What is a virtual PA?

As businesses embrace remote and hybrid working, the way we access support has changed dramatically. One role that's evolved is the virtual PA.

But what exactly is a virtual PA, how do they work, and how could one support your business?

In this guide, we'll explain what a virtual PA is, what tasks they can handle, and why businesses across the UK choose Moneypenny's Virtual PA Service to stay productive, professional and responsive.

What is a virtual PA?

A virtual PA (virtual personal assistant) is a remote worker who manages the general administration and reception duties for a business or individual.

They may also be responsible for managing emails, organising meetings, data entry, bookkeeping, and even carrying out research on prospective clients and employees, competitor activity, products and materials - giving you flexible, scalable support without the overheads of employing someone full time.

The most common duties required of a virtual PA are telephone answering, diary management and organising hotel/travel bookings.

What will your Moneypenny virtual PA do?

Your dedicated Moneypenny PA will get to know you and your business. Based in the UK and expertly trained, they will understand the way you work and how to represent your business. They will delight your callers, and even offer VIP treatment to selected clients/customers – whatever you need.

When you’re out of the office or just too busy to answer, calls will pass seamlessly to your Moneypenny PA who, depending on your needs and availability at any given time, will transfer the caller to you wherever you are, or take a detailed message to be sent right away via text or email.

Our bespoke service offering means that, unlike other telephone answering services, we can tailor the package to you. Additional services we offer include booking meetings, transcribing answerphone messages, appointment bookings or even managing live chat on your website.

Moneypenny's virtual PA services combine real people, smart technology and tailored support to help your business thrive. Explore our virtual PA services today >

Why hire a virtual PA?

Hiring a virtual PA offers a number of advantages over traditional admin support.

Cost-effective support

You avoid the costs of recruitment, training, office space and employee benefits - while still accessing professional, reliable support.

Flexibility and scalability

Your support can scale up or down as your business grows or changes, without long-term commitments.

Never miss an opportunity

With a virtual PA handling calls, chats and enquiries, you won't miss leads or important customer conversations - even when you're busy or out of the office.

More time for what matters

By delegating admin and customer contact, you can focus on strategic work, growth and client relationships.

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Virtual PA vs Traditional PA: What’s the Difference?        

Virtual PA

• Works remotely
• Flexible hours and coverage
• Scales with your needs
• Lower overheads
• Ideal for remote and hybrid teams

Traditional PA

• Based in your office
• Typically fixed hours
• Requires recruitment to scale
• Higher employment costs
• Best suited to office-based roles

Who should use a virtual PA?

Virtual PAs are used by a wide ranges of UK businesses, including:

• Small and growing businesses
• Professional services firms
• Entrepreneurs and consultants
• Sales teams needing lead handling
• Businesses with high call volumes
• Companies offering remote or hybrid working

If you need to stay responsive without stretching your internal team, a virtual PA can be a smart solution.

Businesses using a virtual PA often report improved customer experience, faster response times, increased lead conversion, reduced stress and workload as well as greater confidence that nothing is being missed.

By combining people, process and technology, a virtual PA can become a valuable part of your business infrastructure.

Who are we?

Moneypenny has supported tens of thousands of UK businesses and is the world’s leading outsourced communications provider, delivering Telephone Answering, Live Chat, Switchboard and Multichannel Customer Services to companies of all sizes. A multi-award winning employer, we hire extraordinary people whose infectiously positive attitudes and world-class training make them the best in the land.

Frequently asked questions

• How much does a Virtual PA cost?

Costs vary depending on the level of support you need. With Moneypenny, pricing is flexible so you only pay for the services you use.

• Can a Virtual PA answer calls in my company name?

Yes. Moneypenny Virtual PAs answer calls as if they are part of your business, using your preferred greeting and tone of voice.

• Is a Virtual PA secure and confidential?

Absolutely. Professional Virtual PA services follow strict data protection and confidentiality processes.

• What’s the difference between a Virtual PA and a Virtual Assistant?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but a Virtual PA typically offers more personalised, business-specific support, especially for calls and client interaction.