Who are you?

Kate Galbally, a professional organiser and PA.

What does your business do?

Better Organised offers decluttering, organising and PA services for the home and office. We help individuals, families and businesses to achieve a comfortable, sustainable level of organisation so they can then enjoy the benefits of having more time, space and simplicity. We offer a range of services including assistance with house moves, setting up filing systems and conducting research into products, services and travel.

Where are you based?

Milngavie.

How did you get started?

I began on a part-time basis supporting individuals and businesses with organisational & administrative projects and gaining accreditation from the Association of Professional Declutterers & Organisers (APDO).

What is your background?

I have more than 20 years of experience in PA and administrative support roles for multinational companies as well as volunteering for local and international charities. I’ve always loved helping people to get better organised.

What is your top business tip?

Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. From reaching out to experts to ask for advice, embracing social media and blogging and even saying yes to being interviewed for a podcast – it’s good to step out of your comfort zone.

How long has your business been running?

Since February 2017.

Has anyone helped you get started and how?

I’m very fortunate to have an amazing support network, personally and professionally. I’ve also attended a number of Business Gateway events, mainly on topics such as social media and selling with confidence. I meet with my Business Gateway adviser on a regular basis to discuss my progress and come up with ideas for expanding the business.

What was your first deal?

A two-day assignment to assist a business owner with streamlining her home office and 15 years’ worth of paperwork. On completion of the project the client remarked on how relieved she was to have professional PA support and that we’d managed things together that she simply wasn’t achieving on her own.

What would you do differently?

In my enthusiasm to get moving, I was very quick to name and brand the business. Six months later I renamed and rebranded to better reflect its core purpose. It was a tough decision, but as a business owner I knew it was necessary and thankfully, I haven’t looked back.

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

I want to keep working alongside clients so that they can benefit from being better organised. I’d also love to publish a book about decluttering and organising and devise and deliver Better Organised workshops.

Useful contacts:

Business Gateway East Dunbartonshire www.bgateway.com/east-dunbartonshire or call 0141 578 8530.