We start with a conversation about where you are and where you want to get to — what's currently taking up your time and headspace, and what would feel different if it wasn't. From there I'll suggest a level that feels right, and we keep it under review as things evolve. In terms of timing, we can usually get started within a couple of weeks of that initial conversation. Once we've agreed the scope, I'll send over a simple agreement and we'll set up our first working session from there.

There's no lengthy onboarding process or complicated handover document. We start with a conversation about how you work, what's on your plate, and what you most want to stop thinking about. I ask a lot of questions early on — that's intentional. The more I understand at the start, the less you have to explain later. The first month is about me getting properly across your business. After that, things start to run quietly. Some months are operationally busy and I'm deep in the detail. Others are quieter and the value is more in the thinking and the forward planning. What stays consistent is that I'm across your business, I know what's happening, and you never have to brief me from scratch.

Completely. Most people who come to me have been running things solo for a long time — handing over isn't just a practical shift, it's a trust one. We start at whatever pace feels right, and I ask a lot of questions early on so the handover feels gradual rather than sudden. The goal is that within a few months, you're not thinking about it at all.

In the early weeks, possibly — there's always a settling-in period while I learn how you think and how your business works. But that investment pays back quickly. Once I have the context, you stop having to explain things at all. That's when it starts to feel genuinely different.

Whatever you use — I've worked across a wide range of CRMs, project management tools, email platforms, bookkeeping software and more. If you have existing systems, I'll work within them. If you don't, I can help work out what would actually make sense. On suppliers: yes, and often that's part of how things run smoothly. If you work with a bookkeeper, a social media manager, a designer, I can liaise with them directly so you're not the go-between for everything. I also have a trusted network of specialists I can bring in or point you toward if something comes up that needs a different kind of expertise.

Personal admin sits outside what I do. Social media content and scheduling is also something I'd point you elsewhere for — there are people who specialise in that and will do it better. Everything else is usually worth a conversation.

A small number — deliberately. This kind of support only works if I genuinely know your business, and that takes time and attention. I don't take on more clients than I can give that to. If I'm at capacity when you get in touch, I'll be honest about it and we can talk about timing. On location: most of my work is remote and has been from the start. I work with founders across the UK — the weekly check-in works just as well over video as it does in person.

There's no fixed minimum, but I'd always suggest giving it two to three months to get fully embedded — that's when it starts to feel genuinely different. Beyond that, no lengthy contracts. I ask for a month's notice on either side, which gives us both time to wind things down sensibly if needed. If your needs grow, we move up a tier. If things get quieter, we scale back. Life and business change — the support should too. And if it's genuinely not working in either direction, there's no contracted commitment holding anyone in place. In ten years it's never come to that — but it's important to me that you know it's always an option.

I started out as one, yes — and it's still the closest shorthand most people reach for. But after ten years of working with founders, the honest answer is that what I do has grown well beyond that. My clients tend to describe it less as having a VA and more as having someone who genuinely knows their business inside out. If you're looking for someone to work through a task list, I'm probably not the right fit. If you're looking for someone to think alongside you and keep things moving without being managed, that's exactly what this is.

No. Genuinely. I've seen every variety of inbox, filing system and operational chaos. The state of things when we start is just the starting point — it's not a reflection of you, and it's not something I'll dwell on.