Why Hiring an Executive Assistant in Manchester Should Be Your First Business Decision

For many founders, especially those leading small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), hiring an Executive Assistant (EA) is often an afterthought. However, in my experience, an EA should be the very first hire a business makes. This role is not just about supporting day-to-day tasks; it’s about freeing up your time so you can focus on growing your business. As a recruiter specialising in Executive Assistants in Manchester, I’ve seen firsthand how pivotal this hire can be, and how much value it brings to businesses in areas such as Manchester City Centre, Cheshire, Oldham, and Bolton.

In fact, one of my clients recently told me she wishes the Executive Assistant had been the first hire she ever made. She now realises that each time the EA reached capacity, she should have hired again, allowing the business to grow faster and more efficiently.

As a founder, your time is your most valuable asset. An Executive Assistant takes over the administrative, organisational, and often strategic aspects of your work so you can focus on what really matters: scaling your business.

Here are a few key reasons why hiring an EA should be your first priority:

• Increased efficiency: EAs manage your calendar, emails, meetings, and follow-ups, allowing you to focus on higher-level tasks.

• More time for strategy: With an EA handling the operational load, founders have more time to focus on growth, strategy, and decision-making.

• A trusted partner: Over time, EAs become trusted partners who understand your business inside and out, helping you make informed decisions.

• Scalable role: As your business grows, your EA’s role can scale too. By making this hire early, you create a foundation for future hires and business expansion.

Hiring an EA for an SME: Finding the Right Fit

If you’re hiring an EA for an SME, it’s essential that they become a true extension of you. To do this, take the time to work out your own strengths and weaknesses (if you don’t already know them) and ensure that you hire someone who complements these areas.

An effective EA and executive team should work in perfect harmony, covering for each other’s gaps and creating a well-rounded dynamic that benefits the business. If you’re a visionary who thrives on big ideas but struggles with the detail, hire an EA who excels at organisation and operational tasks. If you’re more detail-oriented, look for an EA who can focus on the bigger picture and help manage relationships.

This kind of partnership allows you to focus on your strengths, while your EA supports and complements your work, creating a powerful team that drives the business forward.

Hiring the right Executive Assistant is critical to getting these benefits. But finding the perfect fit isn’t always straightforward. That's why it's essential to work with a recruiter who understands the nuances of the EA role and the specific demands of your business.

I’ve been recruiting Executive Assistants for over 10 years, particularly across Manchester, Cheshire, Oldham, Bolton, and the wider North West. Over the years, I’ve developed a deep understanding of what makes a successful EA in both high-pressure corporate settings and dynamic SME environments.

Here's why working with a recruiter who specialises in EA roles can make all the difference:

• Understanding the intricacies: A great EA doesn’t just have strong organisational skills. They need to understand the rhythm of your business, anticipate your needs, and have the emotional intelligence to manage relationships. With my experience, I know how to find candidates with the right blend of hard and soft skills.

• Tailored search: Manchester is a thriving business hub, with a strong talent pool of EAs who are not only experienced but also adaptable to different industries. I tailor my recruitment searches to ensure candidates align with your specific business culture and requirements.

• Market knowledge: The North West has a fantastic talent pool, but understanding the local market dynamics in Manchester City Centre, Cheshire, Oldham, Bolton, and surrounding areas is crucial. I know where to find the best candidates and how to attract them to your business.

• Long-Term Fit: A great EA hire is not just about filling a role. It’s about finding someone who will grow with your business. I take the time to ensure that the candidates I place are a long-term fit, which is especially important for SMEs looking to scale.

Manchester and the surrounding areas like Cheshire, Oldham, and Bolton have become vibrant hubs for businesses, from SMEs to large enterprises. The demand for skilled EAs in this region has grown alongside the business ecosystem, and there is no shortage of exceptional talent in the North West.

Over the past decade, I’ve recruited many top-tier Executive Assistants who have gone on to become indispensable assets to their companies. These professionals bring with them not only the traditional organisational skills you’d expect but also a deep understanding of business operations, strategic thinking, and the ability to act as a right hand to the executive team.

The businesses I work with often find that hiring an EA in Manchester is one of the best investments they make. The right EA will not only help streamline your operations but will also actively contribute to the growth and success of your company.

If you’re a founder or business owner in Manchester City Centre, Cheshire, Oldham, or Bolton, and you’re considering hiring an Executive Assistant, I’d love to help. With over a decade of experience in recruiting for this role, I understand the complexities involved and have a proven track record of connecting businesses with the right talent.

At Lily Shippen, we specialise in sourcing top-tier Executive Assistants who are tailored to your specific needs, ensuring they bring the right skills and experience to the table. We don’t just fill roles — we build partnerships that help your business thrive.

If you’d like to discuss your EA hiring needs or learn more about how we can support your business growth, please contact us today.

Hiring an Executive Assistant should be the first step for any growing business. As a founder, your time is invaluable, and an EA can help you reclaim it, enabling you to focus on what really matters. By working with a recruiter who understands the intricacies of the role and the local market in Manchester, Cheshire, Oldham, and Bolton, you can ensure that your first hire will be a long-term asset to your company.

If you’re ready to find the perfect Executive Assistant for your business, contact Lily Shippen today.

Looking to learn more? Read my blog 'Hiring an Executive Assistant in Manchester: Why It's Key for Business Growth' here.