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40 Under 40 winner of the day: Vanessa Bamford

Financial consultant Vanessa Bamford witnessed her parents succeed with their small business in the 1990s. Now, with over a decade of experience in accounting, she is helping other small businesses prosper.

Aug 01, 2019, updated Aug 29, 2019

Vanessa Bamford is the founder and director of Vision Beyond Business (VBB) – an accounting and bookkeeping company aiming to progress small businesses monetarily, but also outside the realm of figures.

The company provides standard accounting services, such as small business management programs, bookkeeping support and corporate account operations.

It also offers business mentoring and coaching services, and tailored packages focused on helping people establish their business and then grow.

Bamford has been the director of VBB for nine years, during which time the company has developed from a home business into an enterprise with two offices and six staffers.

Bamford completed a bachelor of commerce, accounting, IT and management at the University of Adelaide in 2004.

She did this while participating in the university’s senior choir, senior band, soccer and swim teams.

Following her studies, Bamford worked as an undergraduate accountant at Berry and Grosser Chartered Accountants for a year in 2001 before working as an intermediate accountant at BCFR Chartered Accountants for two years from 2002.

Bamford became a business advisor to Hayes Knight SA & NT in 2004, before landing a senior tax advisor role at PKF Adelaide in 2006.

She then became a senior accountant at Basso Newman in 2006 – and then moved to London.

In London she was an assistant financial controller for the Jeff Wayne Music Group for a year then worked in the same role for Fisher Productions Limited.

She moved back to South Australia to start VBB, where she now aims to be a mentor, business coach and strategic business consultant for not-for-profit and social enterprises, as well as purpose-driven individuals.

In June, Bamford was named in InDaily’s 40 Under 40, which recognises the best and brightest young business people in South Australia.

What is the single most important lesson you have learnt in your business career so far?

Mindset. I realise that looking after myself personally and developing my own skills are just as important as other factors in business. I also look after my team.

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What do you believe are the strengths of doing business in South Australia?

South Australia is really the capital of connections. If you are doing something people like, and you are doing it well and you are open to continually making it the best you can, I truly believe it is recognised and supported. Word of mouth is on our side.

What do you believe are the weak points of conducting business in South Australia?

South Australia is weaker than other cities in regards to entrepreneur and innovative communities and support. I believe because of this we often miss out on opportunities or have to travel interstate. While this is a weak point, I do see that we have a quality community around us. South Australia is definitely changing.

Do you see your future in South Australia? 

Absolutely. My family, friends and business are in South Australia, and this is the community I want to help and grow for our long-term future. I know the community well and have been immersed in it for a long time. The support I have is phenomenal.

How can the state encourage more of its young leaders to stay?

I believe that if we could regularly bring communities of young leaders together in a safe and creative place, and enabled them to explore, grow and connect, they would engage and drive value to each other through connections. Also if young leaders were more supported to drive change and create a positive impact, this would unite young leaders and encourage them to stay.

To see the full list of 40 winners go here.

InDaily is profiling each of the winners – go here to read more.

Topics: 40 Under 40
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