My name is Sharon Smith and I am the founder of Swan Virtual Assistance.

I have over 30 years’ experience as a Personal Assistant and in administration management in both the public sector and private industry. 

After passing with distinction the London Chamber of Commerce Private Secretary’s Certificate, my working life started in the accounts department of Automotive Products, a national motor parts company. From there, I moved to Countrywide Communications, a UK top three PR consultancy, where I spent five years providing PA support to a busy team working on a wide range of clients.

I then relocated to London to work at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.  I spent two years in a department in London, working first as the departmental secretary, and then as the PA to the Assistant Head of Department. I was then transferred to the Foreign Secretary’s office where I spent four years providing PA support both in London and on overseas visits. 

In 1996 I was posted to Geneva for three years as the PA to the UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations.  I was also the Ambassador’s social secretary and was often the first point of contact for visiting Ambassadors from other countries, Heads of UN Organisations and for visiting Ministerial parties from London. 

From Geneva I moved back to the UK and took the position of Office Manager for the Leeds office of Porter Novelli, a top 10 global PR network.  I then transferred to the international side of Porter Novelli, as PA to the Chairman and European Administration Manager.

In January 2004, I was promoted to Global Administration Manager.  It was with Porter Novelli that I gained extensive experience in conference organisation and project management. 

In March 2006, in response to the demand for the type of services I provide, I felt the time was right to set up my own business and created Swan Virtual Assistance. 

I am a member of the Virtual Assistant Mastery Club and an Affiliate Member of the Institute of Qualified Professional Secretaries Limited.