Located at the heart of England, Staffordshire is a county of contrasts that make it a cultured business destination centred on the bustling city of Stoke-on-Trent.  Known locally as the potteries, Stoke-on-Trent’s industrial heritage earned it the title World Capital of Ceramics. Visitors can view much of its history at The Potteries Museum and Gallery in […]

Combining a comprehensive training and development conference with a major trade exhibition, the Office show returns to London’s Olympia from 8-9 October with its stated aim of helping PAs and EAs excel in their role.  Visitors will be able to meet more than 175 exhibitors representing leading brands, get exclusive previews of product launches coming […]

You may be used to organising functions in the UK, but planning events abroad can be incredibly daunting. Claire Higgins provides a few pointers to help you get started.  Be preparedThe most important thing to do is gather as much information as you can from your marketing and events teams. Askto participate in the event planning […]

If you’re tasked with organising the annual summer or Christmas party for your company, then you’ll be delighted to hear that PA Life has done all the hard work for you by compiling an indispensable guide to party planning. Covering scores of hotels and other venues suitable for holding a celebration to remember, our handy, […]

There is evidence that game-based learning improves employee retention and introduces creativity. Mick McLaughlin clarifies the thinking behind bringing play into the workplace.  We’ve all sat through a company training course or seminar dreaming about our next holiday, thinking about what to have for dinner or musing on what to watch on TV that night. What’s […]

With remote working becoming increasingly popular, office staff are often expected to work effectively while travelling to and from business meetings. David Watkins offers his advice for making the most of your rail journey.    Plan in advance to get a ‘fare’ priceBuying a ticket at the last minute often comes with a price tag, […]

When you want to find out the company’s expansion plans, get the lowdown on why an ex-employee really left, or discover who in the office might be more than colleagues, who do you go to for the juicy details? A survey has revealed that those looking for confidential information on colleagues will often turn to […]

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. “Another crazy month goes by, now this race is more a reality and not so much the distant dream that I once signed up for. 11 May was a monumental […]

One new subscriber to PA Life has been selected as the lucky winner of a weekend spa break at Whittlebury Hall following a prize draw at the Office Management & PA Show recently held at Excel.  Roxanne Providence, PA to the Managing Director and Global Head at HSBC, says she is very excited about the […]

Do you think it’s time you received a pay rise? Or perhaps you are unsure where your salary expectations should fall in this tough economic climate?  Over half (54%) of HR directors say it is commonplace to lose an employee due to not meeting salary expectations and more than two fifths (42%) are now more […]

House of Fraser for Business has relaunched an eGift card that can be sent to any device capable of receiving email.  The cards can be loaded with any value from £1-£1,000 and are a secure and immediate way to provide a sales incentive or employee reward.  Sent as an email, the eGift card can be […]

Venues have been making great strides with ecological approaches and some in particular are leading the field, reports Nicole Holgate.  Tracey Beck, General Manager of Winford Manor, is always keen to talk about the green techniques the hotel uses and why they make a difference. Originally, she says, the decision to go green was made because […]

Winston Churchill was someone who famously enjoyed a libation now and then, writes Colette Doyle. When accused of being drunk by a female politician he, somewhat ungallantly it must be said, replied: “Madam, you are ugly. In the morning, I shall be sober.” So you’re in good company at The Churchill Bar & Terrace – literally, […]

Trying to find a new PA position can be a challenge – that’s why standing out from the crowd is key. Tailoring your CV for each role is the best way to capture the attention of recruiters. By following these tips, you can ensure that your CV makes it to the top of the pile. […]

These fine institutions of higher learning offer a range of first-rate facilities, meaning you’ll graduate with honours in venue selection. Colette Doyle has all the details. Aberdeen University of Aberdeen (pictured); abdn.ac.uk Number of meetings spaces: 12 Maximum capacity: 400 Number of bedrooms: The university doesn’t offer accommodation to delegates during term time, (September to […]

Michelle Dersookiasian is PA to Toni Mascolo, co-founder and CEO of Toni & Guy. Clearly, beauty is in Michelle Dersookiasian’s blood, writes Colette Doyle. This 32-year-old personal assistant of Armenian descent started off as a Saturday girl at the local hairdresser’s at the tender age of 14. Fast forward to 2013 and she now works […]

PAs in the UK know only too well the demands made of them by hard-to-please bosses, but news reaches PA Life from across the pond that managers in New York expect help that goes well beyond the call of duty. One executive assistant reports that he was constantly called upon to invent excuses for his […]

When it comes to finding something good to eat at an airport it can be a dispiriting experience, with much of the food to be had resembling something you would expect to find at a motorway service station circa 1975, writes Colette Doyle. But if you take a slight detour from Heathrow Terminal 5, then […]