Regional Director for East Midlands
Here’s 60 seconds with Emma Barratt
Area of Expertise:
Commercially focussed in Business Operations, Project Management, Integrated Marketing & Event Management.
When & Why did you join Get Ahead VA?
I joined the Get Ahead VA team in September 2020. Running my own business, being in control of my future and more importantly my time, was something I had always wanted. After taking a career break to have my daughter, it seemed like the perfect time to evaluate things and put my goal into action. The tried, tested and successful Get Ahead VA business model, was the opportunity I was looking for. Something that matched my skillset, delivering professional services to help business owners grow and succeed, while giving me the flexibility and control over my own success that I was seeking.
What did you do before you joined Get Ahead VA?
I had a long career in operations for furniture retail, which included a number of new store launches along with ongoing management, mainly across the south of the UK. This enabled me to strengthen my project and people management skills. I then moved into the automotive industry where I worked for over 10 years, specialising in the full Marketing mix, including affiliate business marketing and event management. I was fortunate to meet some great people and have some amazing experiences with prestige brands such as Aston Martin & Jaguar. My original role in automotive was actually a trial position, I am proud that I was instrumental in making that role an operating standard across the UK dealer network. An Aston Martin DBS is still my dream car! My career took me all over the country, but I’m now happy to be back on my own home turf in the East Midlands.
Career Highlight to date
I feel I have been very fortunate to have clocked up some great highlights in my career but one of my real highlights was organising and managing the London, Mayfair launch of the Aston Martin four door Rapide in the Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane for over 400 guests. It was such a success that it was promoted as the global launch of the new car. However, launching my own business with Get Ahead VA and becoming part of the team, is such a highlight for me already!
Plans for the future
To develop and grow the Get Ahead VA business in the East Midlands and to build on the already fantastic team of experts that are key to what we offer. I am really looking forward to delivering fantastic results for local business of all shapes and sizes, enjoying new experiences and meeting some interesting people along the way.
If your business could benefit from Emma’s help, please get in touch on 07368 979582 or 01332 460795, or email emma@getaheadva.com. To find a regional office where you are, please get in touch on 01483 332220 or email office@getaheadva.com. We pride ourselves on being the staff you don’t see, but the difference you do.