Cost savings, increased productivity, access to specialised skills, and the ability to focus on core business activities while delegating routine tasks.
So you have some Questions?
The most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Answered
I collaborate with a diverse range of industries, spanning from individual clients to corporate entities. However, I abstain from engaging with sectors such as alcohol, tobacco, gambling, adult entertainment, weapons manufacturing, specific government or government-affiliated agencies, and certain financial products.
If you require my services and are unsure if your industry falls into any of these categories’ please contact me.
While my primary mode of operation is remote work, I do provide in-office administrative services.
I am available for on-site support in Gainsborough, Doncaster, Retford, and Lincoln.
Additionally, I am open to attending in Northampton and London, provided that travel expenses and accommodation are offered and arranged well in advance.
Through email, online platforms, communication tools (messaging, video calls), and project management systems, ensuring efficient communication and task management despite geographical distances.
I have over 15 years experience working remotely and 27 years of self-employment.
I’m accustomed to working across various time zones and can adapt my schedule to align with your preferred working hours.
A contract is essential for establishing clear expectations, outlining the scope of work, and ensuring a professional working relationship.
The contract serves as a legal agreement that protects both you the client, and myself, defining terms such as confidentiality, payment details, project timelines, and any specific deliverables.
Having a signed contract provides a solid foundation for effective communication, dispute resolution, and the successful completion of tasks, fostering a transparent and mutually beneficial collaboration.
I implement secure data handling practices, by using encrypted communication tools, and adhere to your industry-specific regulations to safeguard client information. I am a UK ICO – Registered Individual and use premium computer security software with military grade drive encryption for client files, folders and USBs, and an on device password manager.
For confidentiality, I have a separate NDA contract depending on the nature of the work.
I accept:
- Bank Transfer
- Card in Person
- Cash
- PayPal
- Stripe
Hourly Rate:
Payment is based on the number of hours worked. This is suitable for projects with varying workloads. From £15 to £50 per hour, depending on the duration and the nature of the work.
Project-Based / Task Based Fees:
A fixed fee is agreed upon for the entire project or individual task. This is suitable for well-defined tasks or projects with a clear scope, such as:- Brochure Website Design, Copywriting, or Social Media Content.
Retainer Agreement:
You pay a set amount to reserve a specific number of hours for my services. I offer 10, 20, 30 and 130 hours monthly packages. The minimum retainer is 1 month and it is not possible to rollover to the following month.
Milestone Payments:
Payments are made at different stages or milestones throughout the project. This is common for longer-term projects with identifiable phases.
Invoicing frequency could also include weekly, bi-weekly, monthly etc. payments.
I use Toggl (time tracking software), to ensure that I fulfil the time agreed, time is rounded to the nearest 15minutes. All prices are agreed before work is undertaken.
The Process
1. Book Your Free Consultation
Schedule an initial consultation to discuss your requirements, prioritise your objectives, and explore the services required and how I can support you. We’ll also address pricing structures to ensure the best payment and pricing options that align with your business
2. Agree Hours, Contract, and Payment Terms
Determine the number of hours needed, deliverable time schedule, and payment terms, then establish an agreement by signing a contract, ensuring a transparent understanding of the aspects of the collaboration. Depending on the work, payment might need to be made upfront.
3. Onboarding and Training
Provide necessary onboarding materials, such as manuals, passwords, access to software, and, if applicable, team introductions, training, or guidance to help me familiarise myself with your business processes and tools.
4. Undertake Tasks and Actions
I initiate work and actively engage in the assigned tasks and actions, leveraging the agreed-upon processes, tools, and communication protocols to ensure seamless workflow and progress.
5. Regular Check-ins and Feedback
For longer projects, have regular check-ins to discuss ongoing tasks, address any concerns, and provide feedback. Ensuring my work aligns with your evolving needs, making adjustments as needed.
6. Conclude Collaboration
For tasks and one-off projects, address any remaining administrative details, ensure the completion of outstanding tasks, and agree on the final steps, such as handover procedures or final documentation. This step aims to facilitate a smooth and respectful conclusion to our working relationship.
Hiring a Virtual Assistant - Financial benefits for your business!
Significant cost savings compared to hiring permanent staff:
- Flexibility:
You can hire me on an as-needed basis, allowing you to scale up or down based on your workload. This flexibility ensures that you only pay for the services you require.
- Reduced Overhead:
When working remotely it eliminates the need for physical office space, equipment, and other overhead costs associated with on-site employees. When on-site, I can bring my own equipment.
- No Employee Benefits:
I’m an independent contractor, saving you from providing employee benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
- No Recruitment Costs:
Hiring permanent staff involves recruitment expenses, including advertising, interviewing, and onboarding. I’m ready to start working, as needed, saving you time and money in the hiring process.
- Elimination of Training Costs:
My skill set and experience in various tasks and industries, reduces the need for extensive training.
- Productivity-Based Costs:
When working on an hourly or project-based model it ensures that you only pay for the work that is needed. This productivity-based approach can be more cost-effective than a fixed salary.
- Global Talent Pool:
I am UK based giving you the option of a global partner if you are elsewhere. Having remotely managed teams and other VA’s you can have the option of an international team . This can lead to cost savings by accessing other skilled professionals at different price points. With your main contact being in the United Kingdom.
- No Payroll and Taxes:
You are invoiced for the work I do and I am responsible for my own taxes, relieving your business from payroll tax responsibilities associated with permanent staff.
- Scalability:
I can adapt to the fluctuating demands of your business. Whether you need additional support during peak times or reduced assistance during slower periods, you have the flexibility to adjust without long-term financial commitments.
- Task-Specific Hiring:
Rather than hiring a full-time employee for a specific task, you can engage my services in that particular area, optimising costs for specialised skills without maintaining a full-time position.
Have any more questions?
If you can’t find what you are looking for under the FAQs section at the top of the page, please contact me and I shall be happy to answer.