An Australian recruitment firm has put together a checklist of what it believes are the most essential qualities that employers look for when hiring a personal assistant. In at number one is having good organisational skills, which includes both those at a personal level and the ability to organise others. Next up is multi-tasking, which, […]

With all the demands on my time made by Mr P (“Book me on an early morning flight to Frankfurt, Penelope”, “Can you arrange to send my wife a nice birthday present, Penelope?”, “Where on earth are my glasses, Penelope?”) it’s not often I get the chance to get out of the office. I’m so […]

If location is everything then Napa at the Chiswick Moran is sitting pretty when it comes to attracting business travellers, writes Colette Doyle. The hotel is a minute’s walk from Gunnersbury Tube station, making it an ideal choice for those who have to catch a flight from Heathrow but don’t want to be stuck all […]

Now I’m not one to go out and party hard on a work night, but I knew I couldn’t pass up the chance to see a great venue when I got an invitation to I Heart Parties at Under the Bridge at Chelsea Football Club. It may have been difficult dragging myself out of bed […]

News reaches PA Life Towers that yet more managerial assistants have been behaving very badly indeed. Gareth Varey, aide to London popstrel Tulisa, has been arrested on suspicion of dealing cocaine and possession of cannabis. This development is bad timing for the former N-Dubz singer, coming as it does just a few months after she […]

PA Life recently asked its readers to complete a short survey about its suppliers’ directory and offered a prize of membership to the exclusive PA Life Club (see more at palife.co.uk/pa-life-club). We are pleased to announce that the winner of the competition is Lyndsey Edwards, a PA at Boots UK. Lyndsey says she is delighted to […]

The world of business travel is changing rapidly. PA Life interviews the experts at Carlson Wagonlit Travel to uncover the key trends for the coming year. “Travel management companies have all seen an increase in the use of travel apps and this will continue throughout 2014. The number of bookings made through these will go […]

Liverpool-based personal assistant Dalya Bernstein has been named PA of the Year in the Pitman Training Super Achievers Awards 2014. She was picked by a high-profile panel of judges, including former White House Director of Events Laura Schwartz. With a high number of entries received for this year’s awards, Dalya (pictured), who is PA to an […]

Business travel costs can mount up quickly if they’re not effectively managed and one of the first things companies often try to save on is accommodation. Caroline Saunders explains how serviced apartments can provide a viable alternative to hotels   Serviced apartments are ideal for reducing business travel costs, whether it’s for a one-off business […]

This year’s EXECSec Summit not only promises to deliver a fascinating seminar line-up alongside the tried and tested formula of pre-scheduled appointments with suppliers, it will also present a 45-minute debate on the future of the PA role. Entitled “The PA profession – where now?”, the debate will be chaired by PA Life Editor Colette […]

The restaurant at One Moorgate Place provides the ideal location for business lunches and private parties. Chef David Pigram has dedicated himself to sourcing the freshest quality ingredients to create the finest and tastiest dishes for people on the go. The venue offers a great solution for busy business people with its Menu 30, a […]

It’s not very often you get the chance to experience what it’s like to be on Dragons’ Den, but Candle by Events has created a unique team-building workshop based around the hit reality TV show. The activity is sure to get the creative juices flowing among your colleagues and get everybody thinking in business terms. […]

My latest night on the town was at the Hampton by Hilton London Waterloo launch event. Hampton is meant to be the “budget” cousin of the Hilton family of hotels, but the new property at Waterloo looks classy to me. The lobby where the reception was held features some popular design aspects of modern hotels: […]

If diamonds are a girl’s best friend, then chocolate must be the one she secretly cheats on the gems with. I’m no stranger to indulging in the sweet treat, which is why last night’s PA Life event at My Chocolate in the heart of the City of London was deliciously perfect. Our workshop started with […]

PAs and other administrative professionals looking for their next permanent role have reason to be optimistic. A recent survey shows that there is a resurgence in the demand for personal and executive assistants, which is helping to drive average salaries up across the globe. The annual Salary Survey, conducted by specialist recruitment agency Robert Walters, […]

It’s always great when PAs are acknowledged for all the hard work they do, which is why recruitment company SecsintheCity has opened nominations for its PA of the Year Awards 2014. The awards recognise the dedication and professionalism of personal and executive assistants. Nominations are now open for four categories: PA of the Year, Legal […]

The EXECSec Summit is the ideal event to source new suppliers. With a schedule of dedicated meetings and a series of informative seminars, you’re sure to come away with everything you need to succeed. Molly Dyson has all the details. The days of simply taking notes and writing letters are gone for PAs. Now you’re also […]

When away on business, wouldn’t it be great to have access to a network of like-minded contacts that could give you advice on how the local transport system works, suggest a cool venue for a meeting, or even just meet you for a coffee? This scenario has become reality thanks to Maiden Voyage, a secure, […]