If the pressures and stresses of the workplace are getting to you, it’s time to learn how to slow down your mind and really relax, advises Jain Wells. While the ancient practice of mindfulness meditation is commonly known for its ability to induce a state of deep relaxation, its real purpose is to cultivate present-moment […]

Bosses should acknowledge everything that their PAs do for them through a series of meaningful gestures such as writing a handwritten note to thank them for their contribution, publicly recognising their input at staff meetings and investing in their professional development by providing an annual training budget. These are just some of the ideas that […]

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 trying […]

Research shows that a staggering 87 per cent of British employees will be looking round for a new position during 2014. Apparently, when they were quizzed on why they wished to move to pastures new, more than half (52.6 per cent) said it was because they didn’t get on with their boss. The other major […]

Returning to work after maternity leave can result in a host of emotions to deal with and a range of issues to consider. Janice Haddon discusses the practicalities. When first returning to work, you may be glad of the change – the contrast between work and home life can help us feel fulfilled. For others, […]

Hard work, enthusiasm and the right attitude all go a long way towards getting on at work, but having good, solid and CPD-certified qualifications is a sure-fire way to help propel you up the career ladder. With this in mind, PA Life is launching a series of training courses, beginning on 1 May with four […]

Having worked with Carlson Wagonlit Travel on putting together many a business trip in the past, I was delighted to be invited to the house warming party for the Meetings & Events team’s new office. After my tour around the space, I must say I’m jealous – it makes Mr P’s office look a bit […]

When people are asked who their idol is, most will give the name of some celebrity or sports star. I tend to be a realist and look up to others who can actually give me proper advice on my chosen career; hence Donna Coulling’s website has become my first stop for tips on networking – […]

Entrepreneurs are being encouraged to hire a PA to reduce the amount of stress they have in their work lives and help run their company more efficiently. US website entrepreneur.com advises those who have devised a successful business brand to consider hiring an assistant to enable them to take their commercial activity to the next […]

Many travel and accommodation bookers are still wary when they hear the term serviced apartments, but new websites and online tools have made the booking process that much easier, as David Nicholson explains. If you haven’t previously booked a serviced apartment or apart-hotel, the process might seem rather daunting at first.   However there are […]

Having lived in Dubai for six years, I am well acquainted with the Jumeirah name, as it’s where the brand originated, writes Colette Doyle. For me it evokes sunny beaches, tropical cocktails and balmy weather, so I was intrigued to see what this British outpost would be like. Jumeirah Carlton Tower’s (pictured) location in swish […]

Booking serviced apartments for long-stay guests is a real no-brainer, in fact suppliers are expanding their portfolios exponentially to keep up with increased demand. Molly Dyson interviews industry experts to find out what this means for PAs. The serviced apartment sector in the UK is a relatively new one, so the concept is often overlooked […]

It’s not always an easy life being a PA and dealing with a demanding boss can be a stressful experience, as Matt Harrell can testify. He’s the personal assistant to Hollywood party girl and reality show star Lindsay Lohan and has been having a tough time of it lately. In the latest episode of docu-series […]

They say there’s no such thing as a free lunch, but what do they know? The lovely people at the Royal Institute of British Architects (ribavenues.com) invited me over recently to try out their absolutely ingenious, not to mention delicious, new catering idea for meetings delegates: the sandwich-free lunch. Forget carb overload and say goodbye […]

As an avid tennis fan and dutiful PA, I graciously accepted an invitation to the launch of the corporate hospitality packages on offer by Keith Prowse at this year’s Aegon Championships, taking place from 9-15 June at the Queen’s Club. I think Mr P will be ever so taken by the variety of options available. […]

CEME Conference Centre is an ultra-modern event venue offering innovative and flexible solutions for all your requirements. Spaces range from the property’s hi-tech conference auditorium, the POD Theatre, to intimate meeting rooms and conference, exhibition and outdoor areas. CEME delivers hundreds of events each year with state-of-the-art meeting space starting from as little as £95 […]

Need help brightening up a drab workplace? Madeleine Reid provides professional guidance on what you should consider when purchasing artwork for your office. Decide on a theme: Your artwork should be more than purely decorative. A loose theme can help add cohesion to your collection and ensure it flows well throughout the building. A number […]

In this digital age, a surfeit of information can easily distract us from the task in hand, whether you’re an office employee or a home-based VA. From liking your friends’ holiday pictures on Facebook to reading trivial yet highly entertaining articles on Cracked, the internet can ruin our concentration and prevent us from finishing the […]