It’s funny to say I’m passionate about virtual offices—I certainly didn’t grow up dreaming of being in this industry! But here I am, and I truly am passionate about what they offer.
I’m a huge advocate for mental health and work-life balance (fun fact: I’m actually a qualified counsellor!). A virtual office lets people enjoy the prestige of a city address without the stress of a daily commute. It means you can be home for dinner, take the dog for a midday walk, or do the school run—creating a healthier, happier quality of life. For me, the thought of going back to a 9-5 grind in the city doesn’t feel healthy or sustainable.
I’m equally passionate about the environmental benefits. In a world where we all need to do our bit, reducing unnecessary commuting is a small but meaningful way to help. Staying local and travelling only when needed not only supports work-life balance but also contributes to reducing our carbon footprint.
Check out FootPrint to take a quick questionnaire to understand your own carbon footprint today!
One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been watching businesses grow. Over the past decade, I’ve seen countless startups and small businesses flourish thanks to virtual offices. They give smaller companies the chance to compete with big players, offering a professional presence without draining budgets on full office spaces.
This was especially powerful during COVID. I spoke to hundreds—if not thousands—of people who’d lost their jobs and felt at a complete loss. For many, it was a “now or never” moment to chase their dreams and start a business. They used our virtual offices to get started, and today, many of those businesses are thriving, creating new opportunities for others. Being part of that journey is incredibly special—it’s what keeps me so passionate about what we do.
When I joined VHQ during its launch, it felt like coming full circle. My background was in IT, where I worked for another startup—a business founded by a couple of university friends. That company grew into a multi-million-pound success over the six years I was there.
Eventually, my husband and I decided to trade the city buzz for the peace of the countryside. That’s when luck and timing came into play. One of VHQ’s founders took a chance on me. I started as an all-rounder with a focus on sales, and as the company grew, so did I. Fast-forward to this year, and I’m incredibly proud to say I’ve stepped into the role of Managing Director. It’s been an amazing journey!
We’re proud to be the largest independent provider of virtual offices, with nearly 150 locations (and more offline due to being at full capacity!). That’s our niche: being the ultimate “one-stop shop” for businesses looking to expand across the UK overnight. We have hundreds of “multi-site clients” with locations nationwide—and I know no one else in the market can offer that level of coverage!
We dedicate significant resources and attention to our AML compliance obligations, ensuring that all clients are subject to the necessary checks and we maintain the high quality of all of our addresses.
From the boardroom to the front line, our passion for AML compliance is unmatched. Between Connie Mandry, our brilliant Compliance and Operations Manager and myself, we bring nearly two decades of experience as qualified anti-money laundering specialists.
What really sets us apart are our buildings, we cater to all tastes and styles. In London, for example, we’ve got:
Swanky locations like The Monument with epic views of the city skyline.
Beautifully traditional spaces like Blackwell House in Guildhall Yard, where chandeliers adorn the meeting rooms and one of London’s oldest lifts transports you back in time—it’s like stepping into the Titanic!
Cool and contemporary coworking hubs like Poland Street in Soho, perfect for creatives.
But it’s not just the buildings—it’s our service that truly shines. We’re real people, not pushy sales reps. Everyone at Virtual Headquarters is a brilliant character, and we genuinely care about our clients. We treat them with respect and take a genuine interest in their businesses. No hard pitches, no corporate nonsense—just care, empathy, and a shared goal of helping their businesses thrive.
From the owners to me, we’ve all been part of a startup at some point. We understand how hard and daunting it can be to grow a business. We’re not a faceless corporate conglomerate—we’re here to support and help your businesses succeed!
Check out our TRUSTPILOT if you don’t believe me!
Meet our fabulous MD Francesca.
Connie is our vigilant compliance manager.
Emma is our fantastic sales manager.
Alongside our growth in both locations and our team in the UK, we’ll be expanding into Europe in 2025 and hopefully the US in 2026! This will be a huge milestone, and I’ve been working toward it for years.
The biggest change earlier this year was the Companies House update on what qualifies as an “appropriate address” for a registered office, including the ban on PO Boxes. We’ve put together a handy guide on this here, which tells you everything you need to know!
I fully welcome this change. For far too long, companies could set up with inadequate addresses, making it far too easy for unlawful or harmful activities to slip through the cracks. It also led to a flood of cheap addresses being sold in bulk, with thousands of businesses—legitimate or not—using the same location. This practice negatively impacted sales at functioning business centres, which provide real, professional spaces for companies to operate.
The heart of Virtual HQ is our incredible team—a passionate bunch, dedicated to helping businesses gain success through virtual offices. From compliance to customer support, sales, and marketing, every team member brings expertise, enthusiasm, and excellent service.
Compliance: Connie, Abi and Liam, are our meticulous Compliance Officers. With a dedication to anti-money laundering (AML) standards, they make sure we maintain the highest levels of trust and security for our clients.
Customer Support: Victoria and Iesha are on the front lines, delivering outstanding service with care and professionalism. They make every client interaction smooth and supportive, which is exactly what Virtual HQ stands for.
Sales: Emma, our Sales Manager, and Josh, our Account Manager, work together to make sure new customers have a seamless experience. From tailored advice to personalised onboarding, they’re committed to setting clients up for success.
Marketing: Alex and Jamie are the creative forces behind our branding and campaigns. They bring our office locations to life, ensuring they’re showcased beautifully while keeping our clients informed and inspired.
We’ve all been part of startups and small businesses, so we understand the challenges entrepreneurs face. Helping businesses grow and succeed isn’t just our job—it’s our passion. Whether it’s watching a new startup company expand or knowing we’ve made work-life balance easier for someone, these moments keep us motivated.
Our team’s skillset, combined with a genuine care for our clients, make Virtual HQ a unique and trusted partner for businesses across the UK. It’s not just about virtual offices—it’s about building a community and helping businesses grow!
Alex is an experienced copywriter with a strong background in marketing and a deep understanding of the virtual office industry. With extensive knowledge of our offices and the areas they’re located in, Alex excels at crafting compelling campaigns that highlight the unique benefits of each location. From showcasing the perks of a prestigious business address to promoting the convenience and flexibility of virtual office solutions, Alex knows just how fantastic our Virtual Office solutions really are.
