Culture & Ethics at VST

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The Values Behind Our Conversations

At Virtual Sales Team (VST), our culture and ethics are not just statements on a wall or points in a policy document. They are the heart of how we work, how we support one another and how we interact with clients.

Based in Northamptonshire, we are a close-knit team of highly dedicated professionals. Many of our team members are women with profound levels of empathy and emotional intelligence that you can really resonate with. This has helped shape an environment that values respect just as much as it values results.

Our people-first approach is the cornerstone of everything we do. We believe that meaningful relationships come from genuine conversations built on trust. This philosophy applies both internally within our team and externally in our client-facing work.

Strong Ethical Framework

We know that in the world of sales and lead generation, it can be tempting to focus solely on conversion rates and performance metrics. While we are proud of our ability to deliver results, we never lack integrity. Every call we make, every email we send, and every interaction we have is guided by a strong ethical framework.

Whether it’s an outbound activity like cold calling, appointment setting, LinkedIn outreach or telephone account management, or even more supportive services like data cleansing, database building, inbound lead qualification or welcome calls – we lead with real empathy and respect. This approach not only sets us apart within the industry, but also builds trust and creates the spark for strong, lasting client relationships.

Supportive Workplace

As an organisation, we are known to support one another. We believe that happy and supported staff are the best ambassadors for our clients. We create space for people to voice their ideas, raise concerns, and bring their authentic selves to work. This has cultivated a workplace where people feel valued and motivated to do their best. We’ve even shared more about our approach to work-life balance in a dedicated article, which you can read here.

We also regularly train our team to maximise their understanding on how to communicate in ways that are professional and honest. This ongoing focus strengthens our internal culture and keeps our clients’ experience consistent.

A Culture of Growth and Accountability

At VST, we do not assume we always get it right, which is why we are committed to continuous learning and improvement. We regularly review our practices, and very much welcome constructive feedback. This ultimately helps us make changes when needed. You can learn more about how these values were built into our foundations in our VST Venues origin story.

We recognise success in many forms – not just through campaign results, but in the small moments where people go above and beyond for each other and our clients. For us, integrity isn’t just a value, it’s the foundation of how we do business.

Final Point

Culture and ethics are highly important principles at VST. We are proud to represent our clients with empathy and professionalism and to build a workplace where everyone feels 100% valued. As we grow and evolve, our commitment to doing the right thing will continue to guide how we lead, support, and deliver for our clients, our team, and the wider community.

meet the team

We know that our continued success is largely down to our committed staff. We believe that life and business experience is the most important factor in putting a talented team together. Because of this, our staff come from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines. You can take a glimpse into their daily lives at VST Venues here.

Partnerships Director

Andrew Smart

What is your role at VST?
After serving as a founding director and MD, my role has transitioned into that of a Partnerships Director. My primary focus is to actively cultivate commercial, technological, and collaborative alliances that will advance the growth of both our company and our clients’ businesses.

When did you start?
I founded Virtual Sales Team in February 2007 after many years working in global Marketing and Contact Centre Outsourcers.

Why do you like working at VST?
It’s a great feeling helping our clients grow their companies or their customer base whilst at the same time creating new flexible jobs and careers for my local community. I also love the challenge of embracing technology without losing the human touch.

Tell us something about that people might not know?
Live Music and Comedy lover, Goldendoodle obsessed owner, Fitness and Outdoor fanatic – ITV Game Show contestant– I came second!

Managing Director

Louise Howson

What is your role at VST?
As Managing Director, I am responsible for overall business performance. Day to day I work with my management team to ensure that we are delivering excellence to our clients by creating a culture of continuous improvement and by adopting cutting edge and industry leading concepts and technology.

When did you start?
I joined VST in 2010 after nearly a decade working as a residential property lawyer and having started a family I joined as a part time quality control executive, since then I have spent time looking after some of our largest clients, creating our ways of working, developing our software and systems and after several years looking after the internal operations as General Manager I became Managing Director in April 2022.

Why do you like working at VST?
Our people and our culture make every day a pleasure to be at VST, I love the challenge of finding new and better ways of delivering results for our clients. I also really enjoy designing solutions bespoke for our clients and seeing our efforts result in tangible return on investment for the companies we work with.

Tell us something about that people might not know?
I love nothing more than curling up by the fire in the winter with a good book, I have a passion for reading, fact or fiction there is nothing better than getting lost in a good book. That said, come the summer my idea of a perfect day out is to spend the day watching the England Cricket Team in a test match series.

Operations and Business Information Manager

Chrissy Mitchell

What is your role at VST?
I’m Operations and Business Information Manager at VST, which means I am responsible for ensuring we have the best systems in place, that they are all working smoothly and that the data we gather and create via those systems is critically analysed and interpreted. It’s my job to turn data insights into actionable business recommendations.

When did you start?
I started at VST in January 2018 as a part time Quality Assurance Executive.

Why do you like working at VST?
My team are the best part of my job at VST, I work with an amazing group of people. Another thing I love about working here is the continuous growth and learning. I came here as a part time student, and even though I graduated in 2020, I haven’t stopped learning new skills.

Tell us something about that people might not know?
I have a Final Fantasy VII full back piece tattoo.

Customer Service Manager

Emma Grant

What is your role at VST?
I am Customer Service Manager at VSTVenues and it is my role to ensure that all of our clients receive exceptional customer service. I work with a dedicated team of account executives whose job it is to fully understand our client’s brief and I ensure that brief is delivered in a way that will delight our clients.

When did you start?
I joined VST in 2015 as a part time venue booker with hours to suit around another part time job, since then I have progressed into a management role and now work full time.

Why do you like working at VST?
I thoroughly enjoy working with my coworkers. It is a friendly atmosphere, and I am motivated to go to work every day. I love the feeling of helping somebody solve a problem they’re having. Every day is different and the day goes so quick.

Tell us something about that people might not know?
My favourite thing to do in my own time is to go out on my bike with my airpods playing some good tunes.

Delivery Manager

Kelly Sheridan

What is your role at VST?
As Delivery Manager I am responsible for resource planning and HR. I also manage and maintain the strategy for the company culture along with the performance of the calling team, to ensure we are consistently delivering a quality service for our clients.

When did you start?
I started in 2014 as a Researcher whilst studying for a History degree.

Why do you like working at VST?
I love the team I work with – we are driven and passionate about VST and our clients and have created a family where everyone looks out for each other. I’ve also been given the opportunity to develop and progress through the business which is important to me especially now I’m a mum, I’m able to have a career I love whilst starting my own family.

Tell us something about that people might not know?
I’m an avid football fan and a bit of a history geek.

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”If you didn't know this service existed please get in touch so we can talk you through how it works. VST Venues often referred to as your 'secret source' for venues.
Andrew SmartPartnerships Director

VST Venues often referred to as your ‘secret sauce’ for venues

Imagine finding a fully established and highly experienced venues department that can handle all of your venue needs. This frees you up to focus on your recruitment staretgy and the nurturing of your client relationships. We know that quality sites, venues and locations can make or break the success of your field team so work directly with your resourcing team to take this pain away.