The latest Exeter PA Network seminar has proved to be a success for the group, with more than 60 management assistants attending the event at the Mercure Southgate Hotel in Exeter. The seminar was styled as a celebratory event aimed at raising awareness among the regional PA community of the various awards that are open to […]

If you pride yourself on having a deep, gravelly voice and imagine that this will help you be taken more seriously in the workplace, then you may need to think again. New research has shown that women who have a low-pitched, creaky tone of voice are considered both less competent and less educated, plus less […]

Monaco’s impressive tourism credentials easily wow even the best-travelled visitor, as PA Life Editor Colette Doyle discovers. Built on a hill with a palace perched on top, and home to a romantic love story involving Hollywood royalty and a dashing prince, Monaco is a real-life fairytale destination. The principality may be small in size, but […]

Malaysia’s capital is full of life, sights and cultural experiences. PA Life Editor Colette Doyle is your guide. Kuala Lumpur is a cosmopolitan melting pot, bringing to life the tourism authority’s catchy slogan, “Malaysia, truly Asia” and effortlessly blending influences from indigenous Malay, Indian and Chinese culture to spectacular effect. It is also the world’s […]

Nelson Mandela’s personal assistant has exposed the power struggles that went on within his family over the last few years of the much-respected South African leader’s life. In her memoir, Good Morning, Mr Mandela, Zelda La Grange points the finger at his oldest daughter, Makaziwe, who apparently attempted to stop some of his old friends […]

Stanbrook Abbey in Worcester was the home of a group of Benedictine nuns until 2009, when they moved to North Yorkshire in favour of a more eco-friendly building, writes Molly Dyson. Their relocation has benefited the events sector, as the property was purchased by Amazing Venues and turned into a truly unique setting for meetings […]

With a record hot summer forecast for the British capital, an increasing number of companies are choosing to hold their event outdoors this season. Event management agency Office Summer has noted a 15% rise in summer party enquiries for the London area so far this year. “Summer is the time for team-building and refreshing your […]

As an event organiser, you are sure to follow online marketing trends closely. But there are some important questions you have to ask yourself. How do you translate trends into strong communication that will impress your audience? Do you often run out of time and budget to devise unique triggers that will ensure that emails […]

New research by Leeds Metropolitan University reveals a distinct and direct correlation between poorly equipped desks and musculoskeletal disorders, which can lead to serious longer term conditions such as mental health problems. A recent study highlighted that more than 80% of employees reported suffering from ailments as a direct result of not sitting correctly while […]

Overall optimism among admin support workers in the US increased during the first three months of this year, rising nearly 4% to 51.3% compared with the previous quarter. Nearly a quarter (22%) of all employees believe that the US economy is strengthening, versus just 17% who felt the same last December. Almost three-quarters of admin professionals […]

There’s good news for administrative professionals, with research showing that secretarial and support vacancies increased by 25% between the first three months of 2013 and the start of this year. The rise in jobs was most noticeable in the Midlands and London, but numbers are up across the whole of the UK. The results were […]

Brasserie Chavot 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 rich, red glow of the leather upholstered seating are all perfectly in keeping with its swanky Mayfair location as part of The Westbury hotel.   My […]

If you’re looking for something off the beaten track, Pantry at 108, located at The Marylebone Hotel, offers a quintessential English setting, writes Molly Dyson. The fresh interior design, with its light grey and white walls, wooden floors and plush red sofas, immediately puts me in the mood for the healthy, gluten-free afternoon tea we’re about […]

First up inside this edition’s overview of management assistants hitting the headlines is the PA who worked for premier league CEO Richard Scudamore. Former law student Rani Abraham has told UK media sources that she felt “humiliated and disgusted” by the messages exchanged between Scudamore and his associates. The emails allegedly made derogatory comments about women, […]

Participants at this year’s two-day EXECSec Summit have spoken to media partner PA Life about how useful they found the event. Mandy Brown from DHL International describes the set-up of pre-arranged appointments with suppliers as “much better [than the traditional trade show approach], as you’re not just milling around.   “It also avoids getting into an […]

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Indian food is a traditional curry with a side of pilau rice, writes Molly Dyson. Atul Kochar has forever changed the definition of one of my favourite cuisines with his signature dishes at Benares in Mayfair (pictured). Set in the quiet luxury of Berkeley […]

The PA Life Club has literally scores of fantastic promotions lined up with leading high street retailers, restaurateurs and other household name suppliers. Plus, you get 50% off the new PA Life training courses, invitations to select networking events and monthly competitions with great prizes. Now it’s your chance to win annual membership to the […]

There’s good news for administrative professionals, with research showing that secretarial and support vacancies increased by 25% between the first three months of 2013 and the start of this year. The rise in jobs was most noticeable in the Midlands and London, but numbers are up across the whole of the UK. The results were […]