About
Hello, I’m Annette.
Before founding Annette Sowden Virtual Assistance, I was a headteacher in Yorkshire and Durham for sixteen years. During my time in education, I have gained skills and experience in a broad spectrum of environments, from training new teachers, delivering at international conferences, writing curricula, and strategic leadership. As I love a challenge, am very creative and efficient, I decided to continue to utilise these skills in a different arena and created Annette Sowden Virtual Assistance.
A modern approach
Given my previous job, I know what it is to be constantly spinning plates and trying to get all your ducks in a row, especially when the ducks aren’t even on the right pond sometimes!
You have possibly tried all the suggestions to get a work-life balance. I tried scheduling in time to walk in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, where I am fortunate to live. The attached photograph of Middleham Castle by English Heritage is just one example of the splendid views from my house. The walks rarely happened due to the workload.
However, life COULD be so much easier if we took a more modern approach and outsourced work to enable us to function in a healthier way. One of my guilty passions is that I adore doing jigsaws. I love piecing together an image, taking each piece of the puzzle and fitting it into the larger picture. This is a skill that has been extremely helpful throughout my career and one which would be ideal for helping to assist you and your business.
Why choose a Virtual Assistant and why choose me…
Running a small business is exciting, liberating and sometimes exhausting. It often comes with a tipping point, when the ‘to-do’ list becomes overwhelming, time is stretched too thin, and growth feels out of reach. That’s where I step in as your Virtual Assistant. My values aren’t just words; they guide how I work with you and the impact I help create in your business.
RESPECT
Every business owner’s journey is unique. I listen closely, value your time and treat your goals with care. Respect means building a partnership where your voice is heard, your priorities are understood, and your way of working is supported.
How this helps you…
You gain a reliable partner who protects your time and tailors support to your needs, so you can focus on what matters most.
CREATIVITY
Small businesses thrive on fresh ideas and flexible solutions. I bring creativity to problem-solving, finding smarter ways to tackle tasks and streamline your workload.
How this helps you…
You get innovative approaches that free up your time, help you stand out, and open new space for business growth.
HONESTY
Clarity and transparency are at the heart of my work. I’ll always tell you what’s realistic, what’s possible, and how I can best support you.
How this helps you…
You know exactly what to expect, with no surprises – just straightforward, dependable support you can trust.
INTEGRITY
I do what I say I’ll do, and I hold myself to high professional standards. Integrity means consistency, reliability, and always acting in your best interests.
How this helps you…
You can hand over responsibilities with confidence, knowing they’ll be handled with care and commitment.