What is a Virtual Assistant? How they work & why your business might need one.
- coylealan235
- Dec 22, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 6, 2025
What is a Virtual Assistant (VA)?
A Virtual Assistant (VA) is a professional who provides remote administrative, technical or creative support to businesses and entrepreneurs. From managing your Inbox to coordinating events, VAs help you save time and stay organised all without the costs of hiring full-time staff. In the post, we'll explore what a VA does, how much they cost and where to find the right one for your needs.
Why does it cost so much to hire a VA?
In the UK, most Virtual Assistants charge between £30 and £35 per hour. While this may seem high, especially when compared to online advertisements for overseas assistants at $5 per hour, it’s essential to understand the underlying factors. Lower-cost options often come from developing countries, where living costs are lower but may lack essential protections like insurance and data compliance as required in the UK.
Isn’t £35 an hour for an administrator expensive?
Yes, it is relatively expensive, especially compared to the average salary for administrative staff. However, freelancers typically charge more than minimum wage for several reasons. They invest in their business, including website development, public liability insurance, equipment, utilities, software subscriptions (such as Microsoft Office or Canva), professional development, and marketing efforts such as business cards and business networking. These factors contribute to their rates.
How do I choose the right Virtual Assistant for me?
To find the right VA, start by identifying your specific needs. Many VAs specialise in different areas, such as inbox and diary management, social media management, accounting support and design. Once you clarify your requirements, you can search on Google, explore LinkedIn, or participate in networking groups to find a suitable candidate. There is no shortage of professionals offering the services you need. Finding one that aligns with you can sometimes be the tricky bit!
Great breakdown of what a virtual assistant actually does and how they support modern businesses. A lot of SMEs underestimate how much time they lose on admin, inbox management, scheduling, and repetitive tasks. Bringing in a virtual assistant can free up valuable hours so business owners can focus on strategy, sales, and growth instead of getting stuck in day-to-day operations.
Of course, scaling support often requires smart financial planning too. Having access to flexible funding options from providers like Grid Finance can make it easier to invest in the right people and resources at the right time. When businesses combine operational support with the right financial tools, growth becomes much more manageable and sustainable.