KEELEY SMITH | VIRTUAL BUSINESS SUPPORT

I was often referred to as a ‘safe pair of hands’ in private practice 🙌🏻

It’s good to know you are trusted to deliver results.

But there’s just a lacklustre undertone to it, isn’t there?

I want clients to see me as reliable.

But I also want to make sure I’m recognised as…

…someone who is passionate and adds value.

I truly want to help you find balance in your business with tailored solutions to suit you.

…someone who is approachable.

I listen. I take the time to understand because I care about you and your business - no stuffy lawyer here!

…someone who works damn hard with you to achieve your goals.

It’s just an epic feeling helping a client to succeed.

So I can live with being a ‘safe pair of hands’ but it’s not what defines me.

I’ve loved spending some wonderful quality time with the girls over half-term ❤️

We spent a long weekend in Kotor
We had egg hunts and Easter activities
We had a big sleepover with the cousins

But some days have been hard.

There’s been the juggle of trying to work where I can and keeping the little ones content.

I’m looking forward to having some structure back in our lives from Monday.

But that’s why I love working for myself now.

It was easy to schedule my work for the month to allow me to work less over these two weeks.

Having that flexibility is just invaluable as a working parent.

I’ll never take it for granted.

Are you stressing about your T&Cs?

Do you just have no idea where you start?

Do you wonder if you even need them for your business?

I’ve seen lots of sets of T&Cs over the years. The good, the bad and the ugly. Even the downright scary.

The truth is that legally you don’t need a contract.

Lots of businesses operate without T&Cs in place and they’re fine.

Until something goes wrong…

Then they’re (likely) screwed!

If you choose to run your business without T&Cs, you are creating risk. Avoidable risk.

In an ideal world, you never look at a contract again after it’s signed.

It’s all good when everything is smooth sailing.

But every now and then there can be bumps along the way.

Or you might just have a d*ckhead client.

One always comes along eventually.

That’s when you want to know you have a contract to fall back on.

You want the security of having robust T&Cs in place to protect your business.

So invest in a good set of T&Cs.

And whatever you do, don’t use ChatGPT to draft them for you.

Happy Easter 🐣

We’ll be spending it with family watching the girls hunt for eggs and indulge in far too much chocolate.

Wishing you all a wonderful time with loved ones and hoping you’re not returning to too many emails in your inbox after the BH weekend.

We all deserve a break and some well-earned rest from time to time 💛

I used to think I could never be a partner in a law firm.

I had the brains but I worried that I didn’t have the “right” background.

How would I win clients?

How would I generate work?

How would I make those types of connections?

Imposter syndrome is real.

It plagued me my entire legal career.

Then I built a business out of nothing. Whilst I travelled the world and prioritised my family.

I won clients. I generated work. I made those types of connections.

Turns out I’m not too shabby at any of the above when I’m being my authentic self.

Finding a space where I’m comfortable being me - truly me - has changed everything.

Keeley Smith | Virtual Business Support is growing at a wonderful (albeit slightly terrifying!) rate.

Our revenue has increased 285% compared to this time last year.

Little old me is very proud and excited about the future.

In fact, I wish I could go back and give the old me a really big hug.

We’re back from a fab weekend in Kotor 🇲🇪

We had the most amazing time.

In corporate private practice, there’s a toxic culture where you’re only really considered to be working hard or enough, the more hours you work.

If you’re efficient it doesn’t matter. You’ll only be noted if you’re burning the midnight oil.

If you have other commitments you value outside of work, then sucks to be you trying to fit those in and progress in your career.

After nearly a decade of being on that wheel, I prioritise work-life balance above all now.

I still work hard but I value how precious time is.

I’ll never get it back.

I do things for myself.

I spend quality time with my family.

I take the trip!

And my word does it feel bloody good ❤️

Are you an employer?

Ever wonder why having employment policies in place is so important for your business?

💥 They’re the backbone of your business’ culture.
💥 They provide clarity and consistency for everyone on board by setting out clear expectations about behaviour and performance.
💥 They allow you to carry out your HR responsibilities effectively.
💥 They help you meet your legal duties for compliance with employment law to avoid legal disputes.
💥 There are certain written policies that you must have in place by law.

Employment polices might seem a “nice to have” but some are non-negotiable.

Be sure to put in place effective policies to set the standards in your workplace and build a healthy culture.

My out of office is now on ☀️

We’re heading to Kotor for a long weekend.

I can’t wait! It’s been on the list for ages.

I’m officially back online on Tuesday 15th April but it’s half term and Easter bank holiday weekend 😱

I’ll be juggling business and mom life in full force, so I will have reduced working hours and response times may be a little longer than usual.

Normal service will resume on Monday 28th April.

Thanks for your understanding and to all the fellow parents out there… we’ve got this! 💪

See you on the other side 🫡

Running a business (even a small one) while raising little ones is no small feat.

For me, it’s a daily juggle of school runs, client calls, and contracts.

I know firsthand how challenging and rewarding it is to be building something meaningful while balancing motherhood.

It’s why Keeley Smith | Virtual Business Support exists!

I appreciate how important it is for business owners to be able to:

✅ Navigate legals and compliance without overwhelm.
✅ Take control of business management without sacrificing time.

Because let’s face it, we already have enough on our plate.

So many of my clients are women and mothers carving their own path.

I’m in awe of them and I feel so privileged to work with such inspiring, talented people.

Q2 is looking busy.

We’ve had a few new enquiries land over the last couple of weeks.

Two have been onboarded as clients 🥳
One we were misaligned on the scope of work and budget 🚫
One availability didn’t align for April so we’re in discussions about May 📆
One is still in early stages about how we can provide support 🤝

It’s wild to think that this time last year, we were travelling Asia.

We were in Vietnam with dodgy internet and power outages.

I was trying to get the business off the ground. Knowing we would return home in the future and worried about if this would work longer term.

Fastforward to now and Keeley Smith | Virtual Business Support is thriving and supported by a small team.

Exiting times ahead.

April let’s go 💪🏻

Happy Birthday to Keeley Smith | Virtual Business Support’s biggest hype man 🥳

Running a small business while juggling life and motherhood isn’t always easy, but doing it with James by my side makes all the difference.

From listening to my endless ideas to celebrating my wins (big and small), his support means everything.

He always believes in me and reminds me why I started this journey in the first place when I need to hear it.

Hype Man by day, wonderful husband (mostly) always. I couldn’t do this without him!

When was the last time you actually looked at your website? Be honest.

We all know first impressions matter, so is your website making the right one?

✅ Are all your links and buttons working?
✅ Is your copy typo-free and grammatically sound?
✅ Do you have all the legal documents required by law?
✅ Is it GDPR compliant and handling cookies correctly?

Look, I get it! Legals aren’t the most exciting part of running a business. But they do matter.

Don’t forget that your website is a reflection of your professionalism and credibility.

As a former (slightly obsessive) lawyer, attention to detail is my thing, so you can be sure I’ve got you covered, both on the legals and the little things that make a big difference.

🚨 Bad news: My retainer spots are fully booked.

🎉 Good news: I’m still taking on projects like website reviews!

If you want to make sure your website is legally sound and sharp for 2025, feel free to get in touch to learn more about our website review services and legal document bundles.

Happy Mother’s Day 💕

Before becoming a mom, I thought I understood hard work.

Motherhood showed me a whole new level.

When I left private practice, it wasn’t because I lost ambition.

It was because I gained a new purpose.

One that included building a business on my own terms.

Where I could support other business owners while being present for my girls.

But let’s be real...

Some days, it’s still a balancing act that feels impossible.

The guilt of feeling like you’re never doing enough.

Sound familiar?

Here’s what I’ve learned: You ARE enough.

I often need to remind myself that I’m not just building a business.

I’m creating a life that works for me and my family.

I’m raising my coffee this morning to all the moms out there doing their best, chasing their dreams and showing their kids what’s possible.

Happy Mother’s Day to the women making it all work 💐💕

Social media block is a real thing.

I used to be so consisent but I’ve really struggled the last couple of months.

Work is busy and I’m fully booked other than for adhoc projects.

There just doesn’t seem to be enough time.

If I do find time, then it’s like my mind goes blank when I try to sit down and share something meaningful about my business, my journey or even life in general.

It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to “post, post, post” and share all the tips, tricks and behind-the-scenes.

I’m trying to remember it’s better to be sharing from a place of purpose rather than just filling the content calendar.

Do you ever feel this way with social media?

How do you overcome it?

We hit a lovely milestone of 500 followers recently 🥳

Running a business while raising little ones is no small feat.

It’s a daily juggle of contracts and client calls mixed with school runs and making a 1,000 snacks.

We know firsthand how challenging and rewarding it is to build something meaningful while balancing motherhood.

That’s why Keeley Smith | Virtual Business Support exists!

It is so important for business owners to be able to navigate their legals and take control of business management without the overwhelm.

Thank you so much for allowing us to support you on your journey. We couldn’t be more grateful.

What’s next? We’re just getting started! More expert tips and real talk about the work-life balance struggle are on the way.

Tell us! What’s one legal or business challenge (or working parent struggle!) you’d love more guidance on? Drop it in the comments or send us a DM.

Thank you for trusting us to help your business grow and get compliant.

Here’s to the next 500 🥂

A Day in the Life of A Legal & Business Services Provider

Come behind the scenes with me to see what I get up to day to day:

✅ Drafting & reviewing contracts
✅ Managing business operations & projects
✅ Helping startups & small businesses grow with confidence

My days are full with making businesses run smoother and more securely and taking the stress out of the legal and strategic side of things, so my clients can focus on what they do best!

When was the last time you checked your email footer?

It might seem like a small detail but did you know that missing key information could put your business at risk of non-compliance?

If you’re sending business emails—especially to clients or customers—you need to make sure your footer includes the right details.

Failing to include certain information could mean you’re in breach of legal requirements like GDPR and company law.

No one wants a £1,000 fine!

If you’re unsure whether yours is compliant, I can help!

Drop a comment or DM me ✉️

As a small business owner and a mom, it’s so easy to put myself last 👎🏻

There’s always another email to send, another task to complete, another thing waiting on the to-do list.

And let’s not even start on the mom guilt of taking time away from family!

But I know that I can’t pour from an empty cup.

So in January I made a commitment to myself to get back to Zumba at least once a week.

Other than a couple of absences for illness and holiday, I’ve stuck with it.

Now the local town hall isn’t the most glamorous of settings.

But it’s one hour where I’m not thinking about work, deadlines or what’s for dinner.

I know that if I want to show up fully for my family and my clients, I need to show up for myself too.

What do you do just for YOU each week?

I’m so grateful to work with incredible business owners who are committed to setting their businesses up for long-term success.

Recently, I’ve been working with a client to firm up their legal documentation and processes, including:

✅ setting up engagement letters & terms of business
✅ putting in place a solid framework for AML compliance
✅ ensuring clear, structured processes and systems for CRM to ensure smooth operations

Here’s what they had to say ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

For many small businesses, legal documents and compliance can feel overwhelming, but having the right protections in place is a game-changer.

It’s @internationalwomensday_global

A few years ago, I was deep in the world of private practice.

Long hours, high pressure and little flexibility.

Then, life changed. I became a mom!

Motherhood shifted my priorities.

I realised that success didn’t have to mean choosing between a fulfilling career and being present for my family.

So, I took the leap. I quit.

I built a business that allows me to use my legal expertise and strategic skills to support other small business owners - especially other women - while working on my own terms.

💡 Because women shouldn’t have to choose between ambition and family.
💡 Because flexibility and success can go hand in hand.
💡 Because when women support each other in our choices, we ALL rise.

Happy International Women’s Day to all the women carving their own paths — whether that’s a high flying career, you’re running a business, raising a family, chasing a dream — I see you.

Keep going. Keep building. Keep creating a life that works for YOU 💜

#iwd2025 #womeninbusiness #mompreneur #femalefounder

I’ve felt a bit stuck lately…

I keep setting aside time for “CEO afternoons” to work on the business but nothing happens.

I stare at a blank screen.

I find myself questioning things.

Am I on the right path?

Is this business heading in the direction I truly want?

Am I still aligned with the reason I started?

I’ve found it harder to be consistent with marketing and social media.

I know that feeling stuck doesn’t mean failure.

But it is a sign to pause, reflect and realign.

I’m taking a step back to ask:

✔️ What do I love most about my business?
✔️ What no longer excites me?
✔️ What do I want more (or less) of?

Have you ever felt stuck in your business?

How did you move forward?

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Why not show your website some love this year ❤️

If you’re honest, when was the last time you looked at your website.

I know the legals are boring but they matter!

Are you sure it has all the information required by law?

Does it have all of the required legal documents?

Is it GDPR compliant?

Do you deal with cookies correctly?

Your website is the first time a client can get to know you. If we’re being real, we all know that first impressions count!

Are you sure there are no rogue typos?

Do all of your links and buttons work?

Is your copy grammatically correct?

As a former anal lawyer attention to detail is my thing! You can also be confident that I have you covered on the legals too 🙌🏻

The bad news for you is that I’m fully booked for retainers 😭

The good news for you is that I’m still taking on projects like website reviews 🥳

If you want to make sure your website is up to scratch for 2025, then get in touch for more information about our website review services and website legal document bundles.

Struggling to keep up with the demands of your business?

As a business owner, your time is precious. You’ve reached the point where you need support but hiring an employee isn’t the right move.

That’s where Keeley Smith | Virtual Business Support comes in!

✅ Not sure where to start?
✅ Feeling overwhelmed?
✅ Drowning in a never-ending to-do list?

We provide expert legal and operations support, helping you protect your business, streamline processes and free up your time so you can focus on growth.

Let us be the extra pair of hands your business needs 🙌🏻

#businesssupport #legalsupport #smallbusinesssupport #freelancer #legalconsultants

It’s Data Protection Day🔒

I’m celebrating with a GDPR webinar later.
All the glamour.

Today is unlikely to be the highlight of your year…

BUT

…it is a good time to remind small businesses that they do need to be thinking about data protection.

🏆 Easy win - Make sure you’re registered with the ICO and pay the fee.

📄 Essential docs - Put in place your privacy policies (think website, client facing, employees etc).

💻 Free resources - The ICO has tonnes of advice to help navigate compliance on its website.

For more info, feel free to check out my blog:

https://www.keeleysmithva.com/post/getting-started-with-data-protection-a-small-business-guide-to-compliance

#businesssupport #freelancer #legalconsultant #legaltemplates #gdprcompliance #dataprotection #smallbusiness

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"Delegation is not a sign of weakness, but of strength."

Steve Jobs

WELCOME

Hello and welcome to Keeley Smith | Virtual Business Support!

Our purpose is to support start ups, business owners and entrepreneurs with contracts and compliance to help you make sure your business is protected and set up for success.

We also offer operations, content and project management services to support you with streamlining your business, freeing up your time to focus on achieving your business goals.

When we become part of your team, you can trust that you are in safe hands with our expert service offering.

Find Out More

"Keeley is an integral part of my team,

and I consider myself fortunate to be able to make use of her excellent skills and benefit from her wonderful personality"

Keeley Smith

Founder

Hi, I'm Keeley.

I'm a non-practising lawyer and mom to two wild little girls with a serious passion for travel - I've visited 47 countries and counting!

I spent nearly a decade as a lawyer at a top commercial law firm with experience in employment, commercial contracts and data protection.

My priorities changed when I started a family. It's important to me that I can be present for

who I love and do what I love,

so I stepped away from private practice.

We packed our bags and we travelled the world as a family for 6 months. There was no going back to the corporate world after that kind of freedom and so I founded Keeley Smith | Virtual Business Support in 2023. I now have a team of associates who support other

businesses and entrepreneurs.

I believe all business owners should have access to resources to protect and streamline their business no matter it's size. I utilize my legal experience to simplify contracts and compliance to help business owners put in place strong legal foundations to ensure they are protected and set up for success!

I also support with project management, operations, and content so that business owners can focus their time on doing what they do best.

When you work with me, you can take comfort from the fact I have a strong legal background but I'm not a stuffy lawyer and you won't have a hefty legal bill at the end.

If you want to make sure your business is protected and compliant or if you want to find out more about how I can free up your time by managing your projects and streamlining your operations so you can focus on your business growth, then get in touch.

Let's Get Started!