Written by Dan Sagar, FoundationsAI. Updated October 2026.
A VA or office admin is a person: they can think, talk to customers and handle the jobs that don't fit a pattern. FoundationsAI is a system: it replies, follows up and reminds automatically, every time, at 2am as well as 2pm. For the repeat jobs, like replying to new enquiries, chasing quotes, sending reminders and asking for reviews, a system is cheaper and never forgets. For everything else, you still want a person.
Side by side
Costs checked on 25 October 2026. VA rates are typical UK rates from 2026 guides. Admin salaries are from a 2026 UK recruitment salary guide.
| UK virtual assistant | Office admin or receptionist | FoundationsAI Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Usually £15 to £35 an hour. 10 hours a week is roughly £650 to £1,500 a month | About £25,400 to £27,500 a year full time, or pro rata part time, plus employer's costs | £149 + VAT a month (£178.80 including VAT) |
| Hours | The hours you book | Their working hours | Around the clock |
| Replying to new enquiries | When they're working | When they're at their desk | Straight away, by text and email, day or night |
| Chasing quotes, reminders and review requests | Yes, when they're working | Yes, when they're working | Automatically, every time |
| Missed calls | Some offer call answering | Yes, in office hours | Missed call text back, automatically |
| Judgement and difficult conversations | Yes | Yes | No. That's what people are for |
| Holidays and sick days | Cover needed | Cover needed | Not affected |
What a system does better
- Replies to every new enquiry in seconds, even at night and at weekends
- Follows up unanswered quotes on a schedule, without being asked
- Sends booking reminders and review requests after every job
- Keeps every call, text, email and message in one place, so nothing gets lost
What a person does better
- Handling unusual requests and complaints
- Building rapport on the phone
- Admin that doesn't follow a pattern, like chasing a supplier or sorting out a muddle
The best answer is often both
Let the system do the repeat work, and give your VA or admin the jobs that need a person. With every enquiry in one inbox, they can pick up where the automations stop, and you only pay for their time on the work that matters. Every plan includes 24/7 human support for everyone on your team, so your VA or admin can get help too.
A quick way to decide
- Enquiries slipping through and follow-up forgotten? Start with the system.
- Too much varied admin? Hire a person.
- Both? Do both, starting with the system, because it costs less.
See which plan is right for you.
Common questions
How much does a UK virtual assistant cost?
Usually £15 to £35 an hour, with specialists charging more. 10 hours a week is roughly £650 to £1,500 a month.
Can FoundationsAI replace a receptionist?
For replying to enquiries, missed call text back, reminders and follow-up, it can take a lot off their plate. It won't replace a person for difficult calls or unusual requests.
Which FoundationsAI plan has the automations?
Pro and Managed. Starter and Website don't include automations.
Can my VA use FoundationsAI?
Yes. Add them to your account and they get the same 24/7 human support as the rest of your team.
Want a straight answer for your business?
Book a 45-minute demo and we'll look at how enquiries reach you now, show you it working on a real account and tell you honestly whether it's worth it for you. Or start a 14-day free trial.