THE owner of a Weston-based virtual assistant company has been awarded the Vicky Matthews Franchisee of the Year award at the Pink Spaghetti Conference 2024.

Yasmin McGlashan, who launched Pink Spaghetti Weston-super-Mare in 2020, was given the award at the conference in Staffordshire on Friday, March 8.

Speaking about how it feels to win the award, Yasmin said: "I feel honoured and delighted to have received this very special award, named after the franchise's co-founder Vicky, who sadly passed away last year.

"Having started my business in 2020, just before the pandemic, there have been a lot of challenges along the way, but the Pink Spaghetti franchise has been there to support me in every step of my journey. 

“They are second-to-none in providing encouragement and recognising hard work, and so I am extremely proud to have been given the title of Franchisee of the Year.”

Along with her team, Yasmin provides virtual assistance to businesses in places such as Portishead, Clevedon and Bridgwater.

This includes everything from social media content writing, marketing assistance, general admin, and data entry.

In 2009, Pink Spaghetti PA Services was founded by Caroline Gowing and Vicky Matthews.

In 2012 it expanded through franchising and today has more than 50 franchisees across the country.

Explaining further about the franchise, the Pink Spaghetti website reads: "At Pink Spaghetti, we are a relationship-based business that values personal connections.

"We charge only for the time used, and our franchisees are highly trained professionals, and all staff are employed directly by Pink Spaghetti, we do not run as an agency or subcontract.

"Our local franchisees and teams ensure a virtual yet personalised service, allowing customers to save on office space and operational costs." 

Caroline Gowing, from Pink Spaghetti PA Services, said: “We’d like to say a huge congratulations to Yasmin. Her journey is marked by resilience and ambition, setting her apart as she turns challenges into learning opportunities.

"Her innovative and proactive approach in seizing opportunities demonstrates true leadership, not only within her team but across the entire network.

“Her dedication to community, sustainability and diversity reflects the true depth of her character as a small business owner and this award is a testament to her hard work and positive outlook.

“As this was the first conference without our wonderful co-founder, Vicky Matthews, we have renamed our Franchisee of the Year award in her honour and were delighted to have her husband, Chris present the award to Yasmin.”