HERO scheme helps Highland business expand

8th March 2022

Photograph of HERO scheme helps Highland business expand

A Highland-based virtual assistant company is reaping the benefits of two new skilled members of staff thanks to support from the Highland Council Employability Service's HERO employment scheme.

Behind the Scenes VA Ltd was set up by Emma Mulraine in 2018 to provide a quality and affordable support service to start ups, small businesses and the self-employed. Though geographically based in Inverness, due to 21st century technology, the company has built up a list of clients across the globe.

The company, with support from the Council's HERO Employability Scheme has been able to welcome two additional employees - Julie McWilliams and Sarah Redgate - and are now able to offer clients an even wider range of services.

Director Emma Mulraine said: "Engaging with the Highland Council HERO scheme has been one of the most beneficial decisions that I've made as a business owner since establishing Behind The Scenes VA Ltd back in late 2018. Not only has the scheme supported me in welcoming two hugely talented working mums onto team BTSVA, but, as a result of this we’ve been able to expand our offerings and engage with even more fantastic clients. I’d urge any employer to take advantage of this scheme while it is still available!"

Bookkeeper Sarah Redgate said: "Thanks to the HERO Scheme I joined the Behind The Scenes Team back in the Autumn of 2021. I was keen to get back into the workforce now that my little boy is in school, but as a lone parent it’s difficult to find a position that fits around my other responsibilities. Emma has been fantastic in providing a mix of home and office based work with flexible working hours, which means I can both get back in to work and help support our amazing clients across the Highlands."

Jules (Julie) McWilliams who has joined BTSVA as an Admin/Bookkeeping Assistant added: "I joined team BTSVA with the help of the Hero scheme, allowing me to secure a role which had potential for growth. This experience has provided me with access to courses and coaching along the way, but most importantly it enabled me to regain a career which works around my children. The flexibility of working part-time under Emma as an extremely flexible boss offers the perfect balance to manage the unexpected last minute changes which occasionally happen having young children!"

Any business interested in finding our how the HERO employability scheme can help them should visit www.highland.gov.uk/hero

PHOTO
L to R - Sarah Redgate, Emma Mulraine and Jules McWilliams

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

Today : Local Authority

Secret HQ Move: Is Highland Council Chasing Savings or Just Shuffling the Deck?

A storm is brewing behind closed doors at Glenurquhart Road.  Recent private discussions have revealed plans for Highland Council to potentially abandon its historic headquarters and relocate to Great Glen House, the current £13 million base of NatureScot.  

Yesterday : Local Authority

Committee to consider 1 April 2027 start date for Short-Term Let Control Areas

Members of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee will be asked to agree that Short Term Let Control Areas (STLCAs) for Inverness City and Highland Rural come into effect from 1 April 2027.   The recommendation to the Committee follows the decision by Scottish Government Ministers on 26 October 2026 to approve designation of the STLCAs, which are an important tool to manage future loss of housing stock, support sustainable communities and balance housing needs with the visitor economy.  Chair of the Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans, said: “Following Scottish Government approval, the Council can now move forward with implementing these STLCAs, which will help us strike a better balance between supporting tourism growth and protecting much-needed housing for local people.  

Today : Local Authority

Key decisions made to improve Highland Bereavement Services

Members of the Communities and Place Committee have made key decisions that will improve affordability and choice within Highland bereavement services at Inverness Crematorium; and introduce stronger governance and transparency for charitable funding applications through the crematorium metal recycling scheme.   Members also approved the adoption of a standardised burial management plan across Highland which will ensure compliance with new national burial management legislation.  

Today : Local Authority

Council-owned D&E Coaches delivers £700k profit while supporting Highland transport

D&E Coaches has recorded a £700,000 profit after tax in its first full year under Highland Council ownership.   The Council purchased the coach and bus operator in March 2025 to support the ongoing provision of sustainable and reliable transport services across the Highlands.  

Today : Local Authority

Abandoned Vehicles Policy approved by Highland Councillors

Members of The Highland Council’s Communities and Place Committee have approved a new Policy on Abandoned Vehicles that will provide a framework for investigating, assessing and enforcement against abandoned vehicles across the region.   Chair of Communities and Place, Cllr Graham MacKenzie said: “I welcome this new policy which will help to make a difference in communities where the nuisance of abandoned vehicles arises.  

Today : Local Authority

Funding success builds on Highland Council’s commitment to warmer, energy efficient homes

Climate Change Committee Members have welcomed news that The Highland Council has successfully secured external funding in the region of £5.4 million for 2026/27.  This grant funding will support retrofit and decarbonisation programmes for eligible owner occupier, private rented and Council owned houses across the Highlands.  

Today : Local Authority

Council to commission independent review of licensing

Members of The Highland Council have today approved the commissioning of an independent external review of the Council’s licensing arrangements following a Council motion approved on 17 September 2026.   The review will consider governance, decision-making processes and opportunities for improvement.  

Yesterday : Local Authority

Additional school in-service days agreed - Helping teachers prepare for major curriculum changes

Local councils will be able to request up to two extra in-service days this academic year, so that teachers can prepare for the most significant curriculum changes in more than a decade.   The Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT) which brings together the Scottish Government, local authority body COSLA, and teaching unions has agreed up to two additional in-service days, which will form part of multi-year support for implementation of the updated curriculum.  

Yesterday : Local Authority

The Payday Heist: Why Your Payroll System Might Be a Fraudster’s Easiest Target

Imagine a dedicated employee logs into their bank account on payday, only to find it completely empty.  When they contact HR, the records show their salary was successfully processed but sent to an entirely different bank account.  

Yesterday : Local Authority

Paper Targets vs. Human Crises: The Reality of the Highland Housing Strategy

The Highland Council’s newly unveiled Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) 2027–2032 paints a glossy, optimistic picture of the region's future.   It promises a steady pipeline of 700 affordable homes a year, framed alongside a booming £10–£16 billion "Growth Deal" linked to green freeports and renewable energy expansion.