VIRTUAL assistants (VAs) from across the nation have connected thanks to a Warrington Business Awards finalist from Bewsey.

Joanne Hawkins, 46, organised the north west's second VA conference at the Village Hotel last month.

It gave those in attendance the chance to connect, network and learn vital business skills from experienced figures.

The attendees this year were asked to #getconnected using social media and work on 'connecting themselves and their businesses to their prospects'.

Ms Hawkins, who was a Warrington Business Awards finalist in the businesswoman of the year category this year, said the conference proved just as successful as the inaugural event last July.

She added: "The attendees are always very keen to learn as much as possible from the speakers so we like to provide fresh content each year and all the experts have received wonderful feedback.

"We're finding that businesses can still be a little unsure as to 'what a VA can do for them' so getting VAs to think about how they promote themselves and truly connect with businesses is key to educating the business community."

The awards for the north west VA of the year were also held at the conference with Gwen Backhouse, from Curlew Secretarial Solutions, taking the winning trophy.

Gwen was a runner-up in last year's awards and is based in Cumbria.

Jane Moore and Helen Burton, from Queen Bee PA, were announced as runners-up – the pair are based in Didsbury.

Ms Hawkins added: "Seeing the delight on the finalists' faces is amazing and I would urge other VAs to put themselves forward, it may be out of their comfort zone but the business credibility can change the dynamic of their business."

The inaugural conference last year was organised to accommodate for the growing demand of virtual assistants (VA) in the north west.

It was aimed at helping VAs stand out in an 'increasingly competitive' market.