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Top 10 stories of the week

It’s been a very busy week for PA Life, with the team spread out between The Meetings Show and a very special trip to the Dominican Republic with the winners of our recent Asemblr competition. We’ll report on that later, but for now let’s catch up on our top 10 most popular stories of the week.

1. Scottish PA of the Year announced
The Scottish PA Network Awards has named Fiona Forbes as Scottish PA of the Year 2017 as part of a conference aimed at showcasing the crucial roles PAs across the globe make within the workplace. As part of the Scottish PA Network Conference, in association with Hays PA and Secretarial recruiting firm, Forbes has been awarded for going above and beyond her duties to become valued throughout the company.

2. UK’s quirkiest employee perks revealed
Keeping workers happy is proving to be big business with bosses, with more and more companies introducing unique benefits and perks to set themselves out from the crowd. More than three quarters of British businesses are set to invest in future benefits as it’s revealed that 34% of employees believe perks are the most important factor when applying for a job.

3. What the general election result means for PAs
Freelance, temporary and virtual assistants could be put at risk following the results of the UK General Election, according to a recruitment specialist.

4. Business breakfast and working lunch ­– Al Desco does it best
Al Desco has been delivering ‘Fresh & Yummy’ to the heart of corporate London since 2009. It all started with one customer, a small domestic kitchen and three bicycles. Since then, the company has grown in size and strength, making it London’s favourite food delivery company.

5. 3 tips for writing a thank you letter following an interview
Employers will likely see many faces come and go when they’re looking for a new hire, so following up after an interview is a key factor in making yourself stand out. One important step to take immediately is to send a thank you letter that re-enforces your enthusiasm for the role. Here are some tips from Glassdoor for writing the perfect note.

6. How to write a CV when changing careers
Personalising a CV for the job you want can be a difficult task, especially as the way employers digest CVs continues to change, but the challenge can be even greater when faced with embarking on a new career path. Detailing which experience is the most relevant to your new job opportunities and understanding what different recruiters look for is a major step in the right direction, and CV Library has compiled a list of ways to help prepare you for the road ahead.

7. Lunchtime workouts to improve fitness with minimal sweat
A team up between Notting Hill chicken restaurant Cocotte and fitness studio BARREtoned is looking to get people healthy at lunchtime.

8. PA Profile: Hannah Jepson
I have a rare opportunity to go to Facebook’s London office to interview Hannah Jepson, Executive Assistant and 2016 winner of PA of the Year at the London PA Awards. Arriving at the Euston campus, Hannah’s welcoming smile immediately tells me this is going to be a great morning and we get down to the nitty gritty of her career.

9. Craig Harris first male named PA of the Year in SuperAchievers Awards
Executive Assistant Craig Harris has become the first man crowned PA of the Year at Pitman’s Training’s SuperAchiever Awards. The nominees are put forward by colleagues for their outstanding achievements before being subjected to a public vote, with Harris being applauded for his success after becoming a PA without previous experience.

10. How to avoid the pitfalls of self-employment
Embracing self-employment comes with as many opportunities as it does responsibilities, and coming out of a PA position to take control of your career can be a daunting process. Surveying Brits on their biggest business worries, Solution Loans has compiled a list of what is keeping the self-employed awake at night. As more are turning to VA roles, here are the top pitfalls to watch out for when becoming your own boss.