Enterprise Nation

When Nicola Cooper-Abbs of Allwords wrote in to suggest we interview and feature Rickie Josen, founder of concierge service, Miss Jones, how could I possibly refuse? This business is my namesake! One Miss Jones sends an email to the other to ask some questions.

When did you start Miss Jones Concierge?

Miss Jones was born around November 2005 although the original idea was conceived back in 2001 when I needed a 'Miss Jones' whilst working 7 days a week in the hectic corporate world.

What were you doing before becoming your own boss?

I'd managed 14 years in publishing and 6 years in the dreaded 'complete lack of service' recruitment industry, mostly running other people's businesses, before starting up on my own as a Consultant just over a year before Miss Jones. Again, even though my company was doing really well and I hired a PA within 8 weeks of starting, I found myself needing a 'Miss Jones' to help with my private and business life.

What kind of concierge services do you provide? And can you provide your service UK wide?

Our services are international. We gained our first overseas client early this year. We can offer all packages in the UK and offer Bronze or Silver overseas as long as we can communicate in English. For ex-pats living abroad, we can offer all packages to keep their lives ticking over here.

We do whatever is on your to-do list - it's virtually limitless and we have never had to say 'no' - so far. It ranges from PC & office based tasks to errands for an entire household. We also offer double memberships to give discounts to 2 people who join together as friends/partners.

Are most of your clients individuals or companies?

All of our clients are individuals or couples. They are a mix of company owners and Corporate Managers.

What do you do if a client asks you to do too many things?

This has never happened. There is so much mutual respect between our members and ourselves that it's a 50/50 partnership. We never begrudge how much work we do and it never feels like too much. It truly gives us a thrill to know we are making a difference in their lives. Of course every member is busy at various times but it all evens out in the long run. We are just happy to 'serve' in the most old fashioned sense of the word and get highly appreciated for it. It's really not like work at all.

Who does the tasks/runs the errands?

I manage and delegate the tasks, unless I am away or out for the day in which case emails get forwarded to whoever is working. We are just in the process of changing to home-based working, making this even more of a dream job than it already was. I'm recruiting more, but we have 2 home based Concierges already who both worked in the office with me and we all work on a rota whenever we want to. Like I said, it's not like work!

How are you promoting the business?

We are grateful that we reached the point about a year ago that it has all been word of mouth and recommendations. Other than that, we have had a partnership with Selfridges in Birmingham for the past 2 years and are now just about to embark on one with Selfridges Manchester.

What are your plans for the next 12 months?

For Miss Jones, to enjoy what we do, we'll stay with the policy of only taking on client members by recommendation unless we really, really like them! Personally, I am going to be splitting my time between New Jersey, USA and the UK, partly to have more time and inspiration for me to explore my passion for writing. This freedom will be afforded by no longer having to run an office and everyone working happily from home. However, I will of course be introducing Miss Jones to the USA whilst I'm there!

Also, in the next 12 months, I am looking to barter or exchange services with other people. For example, I am currently looking at an IT company to support us who in return will receive Silver membership. Watch this space....

What is the single thing you most enjoy about running the business from home?

The novelty hasn't worn off yet as it's only been a few weeks but my absolute favourite thing is no more office distractions and no office to manage and pay for! I still can't believe it! Bliss!

Rickie Josen talks to Miss Emma Jones

• Miss Jones Concierge