Frequently Asked Questions

About Blue Flamingo

• What exactly does Blue Flamingo do?

  Blue Flamingo provides virtual executive assistant (VEA) and VA services to senior leaders, growing businesses and professional services firms across the UK. We handle the administrative and operational complexities surrounding senior leadership and growing businesses.  From diary and inbox management to board preparation, event planning, CRM and project coordination. Our core specialism is financial services, though our team works across a range of sectors.

• Are you a sole trader?

  No, Blue Flamingo is a team. The business was founded by Jen Sheridan, who brings over 20 years of City and financial services experience, and has grown to include a team of skilled VAs and executive assistants. This means we offer a level of capacity and breadth of experience beyond that of a single‑person operation. You will always have a dedicated point of contact, with the wider team available behind the scenes.

• Where are you based?

  Jen, our founder, is based in Essex and is available to travel to London for events, investor days, AGMs and client meetings. The wider team is virtual and supports clients across the UK. Location is not a barrier.  Everything we do can be delivered remotely to the same standard as in-house support, with on-site presence available where it adds value.

• What makes Blue Flamingo different from other VA services?

  Two things set us apart. First, our depth of experience in financial services.  We have worked at the heart of FTSE 100 companies, asset managers, private equity firms, and investment consultancies, so we understand your world from the inside. Second, the level at which we operate. Our Virtual Executive Assistant service is designed for senior leaders who need a trusted, proactive partner, not just someone to carry out instructions. We think ahead, protect your priorities and operate with the discretion that senior roles demand.

• Do you provide meeting support?

  We prepare agendas, circulate papers and track actions from your meetings.  We ensure your meetings are productive, and every commitment is followed up.

Our Services

• What is the difference between a Virtual Executive Assistant and a VA?

  A Virtual Executive Assistant (VEA) operates at a senior level, proactively managing complex diaries, stakeholder relationships and confidential matters. A VEA is a strategic partner who anticipates needs and takes real ownership of outcomes. A VA provides high-quality administrative and operational support.  This includes managing tasks, keeping systems running and handling the day-to-day workload of a growing business. Both services are valuable; the right one depends on your seniority, the complexity of your role and what you need from your support. If you are unsure, book a discovery call, and we will help you decide.

• Do you only work with financial services clients?

  Financial services are our core specialism, and it is where our deepest experience lies. However, our team works with a wide range of clients, including patent attorneys, business coaches, founders, start-up companies, and trustees. If you operate at a senior level or run a growing business with real administrative demands, we want to hear from you regardless of sector.

• Can you help with just one specific task or area?

  Yes. While many of our clients work with us on a retained basis, we can also support you with a specific service, such as diary management, a particular event, a CRM project, or document preparation for a board meeting. If you have a specific need, tell us about it, and we will find the best way to help.

• Do you handle confidential and sensitive information?

  Absolutely, and this is something we take very seriously. Many of our clients work in environments where confidentiality is not optional; it is a professional and regulatory requirement. All Blue Flamingo team members operate with strict discretion, and the appropriate confidentiality provisions in our contracts govern our engagements.

• Can you work with my existing tools and systems?

  Yes. We adapt to the tools you already use, whether that is Outlook, Equinox, Nasdaq eVestment, Salesforce, HubSpot, Teams, Zoom or any other platform. We will ask about your systems during onboarding, and we will not ask you to change the way you work to accommodate us.

Working Together

• How do I get started?

  The first step is a free 30-minute discovery call. This is an informal conversation where we learn about your role, your business, the support you need, and what you hope to achieve. From there, we agree on a scope, send a straightforward contract, and get to work. Most clients are up and running within a few weeks of that first call.

• How much does it cost?

  Our VA support service starts from £500 per month. For our Virtual Executive Assistant service and bespoke engagements, pricing is tailored to the scope and volume of support required. We offer both retained monthly packages and ad hoc arrangements. The best way to get an accurate picture of the cost is to book a discovery call.  We will always be transparent about pricing before you commit to anything.

• Do I have to sign a long-term contract?

  No. We do not tie clients into lengthy contracts. Our retained packages run monthly with a one-month notice period, giving you flexibility as your needs change. We want to earn your continued business through the quality of our work, not through contractual obligation.

• How will I know what you have been working on?

  We provide monthly timed reports to all clients. You will always know exactly what has been done, how long it took and what is coming up. We also hold regular check-in calls to review priorities and make sure the support is working well for you. Transparency is important to us.

• What hours do you work?

  We work standard UK business hours, Monday to Friday. For clients with more time-sensitive needs, particularly those in senior executive or NED roles, we discuss availability and responsiveness during onboarding. This ensures expectations are clearly aligned from the outset.

• Can I scale my support up or down?

  Yes. One of the key advantages of our model is flexibility. If you have a particularly busy period, for example, a fund launch, an investor day, or a business expansion, we can increase your support. During quieter periods, you can scale back. We build this flexibility into our engagements from the outset.

For Specific ClientS 

• I am a NED with multiple board positions. Can you manage them all?

  Yes, and this is something we specialise in. Managing multiple board mandates simultaneously requires experienced, discreet EA support that can coordinate across organisations without causing confusion or conflict. We manage multiple board diaries, board pack schedules, governance calendars and multi-stakeholder communications as a matter of course. If you hold more than one NED or board position, please share the full picture during your discovery call.

• I am a founder at an early stage of my business. Is it too soon to use a VA?

  Almost certainly not. The administrative burden on founders is often highest in the early stages when you are simultaneously working on business development, delivering, building systems and running the day-to-day business. Getting support early allows you to build good habits, create proper processes and focus your energy on growth. Many of our start-up clients find that VA support pays for itself quickly by freeing up time and energy.

• I am a business coach. What specifically can you help me with?

  Business coaches typically need help with managing enquiries and booking discovery calls; maintaining their CRM; preparing programme materials and session documents; diary management; invoicing and administration; and general business operations. We handle all these so that you can focus entirely on client delivery.

• I am a patent attorney. How can you help me?

  We have experience supporting patent attorneys and understand the deadline-driven, detail-intensive nature of IP work. We manage diaries, help coordinate team learning days, schedule training, maintain business development leads and reports, and keep CRM systems accurate and up to date. We can handle the day-to-day administration of a busy practice.