Update (23 September 2025): Since publishing this post, I’ve just found out that EBVAAS has also been shortlisted for Best Small Business — making it seven categories in total at the UK Small Business Awards 2025! 🎉
I am absolutely thrilled to share that Emma Bridge Virtual Assistant and Administrative Services (EBVAAS) has been shortlisted as a Finalist in six categories at the 2025 UK Small Business Awards.
The categories are:
- Best Online Business
- Best Business Start Up
- Best Customer Service
- Best Home Based Business
- Best New Business
- Female Entrepreneur of the Year
To be recognised across so many areas, just over a year since launching, is both surreal and incredibly rewarding.
From Bed to Business
EBVAAS began in April 2024, when my youngest son was just six weeks old. With my house mid-renovation and no childcare, I set up my laptop on the bed and worked in the small windows of time I had between feeds and naps.
At first, my goal was simply to top up statutory maternity pay, but I quickly realised I had the chance to build something much bigger. A business that allowed me to stay at home with my son rather than paying for childcare and missing those precious early years.
Balancing a newborn and a home under renovation wasn’t easy, but it fuelled my drive to create a flexible business on my own terms. Today, EBVAAS gives me the independence to support my family while using my skills to help other business owners take control of their time and growth.
And as I often joke, if only the house renovations were moving as quickly!
Overcoming Obstacles
Starting EBVAAS came with its challenges. With no childcare, my working hours were carefully built around my son’s routine, meaning I had to be highly efficient with every moment. Financially, I was relying on statutory maternity pay, so there was immediate pressure to make the business viable.
At the same time, I needed to make sure EBVAAS stood out in a growing VA industry. I focused on building a reputation for professionalism, adaptability, and a personal approach, these are the values that continue to define the way I work today.
Despite these obstacles, EBVAAS has grown to near capacity in its first year and if the demand continues, I will look to bring in associate VAs to meet it.
What Each Category Means to Me
🏆 Best Online Business
Recognition of the digital-first way EBVAAS works, supporting clients remotely across the UK.
🏆 Best Business Start Up
Proof that with determination (and a laptop on a bed!) you can build something real in just over a year.
🏆 Best Customer Service
A category close to my heart as communication, trust, and professionalism are the foundations of my work.
🏆 Best Home Based Business
Celebrating the flexibility of running EBVAAS from home, balancing family and business life.
🏆 Best New Business
Recognition that EBVAAS has made an impact even in its earliest stage.
🏆 Female Entrepreneur of the Year
A proud moment for me personally, showing that motherhood and entrepreneurship can go hand in hand.
Looking Ahead
The UK Small Business Awards celebrate the resilience and innovation of small businesses nationwide. To be representing North Wales on a national stage is something I’m hugely proud of.
The Grand Final takes place this December in Birmingham, where winners from each category will be announced. I’m excited to celebrate alongside so many other inspiring businesses and to share the journey with you.
Thank you to my clients, connections, and community, it’s your support that has made this milestone possible, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Emma
Emma Bridge | Virtual Assistant 