According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, 2013 saw the most sustained and severe decrease in wages since World War II. With experts reporting that the UK’s economy is beginning to improve, now is the time to ask for a pay rise. Here are some points to keep in mind to ensure your […]

It’s hard to believe it’s already mid-August. This summer has flown by and I haven’t been to nearly enough outdoor events. Luckily I tagged along to the Brewery’s secret garden party and got some fresh air after being cooped up in the office for weeks. I’ve heard the venue’s name mentioned at networking events and […]

Half of all employers in the UK believe skills shortages will affect their ability to recruit the right administrative support staff. A further fifth are uncertain about how such shortages may affect their business operations, according to a survey carried out by recruitment firm Robert Walters. The shortages highlighted in the study refer to skills […]

Set yourself a goal and work out how you’re going to achieve it. Heather Baker explains why getting what you want is within your reach “When we’ve got a bit of money, we’ll go on a really nice holiday.” “I’d love a job like that.” I’m sure you can think of many more expressions along […]

A is for air cushion packaging Bubble wrap and packing peanuts are extremely bulky, because they’re mostly made of air. This clever idea allows you to put the air in when you actually need it, saving on storage space and transport costs. The financial savings are equally impressive, too, so this is worth looking into […]

Breast Cancer Care is encouraging everyone across the UK to dress in pink on any Friday in October to raise vital funds for women with breast cancer. One in every eight women will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime and the money will provide specialist nurses and support to those affected. You can […]

Gone are the days of using paper sticky notes to write temporary reminders. The new PyraMID whiteboard offers a reusable surface for jottings things down and can also serve as a desk caddy for storing small items. The small, pyramid-shaped board features four sides to write on and its hollow interior means you can stash […]

Mr P has always been a fan of treating his clients to corporate hospitality at sporting events. That’s lucky for me because it means I get to try out the menus on offer before he does. My most recent tasting session was at Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea Football Club. One of the best things […]

We are pleased to announce that the winner of dinner at the Manager’s Table at the Rainforest Café London (pictured) is Lisa Herbert from EDF Energy. Meanwhile, Laura Houghton, a PA at Caledonia Investments is the lucky recipient of a stag design silk scarf from Holland & Holland. Laura Mitchell from Selex ES will enjoy […]

Christmas may still be months away, but now is the time to start thinking about your company’s gift list. Here, the Corporate Service at Harrods team and Ian Spicer offer you a look at the trends for 2014, as well as some top tips on how to choose the perfect present This year has seen a […]

PAs in the US are putting the ‘business’ into show business and have signed up to take part in a reality TV programme where former Brady Brunch star Barry Williams and Saturday Night Live regular Joe Piscopo will swap personal assistants rather than spouses in the American version of Celebrity Wife Swap. Joe lives near […]

With warmer weather on the way, this is the perfect time to start planning your summer events. There is a huge amount of choice across the UK, so PA Life has selected a few options to give you a taste of what’s on offer   Birmingham Botanical Gardens (pictured) birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk/venue Type of outdoor space: The […]

Management assistants should be like magpies and keep every contact they pick up because you never know when you might need them again. This was just some of the advice that Ann Dunford, a PA at Garbutt and Elliot LLP, gave during her educational session at the Meetings Show, held recently at London’s Olympia. Ann’s […]

New research reveals that UK employees would give up a higher salary if it meant they could work for a firm that regularly thanks its staff for their efforts. Meanwhile, 71 per cent of those surveyed would prefer to work for a company that offers an effective rewards package rather than take a job with […]

Musivate offers a fun and unique way to get your team laughing and having a good time to form a stronger bond. Molly Dyson finds out first hand what makes learning the ukulele so perfect for a corporate icebreaker. Musivate is the brainchild of Lorraine Bow, who learned to play the ukulele in 2007 and […]

Virgin boss and Britain’s best-known entrepreneur Richard Branson has emphasised the importance of motivating your team at work by having fun with them in order to make a business venture more successful. “If your staff are having fun and genuinely care about other people, they will enjoy their work more and do a better job,” notes […]

Blacklane is a new chauffeur-booking portal that is available in a variety of convenient platforms. It was launched in the UK earlier this year and offers service to customers in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Bookings for Blacklane’s chauffeur-driven cars can be made through its app, on the website, or via […]

All of this lovely weather has been perfect for summer parties and there’s one in particular I’m glad I went to. The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre is closing down for six weeks for refurbishment and it threw one last soirée on the green space in front of the impressive building. I was greeted by […]