Given that there’s a Chinese restaurant on just about every UK high street, going to one for dinner isn’t usually that special an experience, but Hutong is in a class of its own, writes Colette Doyle. For a start, the setting is simply breathtaking: perched on level 33 of the impressive Shard building, the views […]

Mr P likes to have a trick or two up his sleeve so he can cater to all of his clients and it’s almost always down to me to suggest some new hospitality options. What better way to impress music fans than with an exclusive suite at the O2 Arena? I was asked to come […]

Whether it’s to entertain clients, reward staff, or launch a new product, the choice of venue plays a critical role in your event’s success. Kathy Davies provides some invaluable advice on how to bring your space to life Establishing your budgetBig-ticket items such as venue hire, catering and transport will dominate your budget, so it’s […]

Personal assistants have once again been hitting the headlines, whether that’s because they’re being asked to do outrageous tasks by their celebrity bosses, or are suing them for loss of earnings. First off, we report on the case of a high-net-worth individual who has been having a tough time finding a PA. New York business […]

At PA Life we’re devoted to bringing you the very latest news, advice and recommendations on a whole smorgasbord of topics that we hope are of interest to you in your professional lives. Since our most popular stories seem to be those that provide suggestions on how to engender a better working relationship with your […]

New research suggests that the traditional Christmas bonus may be under threat, with just 7% of workers likely to get a festive treat in their December pay packet this year. However, the study also shows how employers may be missing out if they fail to amend their Scrooge-like ways. The “Thank You” report, published by […]

Nearly two-thirds of all PAs working in the UK feel they are underpaid and more than half of them say their boss expects them to work outside of normal office hours. In addition, a resounding 78% feel that the occupation of PA is undervalued as a career choice. These are some of the findings of […]

Fanhams Hall is a dedicated business venue that offers wonderfully flexible spaces for conferences, meetings, training and team building. Nestled in the Hertfordshire countryside just outside Ware, the property is a member of Exclusive Hotels and Venues and is truly unique not only in appearance, but in service delivery and the magic ingredient of fun. […]

I do like to get my glad rags on of an evening, so I was delighted to be invited to attend the Carlson Wagonlit Travel Business Travel Journalism Awards at the spectacular Magazine Restaurant located inside the Serpentine Sackler Gallery. The evening started off with some delicious sushi-style canapés, which went down a treat with […]

Juggling the conflicting demands of your career and home life can mean you have little time for yourself. Don’t despair, as taking back control of your life and creating some precious ‘me time’ is possible, says Katrina Wood   Many women endeavour to be all things to their spouses, family and friends, as well as […]

You think you have problems? Read this ‘Confessions of a Personal Assistant’…. continued Now, the fate of a dying kumquat tree in the artist’s loft—and on an apparently related note, the well-being of the boss—was Missy’s responsibility. She kept prioritizing her boss’ business needs over the tree, until she got called in for a kumquat-inspired […]

Following three long years of study and hard work, a group of PAs has completed the UK’s first undergraduate degree programme that tailors business administration techniques for management assistants. The course, which is offered by Middlesex University, allows PAs to learn on their own time in the workplace. Originally developed in partnership with the now […]

Where did 2014 go? It’s hard to believe that Christmas is right around the corner. Of course, that means I need to start buying gifts for all of Mr P’s clients. Luckily, I was invited to the Harrods winter showcase event at the Bulgari Hotel to get all the details of the luxury company’s best […]

The quality of our environment plays a huge role in how we feel and can have a big impact on our mood, emotions and productivity. Sylvia Garvin presents her top 10 tips on how to turn your average office into an amazing workspace 1. Organise your spaceA cluttered desk can reduce productivity. Avoid accumulating piles […]

Party planning can be a thankless task, with colleagues slow to offer any real help, but quick to complain if everything is not how they envisioned it should be. With this in mind, event specialist at Chillisauce Rachael Farrington says organisation is the key to ensuring that your Christmas party is memorable for all the […]

Located next to the Business Design Centre and just a few minutes’ drive from Emirates Stadium, the Hilton London Angel Islington offers the ideal base for business visitors attending events at either venue. Its recently refurbished bedrooms and suites provide a comfortable environment in which corporate travellers can relax after a day of meetings. The […]

Hidden deep beneath the Royal Mile lies Edinburgh’s best-kept secret – a warren of hidden closes where real people lived, worked and died, known as the Real Mary King’s Close. For centuries their stories have remained untold, but now PAs can book the venue for corporate entertainment. This unforgettable five-star underground attraction is one of […]

Gone for Good – David Bell (Penguin, £7.99) A quarrel results in Elizabeth Hampton not speaking to her mother for weeks and events take a tragic turn when the police call to say she has been found dead. When she arrives at the scene, it transpires that she was murdered. The rising energy of this […]