HERO scheme helps Highland business expand

8th March 2022

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