Tradict was established by myself, Jennifer Saadi, after 12 years working as a NHS based medical secretary in London. Due to an increasingly lengthy daily commute I decided, in 2005, to make the transition to freelance transcription and work from home. However, research led to a plethora of information and resources relating to working as an MT in the USA - with the strong message, no offshore workers here please!

As I knew that NHS transcription was now being outsourced in the UK I persisted and found a company specialising in employing only UK experienced medical secretaries. My research experience led me to the concept of Tradict; a UK site for all types of transcription service providers. A Directory, resource and information site where transcriptionists can search for home based opportunities, UK related information and resources and a place for service providers to showcase their business plus a one stop portal to find companies requiring their skills.

As the site developed it became clear that transcriptionists, usually ex-secretaries, would provide their skills as part of a total package of virtual assistance. As with any other business virtual assistants also require the services and products of other specialists during their day-to-day lives. For example, a transcriptionist would need a website and therefore need to find a web designer; a VA may take on a job that involved organising an event and would therefore need to find a venue, arrange catering, travel and accommodation and so on. Hence the Directory evolved to encompass and meet the everyday needs of individuals running virtual assistant services.

Why make the Directory accessible to members outside the UK?

For learning, communication and inclusion purposes; so we can appreciate the trials, tribulations, lifestyles and learn from the experience of other virtual homeworkers locally, nationally and globally. For example, America's amazing geographical situation has led to virtual working being established far earlier than in the UK. There is plenty we can learn from our offshore counterparts; comparisons of lifestyles, responsibilities, learning, and opportunities that individuals can access. Problems may be shared and discussed and hopefully this will lead to solutions being found.

Inspirational Stories and Reviews

If you are a member who has a success story that you would like to share with us please let us know if you would like to be featured in 'Success Stories, 'a Day in the Life of' or 'Spotlight'.

Onshoring Vs. Offshoring

Tradict is based in the UK, however our Directory has the facility to benefit providers and their clients globally. Therefore, wherever you may be in the World potentially you would still be able to find the virtual assistance required via our Business Service Directory. We also wish to promote comparison, discussion and thus encourage learning between our International members, and hence the inclusive nature of this site.

There is the risk of alienating clients by sending work abroad, issues regarding data protection and data quality. A positive perception of business can relate to policies regarding decisions made to direct business onshore or offshore

What's the difference between the job and project boards?

The Project Board relates to 'one off' jobs required whereas the Job Board is intended for businesses that require a VA to work on a long-term basis or for teleworkers. These boards are only accessible to members.

Can I post an article?

You are welcome to submit an article and if accepted it will be posted on the site with your website address, contact details (if you require). Articles are available to both members and non-members.

Events:

You do not need to be a member to post an event to be considered for the home page. Only members are able to view the complete event details.

Tips:

Both members and non-members can post and view tips.

Useful links:

Information resource links will be listed for use by members and non-members. However, listings will be included into this category only at the discretion of Tradict.

Member discounts:

Discounts are only accessible to members although both members and non-members are welcome to post their discounts.

Classified ads:

This service is free to members. Non-members can post ads for a nominal fee. No Microsoft products please.

Forum:

The forum is only available to members.