You Hired a PA, Not a Mind Reader: Why Clarity Still Matters
There’s a pattern we’ve seen time and time again. […]
How to Onboard a Virtual Assistant Successfully
Hiring a Virtual Assistant (VA) can bring game-changing support to your business. But even with the best candidate in place, success still depends on one key factor—how well you onboard them. At Lily Shippen, we’ve supported businesses across the UK for years, recruiting high-calibre Virtual Assistants, Personal Assistants (PAs) and [...]
5 Common Mistakes Businesses Make When Hiring an EA
5 Common Mistakes Businesses Make When Hiring an EA […]
The End of the Business Support Roles? Not Even Close
This is not the first time business support has faced a period of change. And it certainly will not be the last. Having worked closely with business support professionals for over a decade, one thing has always stood out to me: this profession moves forward. It evolves, adapts and grows [...]
Hiring an EA: What You Want vs What You Need
After over a decade of recruiting Executive Assistants (EAs), I’ve learnt that what many clients think they want in an EA isn’t always what they actually need. It’s a conversation I have time and time again. Often, leaders naturally look for someone who feels familiar; someone from the same industry, [...]
How a Virtual Assistant and Access to Work Helped Me as a Business Owner
Around two years ago, I was diagnosed with ADHD. Like many people, I didn’t recognise the signs in myself for a long time. Once I did, it was as though I could finally see the patterns that had shaped how I worked and lived. I realised that, unknowingly, I’d often [...]
Hire an Executive Assistant in Manchester
Why Hiring an Executive Assistant in Manchester Could Be the Best Decision You Make This Year […]
How to Successfully Onboard a Personal Assistant
Hiring a Personal Assistant (PA) is a valuable step for any executive or organisation. Whether it’s your first time working with a PA or you are rebuilding support after a gap, a structured and well-prepared onboarding process is essential. It sets the tone for the relationship, ensures clarity from the [...]
The Virtual Assistant Market in 2025: What You Need to Know
Since launching our dedicated Virtual Assistant (VA) division in 2020, Lily Shippen has watched the market shift and develop at pace. Five years on, one thing is clear: the demand for UK virtual assistants continues to rise, with more businesses than ever seeking flexible, high-quality support. The reasons behind this [...]
Why Mentoring Matters: Supporting the Growth of PAs and EAs
In the world of business support, Personal Assistants (PAs) and Executive Assistants (EAs) play a vital role. They are trusted partners to senior leaders, relied upon for their judgement, discretion, and ability to keep things moving. Yet despite the weight of responsibility they carry, professional development for PAs and EAs [...]
