The demand for higher-level skills in British industry is set to grow in the years ahead, with sectors central to future growth, including manufacturing and construction, particularly hard-pressed. That?s according to this year?s CBI/Pearson Education and Skills survey published today.   The survey of 310 companies, which together employ over one million people, underlines the […]

Every company needs to have rules – a set of guidelines to adhere to. Problems arise however, when the office rulebook is continuously added to by the powers that be, and pernickety points that don?t necessarily need to be implemented, are. Dr. Travel Bradberry, co-author of Emotional Intelligence, highlights the 6 main rules that irritate employees […]

As an employer, if you?ve made the decision to hire a personal assistant – the easy part is over. The hard part comes during the interview process — how do you narrow down your search to find the perfect candidate? As the second part of our PA recruitment double-header, here are eight must-ask interview questions. […]

Today?s top-flying personal and executive assistants are no longer glorified secretaries, they are managing big budgets and making key business decisions. In the first instalment of our PA recruitment two-parter, whether you?re just starting your job search or keen to advance your career, here are things you should keep in mind when looking for your […]

Former AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd was sentenced to eight months of home detention in New Zealand on Thursday after pleading guilty to threatening to kill his personal assistant and to possessing drugs. The court was told how the 61-year-old Australian rock star phoned the former employee last year and said, “I?m going to come over […]

Research revealed by Loughborough University and its conference and events wing imago has clearly demonstrated that the meetings industry has a long-term place in the commercial world. The research, which was conducted in conjunction with The Right Solution, measures the value of face-to-face communication amongst a sample of more than 750 event organisers, delegates, graduate […]

Six out of 10 (59.95%) UK office workers suffer from homesickness when working away from home, new national research has revealed. More than 10% of those surveyed say they?ve missed home so much it made them want to change jobs. The research conducted by hotel booking specialist LateRooms.com reveals some mixed feelings from employees when […]

There is nothing worse than a chronic latecomer to work meetings. It is frustrating and a waste of everyone?s time. But what if that latecomer is your boss? Wall Street Journal?s Sue Shellenbarger has some advice for dealing with tardy bosses. Most offices have at least one?the manager or executive who is chronically late for […]

The PA Hub, a Yorkshire-based membership network for PAs across the region, recently held its first-ever PA of the Year awards dinner last week at the Pavilion, home of Leeds United. More than 250 guests, including legendary football players and Emmerdale cast members, gathered for the inaugural black-tie dinner, which recognised top management assistants across […]

It has been said many times that behind every great leader is an even better assistant. As those in the business world know, there are certain skills needed to make a good PA. Here, Wales PA of the Year 2014 and Founder of the Cardiff PA Network Catrin Morgan outlines the top qualities assistants need […]

If you book train travel alongside other travel and accommodation costs, are you happy that you already have a good overview of journeys taken and total costs? Or do you need to create a travel policy to give you a better picture? For accommodation and flights, it?s much easier to mandate the use of certain […]

The recent horrendous attacks in Tunisia have left many PA?s questioning which areas are now safe to organise events. There are many countries that advocate laws not aligned with our own. Yet, when it comes to arranging events, we often consider these countries as desirable places to visit. There are many event destinations that go […]

Despite the fact that the use of digital communication is growing faster in businesses than among consumers, around one in three organisations has no-one responsible for governing the content of instant messaging (39%), mobile (32%), social media (28%) and cloud-sharing content (33%), according to a new study sponsored by storage and information management firm, Iron […]

Research conducted among employees reveals 70% of office workers want their employer to support them in taking regular breaks for the sake of their health. 79% of the UK?s workforce most in agreement with this are aged 18-34, according to a study conducted by YouGov on behalf of Power Plate FitStop, from Performance Health Systems (PHS). […]

Workers aged over 50 are routinely being overlooked for promotion despite possessing the essential knowledge and experience needed to fill the ever-growing leadership skills gap in the UK, according to a new released today by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM). ?Untapped talent: Can over 50s bridge the leadership skills gap??, which has drawn […]

Women planning to retire in 2015 are preparing themselves to live on an income 25% lower than their male counterparts, according to new research from Prudential. The insurer?s annual ?Class of? research, which tracks the future financial plans and aspirations of people planning to retire in the year ahead, is now into its eighth year […]

Nearly a third of workers have admitted using drugs at work and nearly 90% of employees say they?ve been drunk when they were on duty, incredible figures from a survey carried out for a national health and safety law consultancy have revealed. According to Protecting.co.uk, the ?lunchtime drinking session? has never gone away, costing UK […]

PA Life is pleased to announce the arrival of its new editor, Amelia Walker. Amelia joins the team at an exciting time of growth and development for the brand, including the introduction of new publisher Katy Phillips. Amelia?s previous experience includes five years at FMS, a specialist contract publisher for luxury brands. Her role involved […]