Communications technology in the modern age is advancing at an exponential rate and changing the way we communicate, both personally and professionally. With social networking and the ability to communicate with anyone anywhere in the world at our fingertips, the need for face-to-face communication would appear to be diminishing.   However, the value of meeting […]

The historic Culloden Estate & Spa in Belfast has undergone a £1 million refurbishment that includes upgrades to the kitchen, banqueting suites and the spa. All rooms and suites have also been kitted out with new, luxurious Cloud beds and significant landscaping has taken place to create the hotel’s own herb garden. The hotel, which […]

At the recently held Office Management & PA Show, PA Life Editor Colette Doyle led a debate between four PAs from vastly different sectors. They discussed openly what they felt about the profession and shared their thoughts on the future development of the role. To open the debate, Doyle asked the panel how they felt […]

Amazing historical sights, warm and welcoming people, passionate dance moves and a thriving social scene – prepare to be seduced by Seville, says PA Life editor Colette Doyle. The scent of oranges pervades Seville – in fact, there are more than 14,000 bitter orange trees in this most delightful Andalucian city, and each springtime the glorious […]

In today’s corporate world, an increasing amount of a PA’s time is taken up planning travel. With the introduction of the Qi technology suite, Business First has designed simple-to-use tools to promote efficiency and, more importantly, save PAs valuable time booking business travel. The company’s iPortal is an interactive gateway with a wide range of […]

At last, a system that means when your boss checks in to a hotel you don’t have to monitor the process to make sure everything goes to plan. An intelligent smartphone express check-in service has been launched for business and leisure travellers staying at any of the 36 Guoman and Thistle hotels across the UK. […]

Some restaurants are fun, casual affairs where you might drop in to grab a quick bite after work; Hibiscus is not one of those places, writes Colette Doyle. You would no more grab a bite here than you would hope to snap up a bargain at a Gucci emporium, for dining at Hibiscus is a […]

Everyone knows that breakfast is an unmissable meal and an essential start to the working day. Now City-based PAs can try breakfast with a difference at the Mint Leaf Lounge and Restaurant, located conveniently close to Bank tube station. Serving breakfast from 8-11am, the Mint Leaf is offering guests freshly ground coffee and delicious pastries […]

When it comes to event organising, if the food is good everyone has a great time but if it isn’t, your guests will be quick to complain. Anne Aitken explains how to choose, brief and manage your caterer to ensure you enjoy a successful event. Identify a shortlist If you are using a venue that […]

Deborah Shaw never seems to turn down an opportunity; one of the most significant was when a friend invited her on holiday to Los Angeles. “It was April, the weather in California was gorgeous and I didn’t want to leave,” she laughs. Then a new acquaintance said that if Deborah were to come back, they would employ […]

As we progress through life, our likes, dislikes and habits change. The way we like to dress and visually present ourselves changes too. Our beliefs and thinking continue to develop as we mature emotionally and physically, and again, this is reflected in our choice of clothes and dressing style. How we like to look at […]

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I’ve had a tricky few weeks with some of the relationships in my private life, and it’s given me cause to pause and reflect about how hard we find it to have important conversations – both personally and professionally.  Most of us instinctively shy away from confrontation, conflict and disagreements, and from saying something to someone […]

Michelle Porter is PA to three directors at Young & Rubicam group; this summer she is taking part in the challenging Clipper round-the-world yacht race. “The final preparations are underway. Having just returned home from the final phase of training, I am now living, breathing and dreaming the Clipper Race. “Seven days on board a […]

Luxury travel operator Orient-Express has launched a new portal that can be used by PAs booking events to find information on each of the company’s 45 hotel, train, cruise and restaurant ventures. The website, orient-express.com/events, has specifically been designed for corporate clients seeking inspiration in order to create bespoke events and incentive experiences with a […]

Liverpool’s venues and hotels are supported by an impressive collection of museums and attractions that provide organisers with plenty of options for gala dinners, social iteneraries or unique experiences.   Alongside business travellers, it is estimated that more than two million people a year who plan to visit Liverpool are influenced to do so by The […]

The modern PA is just as likely to find herself making trips to far-flung business destinations as her boss, so hotels are taking it upon themselves to provide improved safety for women travelling alone. The most popular measures put in place by hotels to ensure safety are: never read out a room number at check-in […]

Tips on mentoring and coaching were central to the latest Exeter PA network meeting, held at the new Hampton by Hilton, the site of the training academy for Flybe, the UK’s largest domestic carrier. The event attracted more than 60 delegates and included a tour of the new hotel and a visit to Flybe’s flight […]