How to Hire a Virtual Assistant (UK Guide for Creatives & Small Businesses)

Running a business often means wearing more hats than one person realistically can. Between admin, emails, content, planning, and client work, it’s easy to feel stretched thin. That’s where hiring a Virtual Assistant becomes one of the most practical ways to protect your time and keep your business moving.

Whether you're looking for a VA assistant, a creative personal assistant, the process of finding the right support can feel unclear at first. This guide breaks the steps down simply, focusing on what matters most for creatives, freelancers, and small business owners in the UK.

Why creatives choose a Virtual Assistant

Most busy people don’t need a full-time employee, they need flexible, reliable support that adapts to their workflow. A Virtual Assistant can step in to take on admin, digital tasks, or creative project support, giving you back hours each week that you can reinvest into your craft or your clients.

For many business owners, the decision to hire a virtual assistant comes from reaching that point where time becomes more valuable than doing everything yourself.

How to hire a Virtual Assistant: a simple process

1. Get clear on what you need

Start with your biggest time drains: admin, communication, file prep, marketing, content, client onboarding, or anything repetitive. Your list doesn’t need to be perfect, it just helps shape the role.

2. Decide what level of support fits

Do you need weekly ongoing support? Occasional help? Project-based assistance? This will influence whether you look for a general VA assistant or a specialised remote executive assistant.

3. Look for someone who understands creative work

Creatives work differently to corporate teams. Look for a Virtual Assistant who understands flexible workflows, shifting deadlines, and the need for both structure and creative space.

4. Check compatibility, not just skills

A good VA becomes part of your rhythm. You want someone who communicates clearly, organises well, and feels steady to work with.

5. Start small, then grow

You don’t need a full overhaul overnight. Hiring a Virtual Assistant often works best by starting with a few tasks and building up as trust and consistency grow.

What to expect when working with a Virtual Assistant

A VA won’t magically fix everything on day one (usually), but with a bit of time, they streamline the parts of your week that drain your energy. Many creatives find that they regain focus, reduce stress, and feel more in control once support is in place. For freelancers and small studios managing deadlines, clients, and creative output, the right VA can genuinely feel like finally having space to breathe.

Final thoughts...

Hiring a Virtual Assistant is less about efficiency for efficiency’s sake and more about creating room for growth, your ideas, and of course your wellbeing. Whether your in need a VA assistant, remote executive assistant, or personal creative assistant, the goal is the same: steady, reliable support that lets you focus on what you do best.

If you’re exploring support options, feel free to reach out. Creative Assist is here to help you find more time and ease in your work.

Get in touch today or contact: alex@creativeassist.org