly experienced professionals provide flexible services on an hourly, project or ongoing basis.

Sophie says: “At the beginning of furlough, I could see coronavirus was going to have a massive impact on the recruitment company I was working for. I knew that if I was ever going to take the plunge to work for myself, this was a perfect time.

“I spoke to a few different VA franchises, but found the Get Ahead VA model the most exciting. I love the flexibility of being able to build a team around me to provide top quality VA work for our clients.

“From the outset, Get Ahead VA founder Rebecca Newenham was so supportive and refreshingly honest.

“Talking to other Get Ahead VA franchisees helped me to get the full picture on the opportunity and they were so generous with their time and support.

“Everything just made sense, from the company branding right through to the shared values of the team. I felt straight away that I could be part of this vibrant team.”

Running the Get Ahead VA franchise in Cheshire West and The Wirral, Sophie will be working with businesses in Chester, Wrexham, Warrington and Northwich. 

Rebecca Newenham says: “Over the past few months we’ve seen a massive increase in franchise enquiries, with people rethinking their employment options after being furloughed.

“I’m delighted to be able to help ambitious and motivated individuals like Sophie to realise their dreams of running their own businesses.

“Sophie is the perfect fit for our brand and I look forward to supporting her over the next few months as she establishes her franchise.”