The Language of Flowers – Vanessa Diffenbaugh (Random House, £6.99) This novel is based around the romantic Victorian language of flowers – the symbolic meanings people placed on specific plants to convey emotion to loved ones. It’s a beautiful story about Victoria, a girl given into care, and the profound difference a foster mother made […]

We are pleased to announce that the winner of a private cookery class for 10 people at Jenius Social (pictured) is Alycia Hatt from Macquarie Capital. She is joined by Alison Mawdsley, who will enjoy a one-night stay at the new Tommyfield Hotel Rooms in Kennington. Meanwhile, Fiona Forbes from the University of the Highlands […]

Office workers across the UK will be familiar with the age-old dilemma of objects going missing from their desks. New research reveals that the occurrence is widespread and costs businesses a great deal of money. It also highlights some of the more unusual items to be stolen from companies. The study was commissioned by stationery […]

The City of London is known for its swanky restaurants and cocktail bars that cater for resident high-class bankers and business people, but it’s also home to some of the capital’s most interesting niche eateries. La Tagliata is tucked away on a quiet side road away from the buzzing atmosphere of Liverpool Street and is […]

According to leading biology experts, it’s time to introduce a few live plants around the office, as employees can reap numerous benefits from maintaining an affinity to nature. In addition to improved health, a bit of greenery can also increase staff productivity. The research, which was gathered from various biology practitioners around the world by […]

Appropriate catering is one of the most important factors that generates value for an event and leads delegates to feel satisfied about their time spent away from the office. However, it’s not all good news, as food actually appears to be a bone of contention between delegates and organisers. According to the Value of Satisfaction […]

Japanese restaurants can be intimidating, aloof places with arcane menus and stratospheric prices. Benihana offers a different experience, combining delicious and accessible dining with realistic pricing in a fun and friendly atmosphere, writes Colette Doyle. The space at the Piccadilly branch is capacious yet welcoming, filled with a buzzy vibe. The set-up is quite theatrical, […]

After the outcome of the recent referendum on independence, Scotland remains part of the UK but is still different in many ways – the country has its own parliament, laws, education system and language. At the Hilton Glasgow City Centre the Morblas restaurant takes its name from the indigenous Gaelic and translates as “great taste”, […]

With the number of over-65s still working in the UK having reached the one million mark for the first time ever, it looks like an increasing number of us will be clocking in for the foreseeable future. Here then are a few pointers to ensure that the baby boomer generation continues to make a meaningful […]

Organising events takes up one day a week of the average PA’s time. The events in question could be anything from a training session, company away day, conference or other off-site meeting. This is one of the principal findings of an in-depth survey of a broad cross-section of the PA community conducted by PA Life […]

Personal assistants across the world have once again been hitting the headlines, so we take our regular look at what exactly they’ve been up to. First up is the sad tale of comedy actor Robin Williams’s suicide; once again, as is the case in many of these sorry happenings, the person to find the body […]

Whether you’re starting a new job or looking to step up and impress your boss, there is a certain set of skills every successful PA should have. If you want to achieve success in your role, have a look at this essential list and find out which areas to focus on improving. Leadership You may […]

Brasserie Chavot (pictured) exudes an air of Gallic sophistication from the get-go, writes Colette Doyle. The dark wooden panelling, subdued lighting supplied by an array of crystal chandeliers and the leather upholstered seating are all perfectly in keeping with its swanky Mayfair location as part of The Westbury hotel. My dining companion and I start […]

The gender divide has always been a hot topic in the corporate world. While things may be changing on the equality front, research shows that more than half of UK employees still feel that men make the best bosses. The survey, conducted by social media-based recruitment specialist Staffbay, reveals that 56% of those questioned said […]

The menu at the rooftop bar at this Meliá Hotels property says it all: Tapas con vistas, which translates as “tapas with views” and what views they are to be sure, taking in such iconic sights as Tower Bridge, St Paul’s and the Houses of Parliament, writes Colette Doyle. The property – a member of […]

The Rosewood takes plush to a whole new level, writes Colette Doyle. If the understated luxury of the hotel’s suites isn’t swish enough for you, then the fact they all have their own butler is sure to impress even the most jaded jet-setter. Tasteful, neutral furnishings are the order of the day here and the […]

According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, 2013 saw the most sustained and severe decrease in wages since World War II. With experts reporting that the UK’s economy is beginning to improve, now is the time to ask for a pay rise. Here are some points to keep in mind to ensure your […]

Half of all employers in the UK believe skills shortages will affect their ability to recruit the right administrative support staff. A further fifth are uncertain about how such shortages may affect their business operations, according to a survey carried out by recruitment firm Robert Walters. The shortages highlighted in the study refer to skills […]