Virtual Assistants

Specialist Virtual Assistant Recruitment Services

This page is designed to help you understand what a Virtual Assistant is, the value they bring to modern businesses, and how to successfully hire one. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or HR leader, this guide will walk you through the entire process of hiring a Virtual Assistant while showing how Lily Shippen can support you every step of the way.

At Lily Shippen, we specialise in Virtual Assistant recruitment for businesses and individuals across the UK and internationally. Our clients range from growing start-ups to UHNWIs and established organisations who value the benefits of professional, remote support.

As workforce demands evolve and employment costs increase, many businesses are turning to Virtual Assistants as a flexible and effective alternative to hiring in-house. The 2025 rise in National Insurance contributions has only accelerated this shift, prompting more employers to explore remote, scalable ways of working.

Our dedicated VA recruitment division ensures every client brief is handled with the same care and attention as a permanent or temporary role. We take the time to understand your business and match you with a Virtual Assistant who aligns with your needs, values and working style.

Looking to hire a Virtual Assistant? Speak to our team to find out how we can help.

What is a Virtual Assistant?

A Virtual Assistant (VA) is a skilled professional who provides remote business, executive or personal support, often on a freelance or contract basis. The role has evolved significantly in recent years, with increasing demand driven by changes in working culture, and a desire for greater flexibility from both businesses and support professionals.

The term Virtual Assistant is broad and encompasses a wide range of responsibilities. VAs may provide administrative, operational, creative or technical support — all delivered remotely. These roles can include:

• Executive-level support such as diary and inbox management

• Personal assistance including lifestyle coordination and travel booking

• Project administration, bookkeeping, research, and more

• Specialist support like social media scheduling or CRM management

While most VAs work remotely, some may also offer onsite support on an ad hoc or regular basis, depending on client requirements. The flexibility of the role is a key benefit, with support available from just a few hours per week up to full-time arrangements. Engagements can be fixed-term, temporary or long-term ongoing.

Most Virtual Assistants are self-employed professionals running their own support businesses. Some work exclusively with one client, while others support multiple clients across different industries. Many Virtual Assistants are former Executive Assistants or Personal Assistants who have transitioned into remote work bringing with them strong business acumen and discretion developed in high-performing, in-house roles.

At Lily Shippen, we take the complexity out of the search by matching you with VAs who are experienced, trusted and aligned to your business needs. We support clients looking for help with everything from project coordination and inbox management to market research, event support and administrative streamlining.

The specific nature of a Virtual Assistant’s role will vary depending on what you need. You may see these professionals referred to as Virtual PAs, Virtual Executive Assistants or Virtual Secretaries. What unites them is their ability to provide high-level support remotely, often acting as a seamless extension of your business or household team.

Want to know if a Virtual Assistant is the right solution for you? Speak to a consultant today and we’ll help you define your needs.

Why Hire a Virtual Assistant?

Hiring a Virtual Assistant can be a transformative decision for both individuals and businesses. As organisations strive to operate more flexibly and efficiently, Virtual Assistants provide an adaptable solution that delivers high-quality support without the fixed costs associated with permanent hires.

The Shift Towards Flexible Support

In 2025, employers are increasingly rethinking how they structure their teams. The recent rise in National Insurance contributions has contributed to a growing desire for leaner operating models. At the same time, there is greater demand for on-demand expertise, agile resourcing, and remote-first working practices.

Virtual Assistants offer all of this and more.

By working with a VA, businesses gain access to professional, experienced support without the overheads of a salaried, in-house employee. This makes Virtual Assistants a highly attractive option for start-ups, entrepreneurs, executives, and large businesses alike.

Benefits of Hiring a Virtual Assistant

1. Cost-Efficiency Without Compromise
Hiring a Virtual Assistant allows you to access top-tier business support without the costs of employer NI contributions, pensions, paid leave or office equipment. You only pay for the support you need, whether that’s five hours a week or full-time coverage.

2. Scalability and Flexibility
Virtual Assistants offer a highly adaptable model. As your business grows or your workload changes, you can easily scale support up or down. This flexibility is particularly valuable for project-based work, seasonal demands or periods of transition.

3. Access to Experienced Talent
Many VAs are former Executive Assistants, Personal Assistants or administrative professionals who have chosen to work remotely. They bring exceptional organisational skills, commercial awareness and discretion,  often acting as trusted partners to their clients.

4. Focus on Strategic Priorities
Delegating day-to-day tasks to a Virtual Assistant allows business owners and leaders to focus on higher-value activities. Whether it’s growing your business, developing strategy or improving client relationships, a VA can free up your time to concentrate on what matters most.

5. No Geographical Limitations
Virtual Assistant support is not limited by location. This opens up access to a much broader talent pool and allows you to find someone with the right skills and working hours, regardless of where you or your business are based.

6. Speed and Ease of Onboarding
Through Lily Shippen’s streamlined recruitment process, you can be matched with a qualified VA in a matter of days. Many clients benefit from rapid turnaround without compromising on quality, professionalism or fit.

7. Reduced Risk, Greater Control
Unlike permanent hires, working with a Virtual Assistant involves minimal contractual risk. You maintain control over hours, scope of work and continuation of service. This makes it a lower-risk option when compared to direct employment.

Whether you need support managing your diary and inbox, coordinating travel and logistics, or helping with personal tasks or projects, a Virtual Assistant can step in to support you effectively and professionally.

At Lily Shippen, we work with you to ensure the Virtual Assistant you hire has the right experience, values and work ethic to become a trusted extension of your team.

Curious about how a VA could work for your business? Request a call back to discuss your goals with one of our consultants.

What Can a Virtual Assistant Help With?

Virtual Assistants can support with a wide range of business and personal tasks, depending on your specific needs. Typical responsibilities include:

At Lily Shippen, we match you with VAs who are experienced, discreet and capable of delivering the specific support you require — whether that’s executive-level assistance, project help or ad hoc personal tasks.

How to Hire a Virtual Assistant 

Hiring a Virtual Assistant can unlock significant time and efficiency for you or your business, but knowing how to go about it is key to making the right choice. Whether you need part-time admin support, full-time executive assistance or project-based help, the process should start with clarity and end with confidence.

Step 1: Define Your Requirements

Before starting your search, take the time to understand what kind of support you actually need. Ask yourself:

• What tasks are taking up too much of my time?

• Are these tasks administrative, operational, creative or personal?

• Do I need support every day, or just a few hours per week?

• Will the Virtual Assistant need specific software skills or sector experience?

A useful exercise is to review your calendar and task list from the past few months and highlight recurring activities that could be delegated. This will help you identify what to outsource and estimate how many hours of support you need.

Step 2: Choose the Right Hiring Model

Once you know what you're looking for, the next step is deciding how to hire. Some Virtual Assistants work independently and can be sourced via job boards or online marketplaces. However, this method often requires you to vet candidates, check references and manage onboarding yourself.

Alternatively, working with a Virtual Assistant recruitment agency like Lily Shippen ensures you’re matched with trusted, experienced professionals who have already been thoroughly vetted. We manage the entire process for you, from defining your requirements to onboarding your chosen VA.

Step 3: Decide on Location and Working Style

Most Virtual Assistants in the UK work entirely remotely, but some clients prefer support from someone who can attend occasional onsite meetings or cover in person when needed.

Consider the following:

• Do you need your VA to be in a particular time zone?

• Are you open to fully remote support from anywhere in the UK?

• Will occasional face-to-face meetings be required?

At Lily Shippen, we place Virtual Assistants across the UK and can advise on the best fit based on your preferred working model.

Step 4: Work With a Specialist Virtual Assistant Recruitment Agency

Partnering with a dedicated Virtual Assistant recruitment company can save time and ensure a far better match. At Lily Shippen, our Virtual Assistant division has been placing high-quality VAs since 2020. Every placement is tailored, flexible and aligned with your business or personal requirements.

Whether you're looking for part-time inbox management, help with travel coordination, social media support or personal assistance, we’ll find the right person — and fast.

Looking to hire a Virtual Assistant in the UK? Speak to a consultant today to discuss your requirements.

Hiring a Virtual Assistant with Lily Shippen: What to Expect

Our process is designed to be efficient, personal and results-driven. Here’s how it works:

1. Initial consultation
   We take a detailed brief to understand your needs, goals, preferences and working style.

2. Minimum commitment
   We typically recommend a minimum of 5 hours per week to ensure consistent value and output.

3. Tailored matching
   You are introduced to a carefully selected Virtual Assistant based on your requirements, sector and personality fit.

4. Introduction and onboarding
   We arrange a video or face-to-face meeting so you can assess chemistry and alignment before proceeding.

5. Access and setup
   We guide you through onboarding, including tools, passwords, processes and systems so your VA can hit the ground running.

6. Ongoing support
   Regular catch-ups and clear communication are encouraged to ensure your Virtual Assistant continues to meet expectations and evolve with your needs.

Need support quickly? Many of our Virtual Assistants are available to start within days.

UK Virtual Assistant Rates

Understanding the cost of hiring a Virtual Assistant in the UK is an essential part of planning your business support. At Lily Shippen, we work with experienced, professional Virtual Assistants who provide exceptional remote support tailored to your needs.

How Much Does a Virtual Assistant Cost in the UK?

The typical hourly rate for a Virtual Assistant in the UK ranges from:

• £28 to £40 per hour + VAT

The exact rate will depend on several factors, including:

• Experience and background – former EAs, PAs, or operations professionals with corporate or private sector experience tend to command higher fees

• Complexity of tasks – VAs providing executive-level support or specialist services such as bookkeeping, project coordination or marketing assistance may charge more

• Availability and hours required – ongoing part-time or full-time support may come with adjusted pricing compared to ad hoc work

• Out-of-hours or international time zone coverage – flexibility and responsiveness outside of core UK working hours may influence rates

Virtual Assistants typically operate as self-employed professionals, which means you are not responsible for PAYE, National Insurance, pension contributions or equipment costs. You pay for the hours worked, making this a cost-efficient solution for businesses looking to streamline operations or access high-level support without the overheads of a permanent hire.

Transparent Advice on VA Costs

At Lily Shippen, we offer clear guidance on market rates and help clients understand the value behind the hourly rate. Our Virtual Assistants are carefully vetted, highly experienced and able to add value from day one.

You can also download our latest Salary Survey for insights into UK business support salaries across multiple roles.

Whether you're budgeting for a few hours of monthly admin support or require more dedicated executive-level assistance, we’ll help you navigate costs and structure a solution that works for your business.

Want to understand what kind of support your budget allows for? Speak to one of our consultants for tailored advice.

Access to Work: Supporting Inclusive Virtual Assistant Recruitment

At Lily Shippen, we are committed to inclusive recruitment and proud to support both individuals and employers through the Access to Work scheme — a UK government initiative that helps people with disabilities or physical and mental health conditions start or stay in employment.

The scheme offers practical and financial support tailored to individual needs in the workplace. One of the most effective ways Access to Work funding can be used is to hire a Virtual Assistant, who can provide remote, flexible support that empowers individuals to work more independently, productively, and confidently.

What Is Access to Work?

Access to Work is a publicly funded programme offered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It provides financial assistance to disabled people in employment or self-employment, covering costs for support workers, specialist equipment, travel to work, and more. The goal is to remove barriers and create equal opportunities in the workplace.

For many individuals, especially those working remotely or in hybrid environments, hiring a Virtual Assistant through Access to Work can be a game-changing solution.

How Can a Virtual Assistant Support Access to Work Applicants?

A Virtual Assistant can provide tailored, one-to-one support that directly addresses the challenges an employee may face at work. This might include:

• Managing emails, diaries, and meeting logistics

• Taking notes or preparing documents

• Organising and prioritising tasks

• Supporting with time and workload management

• Handling administration or research that may be difficult without assistance

• Assisting with communication or reporting duties

Virtual Assistants can work flexibly and discreetly, enabling individuals to carry out their roles more effectively without the need for a full-time in-person support worker.

Hiring a Virtual Assistant through Access to Work allows professionals to remain productive, independent and engaged, wherever they work.

How We Support Access to Work Clients

As a specialist business support recruitment agency, we work closely with both Access to Work applicants and employers to:

• Understand individual needs and working requirements

• Identify and source experienced Virtual Assistants with the right skills and approach

• Manage the full recruitment process, from briefing through to onboarding

• Support with documentation, including job descriptions and scopes of work for Access to Work applications

• Ensure long-term fit and continuity, with ongoing check-ins and adjustments where needed

Our Virtual Assistant division has successfully supported numerous Access to Work placements across different industries, working styles and support levels.

Whether the role is part-time, full-time, or project-based, we ensure the VA selected is aligned to the goals and day-to-day realities of the individual being supported.

Committed to Inclusive Hiring

Lily Shippen believes that everyone should have access to the right support to thrive in their career. We’re proud to be a recruitment partner that prioritises equality, accessibility and tailored solutions for all.

If you are applying for Access to Work and need Virtual Assistant support — or if you’re an employer supporting a team member through the scheme — we’d be happy to help.

Get in touch with our team for a confidential, no-obligation conversation.