VA Awards FAQs

Below are the key things you need to be aware of when entering the UK VA Awards.  This page will be updated as and when new questions get asked.

Entries for 2023 will open 15 Mar 23.

Entries will be via an online form. 

Awards open for entry on  15 Mar 23.

Awards close for entry on 23 May 23.

Best Newcomer Category - business owner must have less than 18 months in business as at 31 Jul 23.
 
Sole VA - business owner must have been in business over 18 months as at 31 Jul 23.

No.  But this is a business competition, and we need to know all information about your business to enable the judges to make their decision. It’s important to answer all the questions as fully as possible. All information is in the strictest of confidence.  The judges are not looking to judge you based on your actual numbers as every business is different, but they are looking to see business growth and that you are profitable.

Yes, most certainly. These awards focus on ordinary individuals who have achieved amazing results for themselves, their business and their clients. These awards are not about who makes the most money, but people who have made a difference and who are great ambassadors for the industry.

A panel of judges.  If the judge has knowledge of a candidate they have to declare this to the Chairman of the Awards Panel.  

We are currently updating our panel of judges for 2023. 

These awards are not a popularity contest and so no, the public does not vote on the winners.

We have an independent panel of both in- and out-of-industry experts who will review the award applications. 

If you are selected as a finalist, we would love to celebrate with you.

It really is pointless entering if you cannot make the final or have no plans to attend as many of the PR and marketing opportunities will come from the Gala Dinner and Awards ceremony.

Exact details of the Gala Dinner and Awards ceremony can be found  https://vaconference.co.uk/ 

Being part of our Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation is a great opportunity to get dressed up and enjoy a fabulous night. 

All our finalists are worthy of recognition for their achievements, and it is hoped that you will be able to attend.

The date of the Gala Dinner and Awards is the 13 Oct 23 in Bournemouth.  Link to learn more: https://vaconference.co.uk/

This is a real celebration of Virtual Assistants and their entrepreneurial achievements.

Gala Dinner and Awards Only Ticket prices – Early bird £120.00 inc VAT (only on sale to finalists and their guests until 22 Sep 23).

We don’t give refunds on event tickets after 15 Sep 23 but we do offer transfers. So if you find you are no longer able to attend the UK VA Conference and Awards you may transfer your ticket to a colleague – providing you give us the name, email address and any dietary requirements of the person you are transferring your ticket to – at least 96  hours prior to the event. Please also be aware that it’s your responsibility to find someone to give/sell your ticket to – not ours.

We help all our finalists and winners with press releases in order to gain publicity.

All finalists will be sent a logo and certificate and

Winners will receive a trophy.

We will promote all winners and finalists via the VA Conference and Awards website, social media, and press releases.

Additionally, all winners will be given a complimentary lifetime directory entry on the BeMyVA Directory.

The categories of the awards since 2014 have been:

  • UK Outstanding VA
  • VA of the Year (England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland)
  • Best Newcomer (in the industry less than 15 months)
  • Regional England categories

2022 saw them get reviewed again and that review will continue post the 2023 awards round.

Unfortunately not in 2023.

Although we have an aspiration to open up the awards to British Virtual Assistants who are based outside of the UK, this is not the case for 2023. Sorry, we aimed to have this for 2023 but have not yet been able to bottom out the details.

Currently you need to be a UK based business.