Andy Macdonald
CEO, Lisou
PREVIOUSLY CHAIRMAN OF INDEPENDIENTE LTD AND GO! DISCS LTD
“Jo has been the most brilliant, diligent and loyal person that I have had the pleasure to work alongside over the past thirty years. I appreciate that it’s not easy to find a PA that operates so efficiently, and with such discretion and integrity as she does.
Jo can turn her hand to anything. It doesn’t matter what you throw at her, she accomplishes it quickly and works effortlessly behind the scenes, paying attention to detail, to ensure everything goes smoothly. She has seamlessly executed many tricky challenges for me over the years, from buying and shipping a Landrover from the UK to Morocco, to ensuring our extensive travel itineraries run like clockwork.
Since setting up as a Virtual Assistant Jo has continued to offer us the PA support we need remotely, both personally and in business. She has an excellent rapport with other staff members and is an invaluable virtual presence in our business. To anyone else who may be looking for support I can vouch that you will be lucky to have a bit of her time!
Maryam Jibrilu
Sound Advice (Legal) LLP
“Jo comes into her own when it comes to office relocations. She oversaw three office moves during our working relationship at Independiente, each one having its own unique challenges – whether it was downsizing, finding a new location or troubleshooting utility provision.
She has the skill of being able to prioritise the essentials and pinpoint accuracy in ensuring that all goes smoothly and to plan, so that on entering your new office space, it is set up ready to go with no issues – whether that’s in terms of facilitating internet connection and finding IT solutions, or having the makings for a cup of tea to hand! Her capabilities are extensive and I cannot recommend her highly enough.
Rene Macdonald
Creative Director, Lisou
“Jo has worked for my husband and I for over 25 years. In this time she has proved herself to be extremely efficient, personable and discreet, in fact Jo has become a close family friend and godmother to one of our sons.
Whenever I call Jo with a problem that needs sorting out, she is always ready to help. In fact, she is quite often ahead of me in anticipating issues that may come up.
In the time that Jo has worked for us she has fulfilled various roles. She was our personal assistant at work both at two music companies and a fashion company. With all three roles she adapted quickly and was involved in moving offices, keeping on top of invoices, organizing the office and overseeing junior staff members.
In addition, Jo also worked as our personal assistant on all matters outside the office. Whether booking alarm checks for our home to taking care of our MOTs and residents parking, she has always completed her tasks with the upmost efficiency and respect.
I honestly couldn’t speak highly enough of Jo, but I hope that her long career with us is proof that she is indeed incredible. She manages to seamlessly fit in with everyone around her while executing her job to perfection. While we are devastated to lose her full time, we are delighted that we are able to continue to work with her in her new venture as a VA. She is an absolute gem and I cannot imagine a moment without her.
Caroline Miller
Managing Director, Indigo Pearl
“I found myself bogged down with the day to day of running my agency and really needed some support to take the extra admin off my plate. I had three issues with seeking help. Firstly I knew that I didn’t need a full-time person, secondly, I knew that it would be too much for a junior person and thirdly I’m a control freak! That’s when I found Jo, she immediately understood what I needed, did all the work to an incredibly high standard and delivered a fantastic project within budget and timing. And on top of all this, she was an absolute pleasure to work alongside.
My only hesitation in providing this testimonial is that others will find out how good she is and she’ll be too busy for me!
Jonathan Bullen
Executive Producer, Fremantle Media Ltd
“Jo was the project manager and interior design advisor during the restoration of my four-storey, mid-Victorian terrace house. The aim of the project was to transform a succession of tawdry student bed-sit rooms into a beautiful, liveable home.
Responsibilities: Interviewed three builders, obtained quotes, assessed and recommended the best company to execute the work; liaised with and supervised builders and contractors throughout the work, through to project completion. Initiated and administered planning permissions with Islington council; drawing up and monitoring of budgets; sourcing and purchase of fittings and décor.
Jo filled all her roles on the project with professionalism and a very welcome toughness. She showed imagination and a great design eye when dealing with the fabric of the house, and then was able to follow through her ideas with a formidable knowledge of what was available from suppliers. She has great persistence and energy when dealing with the multiple contractors involved, and she reported back to us on a regular basis.
The project was delivered both on time and on budget, and we were delighted with the end result – our beautiful home.
I highly recommend her work, and I would welcome the opportunity to work with her again.
Chris Hodges
Director of Music, The Rhythm Studio
“I cannot overstate how quickly and effortlessly Jo slotted into our team when she joined us for a six week part-time cover role in January 2020. Jo is an extremely well-organised administrator, a quick learner and an excellent communicator. She was a hit with clients of all ages, not to mention colleagues, and I was extremely impressed by the calm and efficiency that she brought to our busy working environment. She was a model of professionalism throughout, and great fun to have on the team.
Ravi Chhabra
Managing Director, Accenture Hong Kong
“Jo successfully managed the renovation of my apartment in EC1 and went over and above to ensure I was happy with the end result. She took care of all aspects of the process including the planning, sourcing of furniture and accessories, creating storage solutions, recruiting tradesmen and providing interiors advice. This was all attained on time and within budget.
I was out of the country for the majority of the time the renovation was taking place and felt comfortable leaving Jo to deal with everything in my absence, which she did so in an extremely efficient, professional manner, consulting with me where necessary.
We built an excellent working relationship during this time and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Jo for any support you require whilst updating your property as she did a five star job for me!
Harish Shah
HRS Consultants
“In my capacity as company accountant, I have worked with Jo for over 20 years and have nothing but praise for the way in which she addresses the financial aspects of her duties. She has a solid knowledge of accounting procedures and is extremely trustworthy and discreet, which is essential when providing assistance with company accounts.
She has also been of great support when dealing with online banking and invoice payment issues and is proficient in following procedures to ensure that all transactions are completed smoothly and efficiently. She possesses a solid work ethic, executes her tasks quickly and efficiently and is a pleasure to
work with.I believe her to be a true asset to any business, and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her.