About Us
Dyslexia Desk Business Hub is dedicated to empowering UK startups, sole traders, small companies, and charities with comprehensive back-office solutions. By offering a blend of in-house services, outsourced expertise, and trusted referrals, we aim to streamline administrative processes, ensuring our clients can focus on their core missions. Our commitment is to provide reliable, tailored support that enhances efficiency and fosters growth, especially for neurodiverse business owners.
We believe in doing business differently – with clarity, kindness, and community.
Running a business is tough enough without confusing systems, overwhelming admin, or jargon. That’s why we’re here – to offer calm, practical support designed with neurodiverse minds in mind.
At Dyslexia Desk Business Hub, we envision a future where every business, especially those led by neurodiverse individuals, operates with unparalleled confidence and efficiency. Our goal is to cultivate a supportive community that thrives on mutual trust, reassurance, empowerment, and continuous learning.
Through comprehensive back-office solutions, educational resources, and a network of like-minded professionals, we aim to transform administrative challenges into opportunities for wellness, growth, and knowledge acquisition.
By fostering a sense of belonging, collaboration, and educational advancement, we strive to not only enhance the operational success of our clients but also contribute to a more inclusive, informed, and prosperous business ecosystem.
Our Core Values
- Client Commitment – Develop relationships that make a positive difference in our lives.
Honesty – Ensure I work ethically transparently with openness to build trust.
Reliability – To give my clients certainty that the work outsourced to me is in safe hands.
Self-Development – I strive to keep learning professionally, personally and emotionally.
Work Life Balance – Balance for me is imperative, as it creates fulfilment and happiness.
Meet Our Experts
Nicola Ashdown
Founder
Jade Ashdown
Operations Manager
What we do
- Business Mentorship and Guidance: Assisting individuals in understanding business processes, especially for those becoming self-employed.
- Financial and Accounting Services: Providing training and support in accounting practices, such as Sage 50 and payroll systems.
- Professional Development: Supporting employees and clients in their professional growth and development in the finance and accounting sectors.
Our Focus
We focus on giving practical support that feels good. That means:
Taking stress out of admin, social media and bookkeeping
Creating systems that are simple and easy to manage
Helping you feel seen, supported, and in control
Our work is shaped by real experience, real people, and real challenges. We don’t just want to tick boxes — we want to help you thrive.
From one-off help to ongoing support, everything we do is designed with accessibility, clarity, and confidence in mind.
Our Philosophy
At Dyslexia Desk, we believe business support should feel calm, clear, and human. Our philosophy is built around understanding first — not assumptions, pressure, or one-size-fits-all fixes.
We see neurodivergence as a strength, not a setback. That’s why we take the time to really listen, adapt our approach, and create solutions that work with your natural way of thinking. Whether it’s through accessible design, friendly communication, or flexibility in how we work, our goal is always the same: to make life easier — not more complicated.
My experiences as a child, grappling with educational hurdles without knowing why, deeply impacted me but also instilled a profound resolve to ensure my children would face no such barriers. This commitment led me to become deeply involved in their early education, focusing on literacy and comprehension as foundational pillars of their academic journey. It was a joyous endeavour, filled with moments of triumph and discovery, as I watched them flourish with each new letter and word they mastered.
This personal mission evolved into a professional calling as I ventured into the realm of education, becoming a teaching assistant. In this role, I discovered my natural affinity for supporting and uplifting children who faced their own learning challenges. Witnessing their confidence bloom under my guidance was among the most gratifying experiences of my career, a testament to the power of positive reinforcement and tailored educational strategies.
Our Story
Embarking on the journey to establish Dyslexia Desk has been a deeply personal endeavor, rooted in my own discovery and understanding of dyslexia. This journey began in March 2023 when I was formally diagnosed with dyslexia, a revelation that transformed my understanding of my life’s path, forming the reasons behind my unique ways of thinking and learning. It was this understanding that clarified my past, especially the challenges faced in school where my dyslexia remained undiagnosed, leaving me to navigate learning and communication with silent difficulty. However, it was also the catalyst for my resilience and determination.
My journey then took an exciting turn into the world of bookkeeping and business management. It was here, within a social services practice, that I found an expansive canvas for my skills and passions. As a bookkeeper and later a senior manager, I was instrumental in driving forward the organisation’s mission, optimising operations, and nurturing a vibrant team culture. My leadership saw the seamless integration of administrative, bookkeeping, and HR functions, creating a cohesive and dynamic environment that propelled us toward shared goals. The successes we achieved together were a source of immense pride, reflecting the collective effort and dedication of our team.
However, the journey was not without its moments of overwhelm, challenges that, unbeknownst to me at the time, were intricately linked to my undiagnosed dyslexia. The struggles I faced led to burnout which resulted in my leaving a job I had once loved. Yet, these experiences were invaluable, highlighting the need for understanding and accommodating neurodiversity in the workplace.
The diagnosis of dyslexia opened a new chapter of self-awareness and empowerment. It led me to a deeper exploration of dyslexia, beyond the conventional understanding of its impact on reading and writing, to a comprehensive view of its effects on memory, organisation, and stamina. This exploration was not only enlightening but also liberating, offering a lens through which to re-evaluate my career and life experiences.
Inspired by the concept of dyslexic superpowers, I found renewed vigour and clarity in my professional aspirations. My strengths in envisioning business improvements, fostering team collaboration, and driving strategic initiatives were all manifestations of my dyslexic mind at work. Recognising these talents helped me appreciate the contributions I had and could continue to make in the business world.
Dyslexia Desk is the culmination of this journey, a platform designed to empower neurodivergent entrepreneurs by leveraging our shared experiences and strengths. It stands as a beacon of collaboration, excellence, and mutual support – a community where individuals can come together to celebrate successes, navigate challenges, and drive innovation.
My commitment to furthering my knowledge in business and dyslexia, with the goal of becoming a workplace assessor, is fueled by a desire to change perceptions of dyslexia in the workplace. By showcasing the unique strengths and capabilities of dyslexic individuals, I aim to foster environments where neurodiversity is not just accommodated but celebrated. Dyslexia Desk is more than a service; it’s a mission to empower, educate, and unite, transforming the narrative around dyslexia and creating spaces where everyone can thrive.