Virtual Assistance

A Virtual Assistant is a self-employed professional providing office support to businesses remotely via email, telephone, fax or post.  VAs are small business owners with the skills of a corporate PA, as well as qualifications and experience gained in a whole range of specialist fields. 

VAs are neither temps nor employees but independent contractors who cater to the needs of the individual, small business or large corporation.  They tailor their services to provide office support to enable the client to focus on core tasks, rather than time consuming administrative chores.  They are professional partners, operating from fully equipped offices, who can provide support on one-off projects or on a regular long or short term basis. 

VAs have the ability to work independently away from the normal, restrictive, office environment.  Almost every task that can be accomplished in an office can be completed virtually.

Why Outsource?

• You require only a few hours of support per week or month.

• You need occasional cover for employees on holiday or sick leave.

• You need extra business support when your workload increases or you have  periodic or seasonal projects.

• You spend more time on administrative chores than on revenue generating projects.

• You don't want the cost of delegating to a stream of unfamiliar temps.

• You don't want the cost, commitment or paperwork involved in using an employee.

Benefits of Outsourcing to a VA

A VA offers businesses a full range of office support services at a fraction of the true cost of a temp or employee. 

A VA can perform time-consuming admin chores enabling you to concentrate on core tasks or on expanding your business.  For businesses run from home, a VA can provide support without invading the privacy of your home.

People who start a small business inevitably handle all aspects of the business themselves.  At some point, businesses reach the stage where more time is spent on administration than on generating income.  A VA can assist on an 'as-needed' basis to relieve this burden.

A VA can ensure that the small business based at home has access to the same office support system as a large company - without adding to the payroll.  Whereas a temp is employed by an agency, the VA works with you.  If you employ a succession of temps you will have to train each one to follow your own working methods.

PBS can relieve you of the paperwork, time, commitment and expense of establishing, equipping and running an office. 

If you use our services, there are no extras to pay for.  We don't expect you to provide us with employee benefits, holidays, overtime, sick pay, bonuses, training, pensions, overtime or even lunch breaks!

Cost Comparison

The services of a VA are extremely cost effective when compared to the true cost of hiring a temp or an employee, which includes the overheads of running an office, employer’s national insurance, benefits and the cost of recruitment.

•   No additional office space required. 

•   No additional office equipment required.

•   No computer training necessary.

•   No recruitment costs and associated HR time

•   No PAYE responsibilities and liabilities.

•   No holiday pay, sick pay, lunch hours, coffee breaks to fund.

•   Parting is painless, without the legal responsibilities associated with an employee.

•   You pay only for the hours worked or services provided.