Alchemy VA celebrates 10 years of values-led franchising and sustainable growth
Alchemy Virtual Assistance (Alchemy VA), the UK-based virtual support and franchising business, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary in October 2026, marking a decade of steady, values-driven expansion in the virtual assistance and outsourcing sector.
Founded in 2016 by Suzy Sanders, Alchemy VA has evolved from a solo venture into a thriving franchise network with a growing national footprint. Since launching its franchise model in 2019, the business has prioritised sustainable growth over rapid scale, building a network of carefully selected partners across the UK.
Two of its earliest franchise partners - Sarah from Wellingborough and Laura from Glasgow have recently renewed their agreements after five years and have been recognised as Founding Franchise Partners, underscoring the longevity and strength of the model.
“We could have grown much faster says Suzy, but for us, success has always meant building the right network, one that supports our clients, empowers our partners, and stands the test of time.”
Alchemy VA’s franchise proposition is rooted in a clear mission: to ensure no one has to choose between building a successful career and prioritising family life. This ethos has shaped everything from recruitment to training and ongoing support.
The franchise network is currently led by a core team of eight Franchise Partners. They continue to invest heavily in learning and development, and as a result Suzy has recently become an accredited trainer with the UK Society of Virtual Assistants, making Alchemy VA the first UK Virtual Assistant Franchise to achieve approval.
Despite ongoing shifts in the employment landscape, including increased automation and redundancy trends, Alchemy VA has seen continued demand for fractional, flexible support models.
Since starting the business Alchemy VA have supported over 550 clients and deliver on average, 607 hours of support each month.
To mark its 10-year milestone, Alchemy VA has launched a nationwide giving-back campaign, encouraging every franchise partner and team member to support a local charity or community initiative.
Activities will run throughout 2026 and include:
- Fundraising challenges, including a 42km “Giant Walk” in Warrington
- A big quiz event in aid of the Air Ambulance
- Donating VA support to charities
- A Scottish Gala Dinner in aid of Meningitis Now
- A female led charity rock concert to raise awareness and funds for local women’s charities
- Abseiling Northampton Lift Tower for The Lewis Foundation
With a strong UK foundation, Alchemy VA’s long-term ambition is to expand internationally over the next decade while maintaining its hallmark approach of measured, values-led growth.
“Franchising can sometimes feel transactional, adds Suzy. “We’ve worked hard to prove it doesn’t have to be. We’re a family-run business with real heart and that’s what our partners and clients value most.”
“I was instantly reassured by both the great structure Alchemy VA operate and the sensible, straight forward initial trial period. It felt ‘much safer’ working with Alchemy VA over a solo Virtual Assistant, mostly because I knew I had the ‘safety net’ of Alchemy VA’s Founder’s Office and the rest of the team spread out across the UK. If you’re looking for genuine support from talented people who really care about what you do and want to support you with that then you’re in the right place with Alchemy VA.”
Emmy, Owner of The Learning Stage.