Q & A / How does it work?

I often get asked questions about what is a Virtual Assistant, how does it work, what does it cost etc, so here are a few of the popular questions I get asked.  

A virtual assistant (VA) is a freelance administrative assistant or virtual PA, who provides a wide range of services to support clients remotely.

We’ll have a meeting to discuss your requirements, identify the areas you need help with and roughly how many hours you may need per month.  When both parties are happy and contracts are signed, we’ll get an email address with your domain (if I’m to email out on your behalf) set up.  I’ll then crack on with what’s to be done.

Using a Virtual Assistant frees up your valuable time to carry out tasks in your business that only you can do.  If you outsource your admin and the bits of your business you don’t enjoy (or are good at), it leaves you with the much more enjoyable (and important) tasks to do in your day.

The other benefits are:

tick  No non-travel related overheads to worry about

tick  No tax or NI to pay

tick  No holiday or sick pay to cover

tick  No pension to organise

tick  Insurance is already taken care of

For regular support, over 10 hours a month, my rate is £32.00 per hour.  If you require a more ad hoc service, my rate is £37.00 per hour.

For transcription service, my rate starts at £1.50 per minute of audio. 

Invoices are issued at the end of the month.

If work is urgent and required to be done and returned outside of my normal working hours*, then a rate of £40.00 per hour (£1.75 per minute of audio for transcription) will be charged.  

For more info, click here.

*This cannot be guaranteed as I may have a prior engagement that I need to adhere to.

I use Timeular, a time tracking software that clocks time using a dice, so you only pay for the time you use.

Invoices are issued at the end of the month for time used along with a report of how time was spent. 

If required, a weekly update on time can be given so you know how much time as been used. 

Click here for my blog on Time Tracking.

My Terms & Conditions are set out in a 3-part contract, which will be emailed out and we’ll both sign before work commences.

The contract consists of:

  • Booking Form.  Where all the finer details are listed, such as rate, contact details.
  • Data Processing Form.  This is required under GDPR and identifies platforms where data is held and used.
  • Terms of Business.  This document accompanies both forms and completes the contract and sets out the Terms in full.

An NDA (Non Disclosure Agreement) can be signed on request.

Payment terms is 7 days from date of invoice.

Monday to Thursday 9.00am – 5.00pm (excluding Bank Holidays). Any work that is required outside of these hours will be charged at a rate of £40.00 per hour.

You can outsource a range of tasks to me such as looking after your inbox and calendar and general admin, but pop over to my Services & Rates page for a full list of my services.

Inbox management:  “My inbox is a nightmare.  I have too many coming in and don’t have time to deal with them all“.  I have access to inboxes that I keep an eye on and respond, forward or delete accordingly ensuring clients don’t miss important emails or waste too much time wading through nonsense!

Diary management:  “I hate sorting meetings and I never have time to do anything as I’m always in a meeting.”  Again, having access to calendars, I spend time liasing with contacts and clients identifying suitable times to schedule meetings to ensure minimum disruption to your day. Also ensuring that you have the right papers for the right meeting.

Event planning:  “We’ve got A, B and C events coming up, we’d like to invite X, Y and Z, please can you do the necessary.”  So events range from AGM, Shareholder meetings, Corporate days out, Team building, client lunches and I am able to help with sourcing venues, sending invites, collating RSVPs, allergies for lunches/dinners etc down to how clients will get there (and home) and everything inbetween to ensure you are the host with the most.

If you have any other questions, do get in touch.

Or click here to read a blog on a range of other questions I’ve been asked in the past.

“…reliable, punctual, hardworking, diligent and personable…”

Tim Lintott, Consultant

“Susan has supported my business on a number of occasions. As a deadline conscious corporate finance advisor, her help dovetails into our own processes well.”

David McClelland, Director, Carlton Strategy Advisors

“…her attention to detail was excellent and she turned it around very quickly…”

David Williamson, Managing Partner, Nova Capital Management

“…Phenomenal results, the meetings run seamlessly, attendance figures consistently high, admin all done. I have no hesitation in recommending The Wright VA, it was certainly the right choice for us.”

Chas Jordan
Bromley Business Network Limited

“…I have been very happy with everything that Susan has done and even more so how she went over and above expectations as well by making suggestions of other ways to help my business grow and develop. I would highly recommend her services …”

Harry
Olley’s Fish Experience

“…I have always been impressed by her work as a PA…”

Don Forrest, London

If you need someone to be highly efficient, organised and proactive in dealing with your in tray and the day to day administrative headaches and tasks, then I would recommend unreservedly that you consider using Susan…

Phil Hawkins
The Clifford Property Co. Ltd

…Susan’s attention to detail and patient organised approach ensured that the transaction took place in a short timescale…

Nick M
Director, Property Investment Company

“… she never fails to have a great smile on her face too, clearly enjoying what she does … If you hate admin, then you would love having Susan on your team!”

Richard Wraith
UK Web Hosting

She is very solution-focused, super organised and knowledgable in her field…

Julie Firth
Story22

“… Susan is a real credit to her profession and takes great pride helping busy people manage their limited time and resources. I would highly recommend Susan to anyone looking to engage a VA.”

Paul Bailey
Bailey Ahmad

“…we were hugely impressed by the level of precision, the timeliness of the work and general value for money…”

Simon Bliss, CFO, Luminous Capital Partners LLP

“…Susan was reliable, committed and hard-working and her work was to a high standard.”

Tara Hogg, Professional Development Executive, Investor Relations Society

“…she comes highly recommended from us…”

Rod Keech, Executive Chairman, NexxtDrive Ltd

…Susan’s meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication shone through in every aspect of the process…

Bayo Igoh

“… Susan is super-efficient, thorough, diligent, has a wealth of experience and would be a huge asset to anyone looking for support from a Virtual Assistant.”

Katie Tew
Katie-VA

“… I would definitely use The Wright VA again and certainly recommend the services to other businesses who need this type of virtual assistance.  Susan’s work is organised, structured and timely – an asset to any type of business.”

Martin Deal
Silver Foxes