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 […]

Breast Cancer Care is encouraging everyone across the UK to dress in pink on any Friday in October to raise vital funds for women with breast cancer. One in every eight women will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime and the money will provide specialist nurses and support to those affected. You can […]

Gone are the days of using paper sticky notes to write temporary reminders. The new PyraMID whiteboard offers a reusable surface for jottings things down and can also serve as a desk caddy for storing small items. The small, pyramid-shaped board features four sides to write on and its hollow interior means you can stash […]

We are pleased to announce that the winner of dinner at the Manager’s Table at the Rainforest Café London (pictured) is Lisa Herbert from EDF Energy. Meanwhile, Laura Houghton, a PA at Caledonia Investments is the lucky recipient of a stag design silk scarf from Holland & Holland. Laura Mitchell from Selex ES will enjoy […]

PAs in the US are putting the ‘business’ into show business and have signed up to take part in a reality TV programme where former Brady Brunch star Barry Williams and Saturday Night Live regular Joe Piscopo will swap personal assistants rather than spouses in the American version of Celebrity Wife Swap. Joe lives near […]

New research reveals that UK employees would give up a higher salary if it meant they could work for a firm that regularly thanks its staff for their efforts. Meanwhile, 71 per cent of those surveyed would prefer to work for a company that offers an effective rewards package rather than take a job with […]

Virgin boss and Britain’s best-known entrepreneur Richard Branson has emphasised the importance of motivating your team at work by having fun with them in order to make a business venture more successful. “If your staff are having fun and genuinely care about other people, they will enjoy their work more and do a better job,” notes […]

The Institute of Administrative Management has been re-launched and is now accepting membership applications. Following its closure at the end of 2013, the organisation has been purchased by educational awarding body Industry Qualifications. Members of the IAM have access to a list of benefits that will continue to grow as the year progresses, including the […]

Blacklane is a new chauffeur-booking portal that is available in a variety of convenient platforms. It was launched in the UK earlier this year and offers service to customers in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Bookings for Blacklane’s chauffeur-driven cars can be made through its app, on the website, or via […]

With a recent survey by the union Unison revealing that a third of women claim to have been bullied at work and the Chartered Management Institute reporting that bullying costs the UK £13.8 billion a year, we bring you some tips on how to react if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation. Firstly, pay […]

CityHawk offers a new approach to restaurant booking, giving PAs the power to spontaneously discover and reserve a table at London’s best restaurants with three taps on a smartphone. Launching in the capital, the app presents a shortlist of hand-picked nearby restaurants, from well-known favourites to hidden gems, all with real-time availability. CityHawk learns from […]

The head of a virtual assistant agency has spoken out about the most common mistakes that executives make when interacting with their EAs. Failing to delegate properly is the number one error, with managers getting too caught up in admin tasks, such as scheduling meetings or processing invoices, which should more properly be left to […]