Gwen Backhouse

Gwen has been a virtual assistant for over ten years and spent twenty (something) years working as a PA, receptionist and audio typist. Gwen runs the Society of Virtual Assistants in the UK and is passionate about striving for best practice within the industry, supporting VAs to build their business and to collaborate both within and out of the industry. In 2015 Gwen won Best Newcomer at the UK VA Awards and went on to win VA of the Year NW (2016), VA of the Year England (2016) and Outstanding VA of the Year (2018); she is now a judge on the UK VA Awards panel and a Fellow at the Institute of Administrative Management. Gwen is married to Adrian (chef and photographer). She is Mum to two daughters (now grown up and left home), a bonkers German Shepherd Called Athena and two guinea pigs, Pete & Manu. In her spare time she plays fiddle, is an avid D&D fan, loves listening to music, anything crafty, and enjoys walking and exploring new places.