Why More Businesses Are Using a Freelance Executive Assistant…

A freelance EA is an experienced assistant who works with clients independently, usually on a contract, project, or retainer basis. They often support several clients at once and typically work remotely, offering flexible admin, diary, travel, inbox, marketing, finance and operations support.

This is not just a VA handling basic admin, many freelance EAs have years of corporate or C-suite experience and bring structure and strategy to your day-to-day.

Here’s why this model is catching on across the UK:

1. Flexible Support

Whether you need 5 hours a week or 5 hours a day, freelance EAs scale to your needs. No fixed contracts, no wasted capacity.

2. Cost Savings

You're only paying for the hours you use. No PAYE, no pension, no NI, no holiday or sick pay.

3. Experienced and Ready to Go

Freelance EAs are usually seasoned pros. No long onboarding. No hand-holding. Just immediate, high-quality support.

4. Remote First

Most freelance assistants work remotely, meaning you’re not limited by geography, so you can hire for skill, not postcode.

5. Lighten the Load

Founders and senior leaders regain many hours each week, time that can be spent on strategy, growth, and leadership, not admin.

Full-Time vs Freelance: What’s the Cost Difference?

Let’s break down the real-world cost of hiring an executive assistant in the UK:

Full-Time Employed EA (UK)

Cost Category	Annual Cost Estimate
Base Salary	£35,000 – £50,000
Employer NI & Pension	£5,000 – £8,000
Holiday/Sick Pay	Included in salary
Recruitment Fees	£5,000 – £10,000
Office/IT Costs	Varies
Total Cost	£50,000 – £70,000+

Freelance Executive Assistant

Hours per Month	Annual Cost (avg. £35–£45/hr)
10 hours/month	£3,600 – £5,400
20 hours/month	£7,200 – £10,800
40 hours/month	£14,400 – £21,600

No employer obligations. No NI. No pension. No holiday pay. Just clean, flexible support.

That’s a potential 50–80% saving depending on how much help you need.

Who Should Hire a Freelance EA?

This setup is ideal for:

• Startup founders who are juggling too much

• SME directors who want to stay lean while scaling

• Remote-first businesses without the need for onsite staff

• Executives or Non-Executive Directors  who don’t need 40 hours of support a week

Final Thought

Hiring a full-time assistant is a big investment and not always necessary. If you’re looking for a smarter way to get high-level support, without the overhead, a freelance executive assistant might be the perfect solution.

It’s not about cutting corners it’s about using your time (and budget) wisely.

Need help finding a freelance EA or want advice on how to structure the role? Feel free to reach out I’d be happy to have a chat.