Shearwater Virtual Assistance awarded business council grant

Shearwater Virtual Assistance, based in the borough, was awarded a business incentive grant of £750 by Test Valley Borough Council, aimed at helping new businesses.

Lucy Willis set up Shearwater Virtual Assistance to offer business owners, freelancers and entrepreneurs help with admin work, property management, event, and lifestyle support.

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Lucy has over 20 years of experience in administration in the hospitality, property, and charity sectors.

She said: “It is a great help to receive a grant from Test Valley Borough Council to help get my new virtual support business up and running."

Lucy Willis, owner of Shearwater Virtual Assistance (Image: Test Valley Borough Council)

Lucy’s client DC, Music Industry, London said: “Working with Lucy has meant I have more time to focus on the strategy of the business and I am working less out of hours.

"Being able to delegate and have her support is changing the company culture in a positive way. We should have done it years ago.”

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Bellinger Ward councillor Philip Lashbrook said: “A virtual assistant business is a fantastic initiative. I am delighted to award the Business Incentive Grant to Lucy to help get her new business off the ground.

"The council's business grant schemes are a great opportunity for those wishing to set up new businesses in Test Valley.”

Business Incentive Grants are for new businesses located in Test Valley and must be applied for before you start your business. They will be paid once you have been up and running for a minimum of six months.

More information, including how to download an application form can be found at testvalley.gov.uk/business/businessgrantsandsupport.