Two Manchester PAs’ vision has grown to one of the UK’s largest professional networking groups

PA Life congratulates the founders of Manchester PA Network – Amanda Hargreaves and Melanie Sheehy – who, in response to lack of networking groups for the assistant community outside of London, set up their own network 15 years ago…

It started as a single networking event with just 50 curious people in 2011. Today the Manchester PA Network is a thriving community of more than 700 PAs, EAs, and VAs, and has raised over £250,000  for The Christie Charity.

Founded by Personal Assistants Amanda Hargreaves and Melanie Sheehy, the Manchester PA Network was born from a simple frustration.  Although the pair spoke to PAs and EAs across Greater Manchester every day by phone and email as part of their roles, they realised they had never actually met many of them in person.

At the time, networking was predominantly associated with the people that PAs and EAs supported.  It simply wasn’t something PAs did, and there were certainly no dedicated networking communities for support professionals outside of the capital.

Manchester PA Network launch party in 2011

From a small gathering to one of the largest professional communities in the UK: the Manchester PA Network journey

Rather than waiting for someone else to create one, Amanda and Melanie decided to do it themselves.
They booked a venue, invited every PA they knew and hoped people would come. Around 50 did.

Fifteen years later, that one leap of faith the Manchester PA Network is now one of the UK’s largest and longest running communities for PAs, EAs, VAs and Support Professionals.  Today, it supports more than 700 members through regular networking events, professional development opportunities, wellness initiatives and industry leading events that continue to champion the profession.

Amanda Hargreaves, Co-Founder, said: “When Mel and I started the Manchester PA Network, we weren’t trying to build an organisation, we were simply trying to solve a problem we were experiencing ourselves.  Mel and I didn’t know each other beforehand and hadn’t even met, but somehow, we were introduced as we were both building PA networks either internally or externally.

As PAs, we spent our days speaking to other assistants on the phone and over email, yet we’d never actually met any of them.  There was nowhere for us to connect, learn from one another, or simply have a conversation with people who understood the role because networking for PAs just wasn’t something that existed outside London.

So we booked a venue, invited everyone we knew and hoped a few people would turn up.  Fifteen years later, that one event has grown into a community of more than 700 members.  We’ve seen careers flourish, lifelong friendships formed, businesses created and, together, we’ve raised over £250,000 for The Christie Charity.  That’s something we’ll never stop being proud of.”

Melanie Sheehy added: “What has always amazed me is the willingness of our members to support one another.  Whether someone is looking for career advice, a supplier recommendation, a new opportunity or simply someone who understands the pressures of the role, this community always shows up.  That’s what makes the Manchester PA Network so special.

We’re incredibly proud that what started as a local networking event has gone on to create the Manchester PA Awards and, more recently, the National PA Awards, helping to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary work of support professionals across the UK.”

Manchester PA Network’s 15th anniversary celebration

📅 To celebrate this significant milestone, over 100 members, friends and sponsors will come together on July 23rd at Mollie’s Manchester for a special 15th anniversary celebration.

The National PA Awards

In 2015, Amanda and Melanie wanted to build on their success and founded the Manchester PA Awards.  It was the first awards of its kind dedicated to recognising the achievements of support professionals in the region. It proved to be a huge industry success, and continued for 10 years until 2025, when the National PA Awards were created, opening nominations to support professionals across the UK.  This year’s National PA Awards is scheduled to be their best yet, with a record number of nominations and is taking place on 12 November 2026 at City Hall, at the Etihad Campus, Manchester.

The network’s impact extends far beyond professional development.  Since its launch, their members have built friendships that will last a lifetime, created invaluable business connections, and helped raise more than £250,000 for The Christie Charity.

Alongside its work supporting PAs, EAs, VAs and Support Professionals, Manchester PA Network is also expanding its focus on wellbeing through events that are open to a wider audience. On 12 September 2026, the network will host Women’s Wellfest, a dedicated day for busy women who are ready to move themselves higher up their own priority list.

Inspired by their own experiences of balancing careers, commitments and personal wellbeing, co-founders Amanda Hargreaves and Melanie Sheehy have created a day where women can come together, learn from experts, share experiences and invest in themselves.

The event will explore key areas including women’s health, mental wellbeing, movement and nourishment, breast health and breast cancer awareness, as well as personal styling creating a space for connection, education and empowerment.

As with all Manchester PA Network initiatives, giving back remains at the heart of what they do. Women’s Wellfest will also support The Christie Charity, continuing the network’s long-standing commitment to raising awareness and funds for this important cause.

Enter multiple PA awards to enhance your chances of winning and achieving professional recognition:

We also invite you to enter, or nominate a colleague or a friend for the PA Life Star Awards 2026. Nominations close on 18 September and the process is simple, and completely free, as are the awards on 11 December in London.