The Evening Times continues to shine the spotlight on another of the dozens of

The Evening Times continues to shine the spotlight on another of the dozens of

new businesses determined

to succeed.

They are the future for Glasgow and the west of Scotland's economy and

are working hard to achieve success as the UK starts to recover from economic hardship.

Many new businesses are beginning to take off and this column aims to offer advice for potential start-ups.

Each company will answer the same questions about their business and their answers will appear in the Evening Times each Wednesday.

This week we talk to Michelle Smith, the owner of ValueAdd Business Solutions Ltd

What does your

business do?

We provide book-keeping and administration services to business owners, helping them to reclaim control over their time and letting them focus on business growth.

We work across a range of sectors with firms of varying size helping with everything from untangling a shoebox of receipts and taking the stress out of managing cash flow to creating company procedures and giving social media support.

Where are you based?

I have a virtual office in St Enoch Square, and have secured incubation space at the DEG Hub in Glasgow Clyde College that I use once a week. I also work from a home office or clients' offices where the need arises.

What is your background?

I studied maths and computing, and from there went to work for BP in Glasgow offices in a technical role.

A few years later I was working for a small geological team. It was my first taste of bookkeeping, and I was hooked. Then I was made redundant and realised getting a job with no degree was tough so I went part-time to university and got a BA in Business and Management.

Something just clicked and my mind was opened up to the opportunity of working for myself.

How did you get started?

I started out with a laptop at the dining-room table. Once I had some clients I emptied the spare room and it soon became VABS HQ. Now there are three of us sharing desks in there, but fortunately not all at the same time!

What is your top tip?

Trying to keep costs down by doing it all yourself can play havoc with your personal life and your health so get expert help when you need it.

How long has your business been running?

I started trading part-time in January 2011 and went full-time in November 2011.

Has anyone helped you get started and how?

I approached Glasgow North Regeneration Agency which gave me some initial guidance and help me secure £500 initial funding.

I also found local networking groups were great for getting me in front of key people, particularly ThinkDifferentBusinessBanter (TDBB) and Scottish Women in Business (SWIB).

What was your first deal?

My first client was actually an ex-colleague from my geology days, but my first client where I had to pitch and win the business came through SWIB. This client is still with me three years on.

What was your biggest mistake?

Being too proud to ask for advice when I needed it,

Who was your inspiration? One inspiration came from hearing Mary Turner Thompson at the 2013 WES Conference. She made me laugh and cry and her positivity was great.

Where do you plan your business to be in five years time?

This is a really exciting time for us: we're looking at launching a new service this year that will open up the market for us but my lips are sealed for now.

Firms increasingly realise the benefits of outsourcing so we want to be a one-stop shop for small businesses.

Useful contacts

Michelle Smith www.valueaddvirtual.co.uk

twitter: @valueaddbiz