Hi, I’m Shani

The founder of ad-VA-nce.

My Story

My background

I’ve worked across both the public and private sectors in a wide range of roles, starting out as a temp early in my career. That experience gave me the opportunity to step into different offices week by week, quickly learning new systems, tasks and ways of working.

It taught me adaptability, resilience, and how important strong support is to the smooth running of any business.

From there, I progressed into long-term PA, secretarial and bookkeeping roles, including supporting senior leaders at organisations such as Leeds Metropolitan University and Cable & Wireless. I enjoyed my latest role at SmartSearch (for just shy of 10 years), where I progressed to Head of Payroll, a position that included strategically aligning commission schemes with the company’s wider vision.

Across all of these roles, I’ve consistently supported fast-paced, detail-focused professionals and teams alike, where organisation, accuracy and reliability are essential.

What I do best

I have strong practical experience in administration, accounts and business support, with particular strengths in Excel and PowerPoint.

I truly enjoy working with spreadsheets, data and Microsoft documents, and I’m known for being highly organised, detail-focused and proactive. I don’t just complete tasks, I look for more efficient, structured ways of doing things.

My approach

I quickly adapt to each client’s preferred way of working and communication style, and I aim to feel like a natural extension of your team rather than an external supplier.

Trust is important when outsourcing work, so I take time to understand how your business runs and what support will make the biggest difference.

Why I started ad-VA-nce

Every job I have enjoyed (some more than others!) has shaped how I work today. I now realise that I am at my best when I’m supporting others in a practical, hands-on way – helping things run smoothly and making day-to-day work easier for the people I support.

Running ad-VA-nce felt like a natural next step, allowing me to bring together my experience and skills to support solo professionals, sole traders and small businesses in a more flexible and meaningful way.

A little about me

Outside of work, I love spending time with my daughter in Scarborough when I can, and as a self-confessed foodie I love nothing more than pottering around a good farm shop or discovering the latest restaurant or street food truck.

I dream of growing my own vegetables, picking them, cooking them and eating them; I’m in love with the fork to plate journey! However with my current small walled garden I’m limited to growing herbs for now! But at any opportunity, I enjoy the ‘cooking and eating’ part of my dream!

I’ve recently completed a full home renovation, which gave me the opportunity to indulge in some reconfiguration and interior design to bring a character stone property into the 21st century.

And I’m planning on learning the piano and Spanish over the next few years.

Testimonials

I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Shani for over a decade in the property industry, and I can say without hesitation that she is one of the most remarkable colleagues I’ve ever had. Shani has a fantastic ability to combine sharp, creative thinking with logical problem-solving and exceptional attention to detail. Equally impressive is the care she brings to every interaction, along with a warmth that makes her an absolute pleasure to work with.

Above all, Shani is someone you can always count on. She is engaged, honest and completely dependable. I wholeheartedly recommend Shani to any client or team fortunate enough to work with her. She will not let you down.

Angie Wright – Senior Branch Manager – Property Industry

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Shani for the past 10 years, and throughout that time she has consistently demonstrated accuracy, attention to detail, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to everything she does.

Shani has been a fantastic support to me and the wider team, always delivering high-quality work and making excellent use of Excel, Word, and PowerPoint to help us operate more efficiently. She is always looking for ways to improve processes and drive efficiencies, approaching every task with enthusiasm and a positive attitude.

Shani’s cheerful personality, willingness to help others, and collaborative approach have made her a highly valued team player.

Karen Colthorpe – Head of Finance, SmartSearch