The Benefits of Hiring a Virtual Assistant for Your Small Business

Running a small business can feel like a constant balancing act. You’re managing clients, handling operations, planning growth, and trying to stay on top of the day-to-day. The reality is, even the most efficient business owners can’t do it all, and that’s where a Virtual Assistant can make a real difference.

A Virtual Assistant, or VA, provides professional, remote support to help you manage the tasks that take up your time, without the need to commit to a full-time, in-office employee. They can handle anything from diary and inbox management to project coordination, research, operations, or customer communication. For many small business owners, it’s the perfect balance, with access to high-calibre business support, and the flexibility to scale as the business grows.

At Lily Shippen, we work with a catalogue of exceptional Virtual Assistants across the UK, each bringing their own mix of experience, personality, and professionalism. We take the time to understand exactly what you need, just as we would if you were hiring an in-person, permanent employee. Once we’ve taken a detailed briefing, we’ll present you with a carefully selected shortlist of candidates, manage the interviews, and oversee every step of the process, including payrolling and onboarding support. It’s a fully managed solution that allows you to focus on running your business while we handle the rest.

Trust is everything when you’re bringing someone into your business, especially virtually. Every Virtual Assistant we represent has been fully vetted and referenced, with proven experience supporting senior leaders, entrepreneurs, and business owners. Our VAs are discreet, professional, and accustomed to handling sensitive information with care. You can trust that they will represent your business as if it were their own, upholding your standards, maintaining confidentiality, and becoming a seamless extension of your team.

The real advantage of hiring a Virtual Assistant lies in the flexibility and continuity they offer. Many clients come to us knowing they need consistent support but aren’t ready to commit to a full-time hire. A VA gives you that middle ground. Ongoing, professional assistance from someone who quickly becomes an integral part of your business. They bring stability, structure, and efficiency, ensuring that nothing slips through the cracks while you focus on growth.

Beyond the practical benefits, a Virtual Assistant can also transform how you work. They bring systems, organisation, and calm to your day-to-day operations, managing the moving parts that often pull founders or small teams away from their priorities. It’s about having someone you can trust to take ownership, represent your brand professionally, and deliver at the standard you expect.

Many of our clients tell us they wish they’d hired a Virtual Assistant sooner. The impact is often immediate, including better organisation, smoother communication, and a noticeable shift in focus towards the parts of the business that matter most.

At Lily Shippen, we pride ourselves on matching businesses with Virtual Assistants who fit seamlessly, not just by skill set, but by personality, communication style, and approach. We manage the full process so that you don’t have to. Whether you’re looking for ongoing support or a long-term partnership, our team will ensure you have the right person in place to help your business thrive.

If you’re ready to explore how a Virtual Assistant could transform your day-to-day operations, our team would be delighted to help. We’ll take the time to understand your business, your goals, and the kind of support that will make the most difference.