Should You Hire a Virtual Assistant or In-House EA? The Pros and Cons

In today’s evolving business landscape, the need for high-quality executive support remains constant, but how that support is delivered is changing. One of the most common questions founders and senior leaders ask us is whether to hire a Virtual Assistant or an in-house Executive Assistant.

At Lily Shippen, we specialise in both. We recruit permanent, contract and temporary Executive Assistants across the UK and offer a flexible Virtual Assistant service tailored to the needs of your business. Both options offer clear advantages, and the right choice will depend on factors such as your budget, working style, team structure and long-term goals.

A key consideration in 2025 is cost. With national insurance contributions rising from 1 April in the UK, many businesses are turning to Virtual Assistants as a cost-effective solution. VAs are usually self-employed and either work for themselves, have a team of associates or work through a recruitment agency like ours. This means clients are not responsible for employer contributions, pensions or other overheads that come with hiring a permanent employee. For startups, scale-ups and SMEs, this can be a smart way to access experienced support without the long-term financial commitment.

Virtual Assistants also offer exceptional flexibility. Whether you require support for ten hours a week or full-time coverage during a busy period, the VA model allows you to scale up or down with ease. It also broadens your access to talent, enabling you to work with outstanding Executive Assistants who may be based anywhere in the UK or internationally. For businesses operating remotely, this can be an ideal solution.

That said, there are clear advantages to hiring someone in-house. An Executive Assistant working closely with you and your leadership team, whether in person or on a hybrid basis, is often able to integrate more deeply into the business. They build stronger rapport, demonstrate proactivity and contribute at a strategic level. In-house EAs tend to pick up on office conversations, read the room and act as a cultural linchpin. For leaders who value hands-on collaboration and operate in fast-paced environments, an in-house EA can be indispensable.

There are also differences in how tasks are delegated. Virtual Assistants usually work best with clear, task-based briefs, while in-house EAs tend to take a more autonomous approach. They often anticipate needs, manage up and take ownership of responsibilities such as diary and inbox management, internal communications and project coordination.

An additional benefit of working with an experienced agency is the ability to assess what kind of support would work best for you and your business. We can help you identify the right areas to delegate and ensure the support you bring in is aligned with your goals.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to your specific needs. If you are budget conscious, work remotely and need task-focused support, a Virtual Assistant could be the perfect solution. If you are looking for a long-term strategic partner who will become an integral part of your team, an in-house Executive Assistant may be the better fit.

At Lily Shippen, we support businesses in making this decision every day. Whether you are looking to hire a Virtual Assistant or an in-house Executive Assistant, we provide honest advice and tailored recruitment solutions that deliver long-term value.

To explore your options, get in touch with our team who would be delighted to discuss the various ways we can support you and your business.