Do you organise events as part of your role? If so you should join 14,000 industry professionals who will cover 17,190 square metres of floor space at International Confex in their quest to run the perfect event. International Confex is the UK’s leading exhibition for organisers of both national and international events. Visitors can explore […]
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Speakers and exhibitors line up for International Confex
5 must-see sessions on offer at the office* show
The office* show provides an unforgettable line-up of speakers and trainers. Attendance at the sessions counts towards delegates’ Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points. Here are five not-to-be-missed sessions: Timesaving (and jaw-dropping) Microsoft productivity tips Have you ever thought ‘There’s got to be an easier way?’ more often than not, you are right! There is an […]
350,000 Brits to call in sick on National Sickie Day
Recent UK productivity improvements may well take a tumble today on what’s become colloquially known as National Sickie Day. The Employment Law Experts predict that approximately 350,000 people will call in sick, costing the economy around £45 million in wages, lost hours and overtime. Online accounting software company FreeAgent – which provides software for freelancers, micro-businesses and their accountants […]
“My dog is lonely” – UK bosses reveal the most ludicrous reasons given by employees calling in sick
Just in time for National Sickie Day on 6 February, UK bosses have revealed the most ludicrous reasons given by employees when calling in sick. The research conducted by Powwownow found that one in five (21%) employees in the UK are likely to give an outlandish reason for not coming in to work, compared with […]
Dish debuts HYGGE event concept and menu on board the Erasmus
Yesterday (2 February) independent caterer Dish launched its new HYGGE event concept and menu on board Thames Luxury Charters’ (TLC) boat the MV Erasmus (pictured above). A Danish and Norwegian word, hygge (pronounced hue-gah), expresses a type of mood – cosyness, conviviality and togetherness. Nick James, CEO of Dish said: “We want to change the […]
App of the week: World Mandalas
Welcome back to our weekly spotlight on helpful apps. We focus on a variety of products that are useful for work, personal use, or both, providing our own thoughts on the apps and what you can do with them. This week we colour for mindfulness and stress relief with World Mandalas. An intro to World Mandalas […]
No thanks from British bosses
More than half of bosses are failing to recognise the impact a simple thanks can have on staff retention figures, according to new research. A survey of 1002 workers by One4all Rewards as part of the Rewards Review revealed that 83% of the UK workforce admitted that being regularly thanked by an employer increases the […]
Top 10 stories of the week
It’s hard to believe January is already a thing of the past. Weren’t we all just cosied up at home eating mince pies with the family? Things have been ramping up on our PA Life Training Day, which takes place 25 September at the InterContinental London – The O2. In the short-term, let’s revisit this […]
How to stop multitasking and start unitasking
Business mindfulness expert Dana Zelicha of the Organisational Well Being Agency discusses how to stop multitasking and start unitasking to reduce stress at work Multitasking is a common practice with the many distractions people face throughout the day. The belief that multitasking helps us accomplish everything we have to get done, however, is a myth. […]
Freelancers such as VAs form a cornerstone of the future workplace
According to insight from global talent acquisition and management firm Alexander Mann Solutions, freelancers will perform an inherently fundamental role in the future workplace as greater numbers of millennials continue to enter the workforce. However, few firms are equipped to attract and manage such a workforce. Market insights indicate that there has been a significant […]
First guests check in as Manchester’s CitySuites opens its doors
Manchester’s first ever luxury serviced apartments, CitySuites, opened its doors yesterday, as VIP guests made their first move into the exclusive new accommodation in the heart of the city. Unlike anything else that exists in Manchester, the serviced apartment offering sees the city upping its game as a centre for business and tourism. Headed up […]
Lucy Brazier and Pitman Training call out for PA SuperAchievers to reward
International online awards the SuperAchievers opens for nominations this week, with a new category, ‘Boss of the Year’ in addition to previous awards including ‘PA of the Year’, as the awards enter their fifth year looking to recognise those who strive to achieve while having a positive impact on their colleagues, families and the local […]
8 out of 10 buyers reviewed traveller risk strategy in the last 12 months
More than three quarters (79%) of travel buyers have reviewed their traveller risk strategy in the last 12 months to ensure they provide greater duty of care. The new research results are from a survey commissioned by the Business Travel Show, which quizzed 178 European buyers about their risk management policies. In the last 12 months, fewer […]
20 leading organisations rally behind WeAreTheCity to support 2017 Rising Star Awards
Nominations are now open for the WeAreTheCity Rising Star Awards 2017, recognising the UK’s female talent pipeline below management level. For the third year running, these highly successful awards will celebrate 100 individual female contributors who represent the leaders and role models of tomorrow. These individuals will join an alumni of 200 previous winners from […]
Majority of UK employers in the dark about how to handle gender pay gap reporting regulations
Few UK employers are prepared to handle the requirements of the new gender pay gap reporting regulations coming into force in April this year, according to a new survey from XpertHR. The regulations will require all employers with 250 or more employees to measure and report their gender pay gaps for the first time. XpertHR […]
Stress and financial pressures of self-employment taking toll on families
The financial stresses and pressures of self-employment are taking their toll on family life, according to the latest report from Scottish Widows’ think tank the Centre for the Modern Family. Findings of ‘Self-employment and the Family’ show that one in five relatives of a self-employed worker (20%) report increased stress levels in their household due […]
Join the PA Life Club today for a chance to win a Valentine’s package at Karen Hardy Studios
The PA Life Club offers members a wealth of benefits, one of which is exclusive competitions with fantastic prizes. This month, Karen Hardy Studios is offering members the chance to win a Gold Valentine’s package for two people. The Karen Hardy Studios’ Gold Gift Experience is the ultimate in luxury dance tuition. This gift offers […]
LinkedIn, Stanford and Spire study finds health trackers significantly reduce stress and boost performance in the workplace
The LinkedIn Corporation and Stanford University’s Mind & Body Lab, together with Spire, the world’s first wearable device to track breathing patterns, has unveiled the results of the first and only known study of wearable technology and health trackers in a corporate setting for stress management. The results of the 30-day study were compelling, showing that […]

















