PA Life October 2017

LO A CA SPE CA ND PI CI L O TA AL L L’S FO IN N PA C G! CO US O M N M T UN HE IT Y

DECLAN HALTONWOODWARD PRIVATE INDIVIDUAL PA OF THE YEAR IS OUR SPECIAL GUEST EDITOR

KATIE FOSTER LONDON PA OF THE YEAR 2017 IS THE SUBJECT OF OUR PA PROFILE

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EDITOR’S LETTER It’s a great honour for me to be writing this letter. PA Life has asked me to serve as Guest Editor for this issue, which is a first. This magazine has played a huge role in my career to date, so this is a highlight for me. I do hope you enjoy…

We have a focus on London in this issue, not least because the spotlight is on the PA community in London right now. This summer saw the London PA Awards return – and we have an interview with the London PA of the Year Katie Foster on page 13. I had the pleasure of being ‘papped’ with Katie for this issue’s cover and we spent a lot of time laughing and discussing our passion for the industry.

Another award-winning assistant, Amy Marsden, gives some great advice on finding work in the Capital on page 19, and in keeping with the theme, Sally Russell talks about how to make the most of London - something those of us who live in the city forget to do. She speaks from experience, having been born and bred here, and now working for the Mayor. Turn to page 20 to read her thoughts on enjoying London during and outside of office hours.

Adam Fidler requires no introduction and in this issue discusses why we should all embrace networking. I’ve also offered a piece about our egos and why they should be left at home, on page 11.

Thankfully more and more people and organisations are recognising the role mental health plays in the workplace. However, a saddening statistic is that 44% of us still don’t feel comfortable discussing our psychological wellbeing in the office. PA Life’s Toby Cruse is joined by a group of PAs and specialists to discuss mental health in the workplace. A great read on page 40.

Many of us have to think about it all the time, and some only at this time of year – whichever camp you sit in, turn to page 27 for all you need to know about new and innovative Corporate Gifting ideas.

So whether you’re on your lunchbreak, the tube ride home or maybe doing some bedtime reading, enjoy all this issue has to offer…

And we’re all heading to London next month for the London PA Summit. If you need to find out more about it, turn to page 47. It’s free for you to attend, so I hope to see you all there!

Declan Halton-Woodward EA to the CEO at Heartwood/Handelsbanken Wealth & London PA Award Winner

The UK’s award-winning title for personal and executive assistants Forum Events Media Forum House 71 Mead Lane Hertford, Hertfordshire SG13 7AX Website: palife.co.uk Twitter: @palifemag E: editorial@palife.co.uk

EDITORIAL Editor: Jade Burke Junior Content Writer: Toby Cruse COMMERCIAL Media Sales Manager: Charlotte Russell E: charlotte.russell@ palife.co.uk Tel: 01992 374080

MANAGEMENT Publisher Katy Phillips Managing Director Sarah Beall

All material in the publication is covered by copyright. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form – electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise – whole or in part, without written permission of the publisher © 2017 Forum Events Media Ltd. While considerable care has been taken in the production of this issue, no responsibility can be accepted for any errors or omissions. No responsibility can be accepted for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, artwork or equipment. All correspondence is assumed to be for publication unless clearly stated otherwise.

DESIGN 155Creative Printed by The Manson Group

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CONTRIBUTORS

Declan Halton-Woodward Declan is a multi-award winning EA, most recently having won the Private Individual PA of the Year at the London PA Awards. He is EA to the CEO at Handelsbanken Wealth Management. Declan has a keen interest in the profession, particularly in relation to driving up standards and addressing the gender imbalance. linkedin.com/in/dhaltonwoodward

Adam Fidler Adam is an EA Trainer and Consultant who offers teaching and self-development of PAs and EAs. His popular two-day Executive PA course runs regularly in London through Pitman Training and in South Africa through CBM Training. Adam gained his broad corporate experience as a PA/EA in a variety of bluechip organisations. Twitter: @AdamFidler

Amy Marsden Amy is the EA to the CEO of WorldRemit and SecsintheCity’s PA of the Year 2016. She is a proud PA with over 10 years’ experience. Priding herself on bringing the impossible to life, she’s travelled from Wigan to Manchester to London through her career, embracing each step.

Twitter: @MissAmyMars

Sally Russell Sally is a born and bred Londoner, currently working for the Mayor of London. Previous roles have included the Red Cross, General Medical Council and Angel Trains. She ‘networks like a Ninja’ and is a member of many PA clubs. Interests include cats, theatre and spicy rum. Sally mentors young people at the GLA, working with them to achieve their goals. linkedin.com/in/sally-russell-7aa65915

Richard Knott Richard is a Project Engineer for Shure Distribution, a leading distributor of AV products and solutions.

Since 1925 the company has been renowned for its microphones and is now at the forefront of the convergence of audio, video and IT, delivering innovative technology to businesses, as well as for the stars of stage and festivals. shure.co.uk

Orlaith O’Brien Orlaith has worked as an Office Manager, PA and EA for more than a decade. In her current role at Liquidnet, she is an EA to several executives, including the company’s CFO, the Head of Strategy & Marketing and the Head of Legal & Compliance. During her career she has worked in several industries, including publishing, digital advertising and finance. @OrlaithOB1

Francisca Kozijn Francisca is an operations manager who started work in administration straight after high school in the Netherlands, before moving to London 20 years ago. She recently obtained her degree in business management through the Open University and is an advocate of self-improvement.

Twitter: @FranciscaKozijn

Dalya Perry-Bernstein Dalya is an award-winning EA. She holds a Certificate in First Line Management and a Diploma in Personal Assistance. In 2013 she won first runner-up in the Executive PA of the Year Awards and in 2014 the Pitman Training Super Achievers PA of the Year award.

Dalya is also a proud EPAA National Board Member.

Twitter: @DalyaPA

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CONTENTS

PA LIFE - OCTOBER 2017

42 A Moving Story How to tackle an office move or refurbishment with (relative) ease

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34

PA Profile Katie Foster, PA at Turner & Townsend discusses winning the prestigious London PA of the Year Award 2017

London Calling Take advantage of what the Capital has to offer with this supplier guide

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40

Corporate Gifting It’s that time of the year! Forget the lastminute bottles of Scotch, PA Life rounds up some of the more original gifts available this festive season

Roundtable PAs and specialists sit down to discuss the still-tricky subject of mental health in the workplace

47 The London PA Summit Why you should be attending this one-day event next month

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FACE THE FACTS

Face the Facts Latest insight into the issues facing office support workers across the UK

Got a job interview coming up? Check your Facebook feed…

New research has revealed that 74 per cent of employers will check job candidates’ social media as part of their interview preparation.

However, according to the report from recruitment site TotalJobs, only a third (36 per cent) of candidate expect their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram feeds to be screened, underlining the gap between the expectations and experiences of candidates and interviewers.

The research also found that 70 per cent of employers spend less than an hour preparing for an interview. In contrast, the study showed that over one in three (34

cent said researching the industry and 67 per cent) candidates spend over three per cent said thinking of potential hours preparing for each interview. In spite questions they’ll be asked and how of this, one in five (22 per cent) they’ll respond. Some 49 per cent candidates believe that they said re-reading their CV and 48 should spend more time per cent said figuring out their preparing for an interview. journey to the interview. 20 Employers seem to per cent said candidates agree with 88 per cent of employers will should spend more time saying that candidates check job candidates’ choosing their outfit. should spend more time social media This being the case, researching the company, 81 positively 38 per cent of per cent said candidates should employers said that, on average, spend more time thinking of interviewees are more prepared now questions to ask the employer, 75 per cent than they were five years ago. said re-reading the job description, 71 per

74%

NOVEMBER 7TH If you haven’t registered to attend the London PA Summit, do it now! It takes place on Monday November 7th at the Hippodrome London and it’s entirely free to attend. Meet new suppliers, attend inspiring seminars and network with like-minded PAs and EAs. Find out more at palife.co.uk/london-pa-summit/ 12 DAYS Apparently, that’s how long the average health kick lasts. Healthspan’s report reveals that, despite starting with good intentions of eating healthier food, exercising more often and cutting back on alcohol and smoking, the average adult will be back to their usual ways before two weeks has passed. And most people’s yo-yo health pattern is repeated four times

HALF OF BRITISH OFFICES ARE NOT FIT FOR PURPOSE That’s the time you’re most likely to buy a dress online, according to the latest Trends Report from John Lewis. And 3am is apparently when Chanel lipsticks sell well (always seems like a good idea after a night out, right?).

Elsewhere, the report revealed that sales of spiralizers are falling, with searches dropping by 53 per cent and actual sales down by 40 per cent.

Avocados and eggs are in though, with a

HOLD ON TO YOUR PURSES! Going out after work? Spilt tuna mayo down your dress. ASOS has just launched a same-day delivery service, ASOS Instant. Could be dangerous…

A study of 250,000 employees across 2,200 workplaces in 67 countries has revealed that 43 per cent of employees don’t feel that their workplace enables them to work productively. In the UK, that figure jumps to 46 per cent. Based on ONS employment figures, for over 1.3 million UK workers, the office is simply not ‘good enough’. The report comes from Leesman, a leading assessor of workplace effectiveness.

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FACE THE FACTS

Are your male colleagues being offered more training?

Businesses are nearly 20% more likely to send men than women on work-related training programmes compared to women, according to new findings.

A study by the Knowledge Academy has revealed that women across Britain and Europe appear to be neglected in favour of male workers. The study compiled data from several institutions, including the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE).

Around 80% of men were offered workplace training in a study that investigated 32 European Countries, while just 60% of women were offered training by their employers.

On top of this, men were also more likely to receive a pay rise because of their training. Taking part in work training led to employees being 54% more likely to find themselves with a promotion or new job offer within five years, yet women are seemingly not getting the same opportunities.

When women are given training, the research discovered that they weren’t always getting the same training as men, with women more regularly offered courses on equality, diversity and health and safety while men were likely to get the opportunity to develop leadership and management skills.

Comparatively, Britain ranks low among European countries with Turkey, Switzerland and Italy being the worst offenders. However, there was just one European country where women were offered more training opportunities than men, Lithuania, where they were 1.3% more likely.

“The differences we have found between training provision for men and women reflect wider issues within the workplace when it comes to gender inequality,” explained Dr Fiona Aldridge, Assistant Director for

If you’re starting a new job, invest in some Spanx The average employee puts on just under half a stone in their first year after changing roles, according to a new study.

One fifth blame their colleagues for their expanding waistlines, while one in 10 claim the boss is responsible. Six in ten admit their sedentary lifestyle – sitting at a desk for eight hours a day – has contributed to their weight gain. More than half said they find it impossible to resist biscuits, sweets and cakes brought in by colleagues. And one in six said the only way they would have any success with a new diet would be if fellow workers joined them on their health quest.

While 17 per cent of people polled say

working near to a fast food restaurant doesn’t help their bid to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

And six in 10 find it impossible to resist naughty food when they’re being offered around the office.

“Office lifestyles can be tough on our waistlines,” said Dr Emma Derbyshire for Seasonal Berries, who carried out the study.

“Drinking water, keeping a daily log of foods and drinks eaten and having some healthy snacks to hand such as vegetable sticks, nuts or berries can all help.

“Whether in schools, parties or in the office when bringing in treats we shouldn’t

TOP 10 REASONS FOR WEIGHT GAIN AT WORK 1. Sitting at the desk for a long time 2. Stress / having a busy day at work 3. Boredom 4. Feeling tired 5. Being too tired to exercise 6. Too many offers of free cake and biscuits from colleagues 7. Not having time to exercise 8. Bad weather outside 9. Long hours resulting in late or unusual meal times 10. Always buying lunch for work instead of homemade lunches

29%

Some 29% of PA Life readers prefer a venue with Michelin stars #posh

Flexible working hours and an understanding boss That’s what ‘back to work’ mothers are looking for in a job, according to a survey by online training specialist New Skills Academy.

Salary and benefits remain important, according to the report, but mothers returning to work after having children are looking for jobs that suit their busy lives as parents.

The survey showed that 93% of mothers had returned to work, or were planning to. 75% have returned to the same job or profession – but a whopping 82% are now considering changing their

45%

careers and 73% are considering retraining. want a job A significant factor with more flexible in the decision to hours switch professions is childcare – and wanting to spend more time with children.

The survey showed that 45% want a job with more flexible hours and 34% want a job with shorter working hours.

Meanwhile 98% said that an understanding boss who recognised the need to take time off for school events, or poorly children is important or very

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ADVICE

The Power of

Networking Attending events, associations and networks may seem daunting, but it’s the best way to progress your career, says Adam Fidler

[BIO] ADAM FIDLER Adam is an EA Trainer and Consultant who offers teaching and self-development of PAs and EAs. Find out more at executiveassistant.org

You may feel that networking, especially for PAs, is overrated. And, I’d probably agree. My mind goes back to 2009, when I first started networking at PA events, regional and national, and putting myself out there because ‘networking’ was the new big thing, I was told; that all PAs should be doing.

Since then, we now have more PA events, associations and networks in the UK than ever before. In fact, wherever you live in the UK, you’re likely to be able to access a PA network quite easily.

Many large organisations, under the leadership of a proactive PA, have developed their own internal networks, or hold regular ‘lunch and learn’ sessions, where PAs get together to share ideas and best practice.

Whether the network is formal, or informal, internal or external, there is still huge value to you being part of it and taking the time to meet new people and collaborate. Networking for me isn’t so much about ‘getting something out of it’ in that I take my business cards, and expect to swap them, with a ‘you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours’ mentality. Nor is it about ticking a box to say ‘I’ve attended x number of events this year for my CPD’. That makes networking meaningless, and a ‘process’! Networking should, in my view, build confidence in those who take part. You see,

when you start to mix with a group of people you may not know very well, when you have to approach them and introduce yourself, and when you enter a room and make yourself known, you actually develop three key traits that are essential to the Executive PA. Those traits are: self-regard, self-awareness and self-confidence. Sitting at your desk all day, or even talking to people you’ve always worked with, just doesn’t stretch you in the same way as when you start to network, and have to respond to questions such as: ‘What do you do?’ and ‘Where do you work?’. In those situations, you have to be visible, articulate your role confidently, but above all speak proudly of who you are and what you stand for.

If that all sounds daunting, start small – perhaps by attending a networking event with a group of colleagues, but do remember to move from your clique and break free to meet new faces. Think about what you’re attending for, and be selective as to which networks you turn up to.

Above all, networking gave me more confidence – and self-belief. It opens your mind to new ideas, and a higher vision and purpose for yourself. You never know who you might meet, and what opportunities may arise from networking. So, don’t hesitate – get yourself out there!

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OPINION

Leave your ego at the door Our guest editor Declan Halton-Woodward discusses why egos are not welcome within the PA’s workplace…

Let’s talk about our egos defined as ‘a person’s sense of self-esteem or self-importance’.

What I want to touch on is the self-importance part.

Whilst it is crucial that we all feel a sense of self-worth, and fulfilment in our jobs, when this evolves into a sense of self-importance, we hit a whole host of problems.

I think (hope) most of us want to improve this profession, and we are very good at talking, improving and reaffirming our own views within the industry. But I am not sure that always translates outwards - to those not in the industry - and these people are our future managers, HR departments, colleagues, and clients, to name a few. They all have a stake in our future and the future of our industry – we need perceptions of our role to change from the outside. This is why it infuriates me when I see good assistants potentially ruin huge amounts of progress by letting their own ego, or sense of self-importance, get in the way of this.

This manifests itself in a variety of ways, some of which include using your executive’s diary as some sort of power-play; refusing to or being purposefully difficult when booking in time with people; using the information you are privy to as currency in the office; and saying or doing things that you really shouldn’t because you know you won’t be questioned.

These acts serve no other purpose than to inflate your own ego. I have actually come across very senior

figures in our industry joyfully explaining how they do these things to get their own back on staff they felt have treated them poorly. These are people who are meant to be ‘leading’ the industry and who we are meant to look up to!

I was extremely proud to have won two awards at the London PA Awards. However, this amazing event – which is held to reward assistants for their hard work and efforts throughout the year – has been manipulated by some, in my opinion. I had a few conversations with other award-winning assistants who had made it seem like I was only now able to talk to them, and be ‘on their level’ and come to events they were hosting because I had won an award. That’s not what these awards are about. They don’t make you a better assistant and shouldn’t be used as some benchmark – but rather as a celebration of all of our collective talents.

Being an assistant means putting someone else’s needs ahead of your own, every day, every time. This can sometimes take a toll on you but if you can’t do that, don’t be an assistant. Doing these things only gives a negative impression of our profession; not only do we represent our execs when we deal with people, but we also represent our profession. People form opinions of all of us based on their interactions with you, let’s start remembering that and act accordingly.

Most of us work for senior executives – they have big enough egos as it is. Let’s not also bring our own into that equation.

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PA PROFILE

KATIE FOSTER Katie Foster, PA to a Global MD at Turner & Townsend, this summer walked away from the London PA Awards with the biggest award of the evening. Here she talks to PA Life about starting out as a PA, her typical day (there isn’t one), how she deals with the pressures of her job and, of course, being named London PA of the Year...

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PA PROFILE

“There is no such thing as a typical day for me. My boss and his plans can change like the wind. Meetings and top priorities can change in one phone call which means my day changes too. And I am as busy when he is out of the office as when he is here. His workload never decreases - so mine doesn’t either.”

Words: Katy Phillips Photography: Dave Willis Location: The Hippodrome Casino, London ………………………………………………………………………………………………….….….….…......

What made you decide to become a PA? The job roles I have taken on since leaving university and even prior to this, all had an underpinning element of organising; business operations; being that ‘go to’ person. Being a PA in many respects comes naturally to me. It fits with my personality but at the same time, it is also a great challenge. I’m a very organised person (inside of work anyway!).

Outside though, I am actually a lot more laid back which I think a lot of people are surprised at. I like getting stuff done but I definitely do not operate with the same vigour because there’s just no need! I don’t like putting things off though. If I’ve got a task to do – I just want to get on with it, and move onto the next thing. I think this is what makes me efficient at work.

It’s just built in to my mechanism. The role of a PA is dynamic and no day is the same. I love working in a busy, fast-paced and ever changing environment, so for me this role is the perfect fit.

How did you come across your first PA role?

It found me really! I fell into a role in a small firm, ending up on the operations side of the business. It was there that I found my feet. It was a mixed bag, supporting and working alongside senior management and directors. Client relations were a key part of the role too. We would have up to 40 clients all in the building at the same time, as well as staff – so you’d be working with and for everyone. They could drop into the office and say they weren’t happy with something that was happening, or their hotel, and you’d have to drop absolutely everything you were doing to accommodate; always with a smile and looking unflappable. There were a lot of spinning plates involved. I learnt a lot!

I can see you took a year out to travel. Do you think the experience has changed your personality or outlook on life in any respect?

It gave me a fresh perspective on life and some time to be away from everything. A lot of people have to just leave a job and find another one without having the chance to think about what they’d really like to go into or the sort of organisation they want to be part of. I was at a crossroads in my career, as I’d had additional responsibilities in my previous role including training and development so I really took some time to ask myself if I wanted to follow that route or focus entirely on PA work. Weighing up all the pros and cons, the PA role would win every time. At the end of the day, I love my job – and it’s so important, if you possibly can, to be in a job that you enjoy.

Can you give us an insight into your typical day?

There isn’t one (laughing!). My boss at Turner & Townsend is a Global MD and his plans can change like the wind. Meetings and top priorities can change in one phone call which means my day changes too. The whole diary is up in the air and I’m again organising last minute trips, and re-arranging meetings with multiple senior (extremely) busy people from different parts of the business or clients anywhere in the world. I am as busy when boss is out of the office, as I am when he is here – his workload never decreases so mine doesn’t either.

How do you handle the pressures?

I think that one of the most important things is to remain calm.

You might be flapping inside but you don’t show it. Go make a cup of tea – even if you don’t drink it. Get away from your desk. Take a lunch break and come back with some fresh perspective. Sometimes, when I can – I run. It helps to break my day up and clear my head. It’s very much about being able to prioritise and manage your time efficiently. You’ve got to tread the line quite carefully and make sure that you are giving yourself a break so you don’t burn yourself out. Exercise for me, has always helped tremendously.

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PA PROFILE

“As a PA you need to be assertive and confident, otherwise you’re going to get walked all over by people. And being organised is obviously a must, otherwise it would all fall apart!

And a lot of the time we are solving problems before anyone would know they even existed.”

What is your favourite thing about your job?

A couple of things stand out for me but the main one is that I always leave the office knowing that I have achieved something. Some days, of course, are incredibly stressful and tiring but I give my all every day and I generally feel that it pays off. Being able to cross stuff off a list is always satisfying! I manage my own workload and I am pretty autonomous, which I like. I have a great working relationship with my boss. His office is right by my desk and it’s an open door policy really. I don’t ever assume or guess when I can ask a question.

Generally though, I just get on with the job. I think personality fit is very important for PAs and their managers – if you don’t get on/deal well with how they work, there’s only so much adapting you can both do. You can’t change your entire personality to fit. It has to work both ways. Many people assume PAs just book a few meetings. We don’t. A good PA plays a central role in business operations – arranging meetings are the icing on the cake!

How do you handle the balance between work and your personal life?

I make very strict rules for myself. When I first started out, I really didn’t know where to draw the line. I was unsure of what was expected of me. I wanted to prove to myself and to those I worked for, that I could do whatever was asked of me. That is not always realistic. As you progress in a role, I think a lot falls into place but you need to know your limits. It’s not possible to do everything and the sooner you are able to accept it and not feel bad for saying ‘no’ to things, the better. That goes for life outside of work too. I’ve got to look after myself in order to do my job well. So although I still want to prove my worth, I know I can do that in a more assertive way and look after my work-life balance because that way, I am more productive and happier in myself.

What qualities/skills do you think are essential in your role?

You need to be assertive and confident otherwise you’re going to get walked all over by people. Being organised is obviously a must otherwise it would all fall apart! A lot of the time, we are solving problems before anyone would even know they existed - we are a little bit like invisible thread. You need to have a ‘can do’ attitude and be enthusiastic about your role. People need to feel like they can approach you – you don’t want a bulldog reputation and yes while you need to gatekeep and be very mindful of your manager’s time – you want to be fair too.

Tell us about your experience winning the London PA of the Year award.

The whole experience has been amazing. I remember receiving the email to say that I had been nominated for the awards in the ‘Creating Time & Efficiency’ category and I was so taken aback that someone had gone out of their way to do that. When I found out I had been shortlisted, I couldn’t believe it. There were two other PAs at Turner & Townsend who had also managed to make it to the shortlist – there were only four people in total on the category shortlist, which was a great achievement for us all, and for the company. We were actually the only company in the awards to have more than one person shortlisted in the same category.

I didn’t expect to win anything at all. After my name was called out as the winner of the ‘Creating Time & Efficiency’ category, I can remember one of my colleagues telling me that I was now in the running for the ‘London PA of the Year’ award.

I was so happy with my category award that I wasn’t even thinking about that at the time.

I remember sitting with the others from my company and they announced the runner-up of the main award. I didn’t think for a second that I would be in with a shot, but then they called my name out as the winner. I can’t explain how I felt. I remember walking up to the stage, streamers floating down from the ceiling and thinking ‘this is incredible’.

I can remember joking with my boss earlier in the week and he’d said “you’ll have to prepare your acceptance speech” and I’d laughed and said there was no way I’d need to do that! I was just so happy to have been shortlisted and to get to go to the event and represent Turner & Townsend. And now I had to give one. My fiancé filmed the speech and – apart from a few nervous twitches and saying thank you about ten times – it went okay. I thanked everyone for their votes, Turner & Townsend, the Hippodrome, sponsors, champions and coordinators of the whole event.

It was a fantastic night and the highlight of my career to date.

The event is so important to the PA industry – to be celebrated and have that recognition for our achievements. We are so often seen as the ones in the background but for those of us who are in a PA position - we know the value that we bring and the work that goes into the role - and so do our managers.

What’s your number one piece of advice for your fellow PAs? Put yourself in your manager’s shoes with every decision that you make.

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HOW TO GUIDES

HOW TO… …get a job in London when you don’t live there Amy Marsden, an award-winning EA and executive assistant to the CEO and Co-Founder of money transfer innovator WorldRemit, gives advice on finding work in the Capital I graduated in 2007 when the recession hit; at the time, my home city of Manchester was far from its current ‘Northern Powerhouse’ state and career opportunities were few. In 2011 I decided to jump-start my career and planned a move to London. Change creates opportunity, and diving into the fastpaced, competitive talent pool of exceptional assistants in the South East is one of the best career decisions I have ever made. But how do you get a job in London when you don’t live there?

If you are a typical assistant you will be proactive in your search, applying for positions before you have even planned physically relocating.

The first step was to update my CV. I also drafted a basic cover letter template, tailoring it to each individual job.

Secondly, I tried to identify what I wanted in terms of progression. What type of role would this be? PA? EA? Events administrator? I then reviewed how I might best secure work in London; searching within the industry I had experience seemed a great start. At the time, I worked for an educational charity

and began by checking the careers pages of University websites. This direct approach is transferable to any sector.

However, do not feel constrained within your sector comfort zone. One of the benefits of London is the variety of vacancies and the fluid nature of the job market. You can sell your unique experience and unusual skill set to an entirely new industry if you’re ambitious.

“Diving into the fast-paced, competitive talent pool of exceptional assistants in the South East is one of the best career decisions I have ever made.”

Another great resource is LinkedIn which has hundreds of vacancies posted daily, allowing you to upload your CV and cover letter with ease.

If you choose to seek advice and tailor your search with the help of experts, another benefit of the London market is the wealth of recruitment agencies you can approach, many of them PA specific.

If you are lucky enough to reach face-to-face interview stage, plan for your trip to London and maximise the time you have there. Try to schedule your interview either side of the day so that you can meet with agencies or factor in other potential invitations. Many companies are also happy to use Skype to conduct their interviews, lessening your costs in travel and hotels.

When you finally receive an offer, you can try to negotiate your start date to account for all that is involved in a move; a good employer will wait a little longer for the right employee. Be sure to reach out to friends and family, or use social media for advice on London living, including finding somewhere to live.

Start by attacking your rental search like your job search; get stuck in!

If you are bold enough to try this in reverse and move to London before securing work, my advice is the same.

Stay authentic, driven, and open minded.

Be confident in your decision and reassured by the millions of people from all over the globe who find amazing work here. Happy job hunting!

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HOW TO GUIDES

HOW TO…

…make the most of the Capital Sally Russell is a born and bred Londoner, currently working for the Mayor of London. Here she gives her thoughts on how to make the most of our great Capital City

In 2016, London was rated top in a study of the world’s greatest cities. Factors included culture, entertainment, infrastructure, health and general happiness.

To paraphrase Paddington Bear ‘In London, everyone is different, and that means anyone can fit in’. It’s one of the most multicultural cities in the world, and, despite a constantly evolving culture and skyline, it still retains its history and traditions.

As a PA, I love the historical buildings; where else could you hold a meeting in an old Victorian bath house, an actual bridge, a London Theatre or an iconic building like the Shard or the Gherkin?

Go to Borough Market, have an early breakfast, and then hold a meeting in the market venue itself. In Brick Lane, you can hold a team awayday in a bowling alley, with drinks in the roof bar followed by an authentic curry in one of the many Indian restaurants.

London has one of the best transport systems in the world. When you need to get your directors to a meeting on the other side of London, our extensive transport system can get them anywhere they need to go. The Thames Clipper has opened up the river to venues and meetings in Canary Wharf and beyond.

“To paraphrase Paddington Bear, ‘In London everyone is different, and that means anyone can fit it’. It’s one of the most multicultural cities in the world.”

For those short hop journeys across London, our wonderful London cabbies have The Knowledge, not only of our streets of London, but most can give you a potted history of where you’re going and recommend places to visit.

As a PA, everything and everyone is a

potential customer. You never know what you might be required to source for the next awayday, seminar or that corporate gift. In London, anything is easily obtainable. I can order deckchairs or shoes taller than me for a themed outdoor event, and arrange goody bags containing just about anything from retro sweets to mobile phone cleaners.

Pop ups, cultural festivals, warehouse parties, comedy nights, boat cruises, rooft bars, antique markets, street food, vintage clothing and jewellery markets - London is the perfect location for us to enjoy our much-needed leisure time.

London offers so many PA clubs so you can extend your network and find those amazing locations the city has to offer. I have a great PA network, we can call on each other for assistance in sourcing the right venue or provider for that ‘different’ request, and I’ve made some great friends amongst my peers.

Network like a Ninja!

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HOW TO GUIDES

HOW TO…

…set up a glitch-free conference call We’ve all sat in on conference calls where the sound quality has been so bad, you could easily have been talking to Davros calling from another galaxy. Richard Knott from audio specialist Shure offers some simple tips to taking the crackle out of conference calling While most companies prefer to meet with clients face-to-face, that isn’t always possible. So frequently, a new client’s first impression of your business is going to be your presence on a conference call. Here are the top five tips for improving the audio quality of your conference call.

Keep the ambient noise level low. Pick a room where you can’t hear what’s happening in the office next door. Make sure there isn’t a fan running or an open window. Flipping through pages, vibrating phones… these things contribute to background sound that can be heard on the other side of the call, making it harder to hear the speaker.

Make sure you have enough mics for everyone. Sharing microphones might be cost-effective, but sound quality decreases for everyone. Placing one microphone between two people means they often end up speaking into the sides, which is not where microphones

are designed to have the best voice capture. Passing microphones back and forth causes delays and allows the microphone to pick up all the rustling noises caused by someone moving around the room.

Speak directly into the microphone.

There is a tendency among people to assume that, as long as they have a microphone in the room, they will be heard. However, microphones designed to capture speech are directional. That means they receive sound best from the front. Speaking into the side means that your voice will be hard to hear.

Know the technology you’re using before you start the conference. There is nothing more embarrassing than starting a conference call only to realise you don’t know how to use your audio equipment. If possible, do a test run with the equipment by conference calling with someone else in your office to make sure you know how to use every

aspect of your audio technology correctly on the real call.

Don’t focus on video and forget about audio. It’s easy to focus on the video and forget about the audio. Sound has always been a part of conference calls, while video, for many, is still fairly new.

Audio quality affects how you are perceived and how well your message is heard. Companies frequently put all of their budget into video technology and don’t leave enough for high quality audio. The problem with that is that, while you can have a conference call without video, as soon as the sound goes out, the conversation ends. If you need to make sure one element of your conference call technology will absolutely work, pick the most essential part, the sound.

Shure is a leading specialist supplier of microphones and audio equipment for rock stars, video stars and office stars.

Head to shure.co.uk

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SPONSORED CONTENT: HISTORIC ROYAL PALACES

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This impressive and versatile space can accommodate up to 400 guests theatre style, providing a spectacular backdrop to any large-scale event.

Once the drinking den of Kings James I, the Undercroft is a dramatic and atmospheric space for meetings or receptions. Favoured by kings, queens and courtiers throughout history as an escape from public life, this unique setting is perfect for intimate dinners or receptions for up to 300 guests.

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HOW THE PA’S ROLE HAS EVOLVED

Tippex & Telex How much has the role of the Secretary and PA changed in the last few decades?

How did women (and they were almost exclusively women) manage without the luxury of email, ‘word processors’, online diaries and even photocopiers. PA Life spoke to Jayne Foster, a former secretary and PA who began her career in the late ‘70s Tell us about your career as a secretary and personal assistant.

I started my career as a junior secretary at a legal company in 1979, and from there moved to John Laing Construction as a Secretary. I spent a couple of years there before joining Lloyds Bank, originally as a telephonist in 1986, moving through the ranks, of office typist and secretary before becoming a PA. I left there in 2006 and became a secretary at Monarch Airlines, where I spent a year before emigrating to France.

had to ensure that the work I was given for that day was finished. An average day was spent just sitting at my desk typing numerous letters, filling in forms, typing legal documents, answering the phone, filing, form-filling and the occasional shorthand work. I reported directly to a legal executive and a Senior Partner at the firm.

In terms of the skills I needed, it was pretty much just typing although I did do shorthand occasionally. But it wasn’t a pre requisite for the job; our work was mainly audio-based.

What were your key responsibilities as a Junior Secretary?

I had very little responsibility as such - I just

How did your average day as a Junior Secretary compare to your last job as a PA? My job as a Junior Secretary was much easier;

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HOW THE PA’S ROLE HAS EVOLVED

“A ‘Word Processor’ would have made my life so much simpler when I was a legal secretary. We had to type on parchment paper – big legal documents on a manual typewriter – and you weren’t allowed to use Tippex. Errors had to be rubbed out...”

I was only responsible for myself, and didn’t work in a team. As a PA, the job was very varied and had much more pressure and responsibility.

An average day was very different - it would always involve shorthand and typing, filing, answering phones, making appointments. But I would also be expected to take minutes of meetings; organise diaries; organise events and presentations for other colleagues; manage staff appraisals, plus one-toones and target-setting for 10 members of staff. I was also responsible for supervising staff workloads on a daily basis, dealing with personnel problems, and any disciplinary issues.

How was the attitude from other staff towards Secretaries and PAs? I have to say I never found it a problem, although when I initially joined the bank it was very old fashioned and the PA to the senior manager was very ‘old school’. She was very nice but a bit snooty and liked delegating…

How did you manage your work without today’s technology?

I managed okay because we didn’t know any different. But when the new technology was introduced – especially the Word Processor - it made life so much easier!

Looking back, I wish when I worked at the solicitors we had them, because I

was typing on parchment paper - big legal documents on a manual typewriter - and you weren’t allowed to use Tippex.

Instead, errors would have to be rubbed out, so a Word Processor would have made my life so much easier. The parchment paper was very thick and it was very difficult to move it around in the typewriter. On some occasions we had to hand sew location plans in the document. This never happens now as it is all computerised.

Also when typing letters we had to use flimsy carbon paper to make a copy, as there weren’t any printers. Often this carbon would tear, or if you made a mistake you would have to alter the top copy with Tippex and then rub out on the copy - often the paper was so flimsy it would make a hole in the paper.

We didn’t have emails, but we had a telex machine at John Laings. Everything used to take so long and trying to organise diaries for a meeting took a lot of time because not all the people involved in meetings would have a secretary and they would have their (physical) diaries with them. And there were no mobile phones, either.

Did your execs write any correspondence at all? Today most execs write emails at the very least…

When I was at the Bank as a PA emails were not in operation, but they were trying to phase in managers typing their

own letters. My manager refused though – although he didn’t have long before he retired. Later on the managers would carry out a lot of their own emails and make phone calls, and were less dependent upon secretaries and PAs. What was the structure of your team at the bank?

There were three managers and each of them had a PA. Then there was a telephonist who would answer the phone and carry out typing duties, and the rest of the team would be responsible for typing for various other people within the bank.

What was the introduction of new technology like for you and your company? Was there resistance? Were positions made redundant?

Ultimately the introduction of technology meant that the secretarial department was either retrained for other positions or left to find other jobs.

Of course the main benefits of this new technology was speed, efficiency and security – the latter of which was/is very important for a bank, of course.

The downside, in my opinion, is that I feel the personal touch has gone and, for me, the standard of service. I love emails but some that I receive from businesses are absolutely terrible - no punctuation and the spelling and grammar sometimes is very bad, too.

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MORE than a DIARY 17/10/2017 14:38

CORPORATE GIFTING

Corporate Gifting -

Tips from the Top Tracy Finn, Head of Corporate Service at Harrods, shares her top tips for approaching corporate gifting this festive season…

ORDER EARLY Take advantage of co-branding, early ordering incentives and promotions to get the best deal for your company. With a range of personalisation options available, elevate your gifts to something truly memorable from bespoke message cards and company branded ribbon, to embossing and engraving.

PERSONALITY, PASSION AND BUDGET The more information you have on the interests and passions of the recipient, the more personal the selection can be when presenting a gift proposal. Take into account any budget constraints. Gifts don’t necessarily need to be extravagant to have the ‘wow’ factor; impress with a higher perceived value thanks to brand status and an impressive presentation of the gift.

RETAILER LOYALTY SCHEMES Utilise the benefits of retailers’ loyalty schemes.

For example, The Harrods Rewards Programme offers a tiered points system rewarding your company for purchasing through Harrods, with membership progressing from our Green Tier through to the prestigious Black Tier, each with individual benefits, including cash rewards and exclusive discount days.

DEDICATED CORPORATE GIFTING DEPARTMENT Use a dedicated Corporate Gifting department who offer expert Account Managers with the

knowledge and access to extensive buying teams in-store. Benefits include securing exclusive products, seasonal must-haves and sought-after limited editions.

CULTURAL ETIQUETTE Understand the importance of cultural etiquette. In certain cultures, there is superstition around colours and numbers and there are gifts which could offend. For example, black and white are considered unlucky in Chinese culture and lucky numbers such as ‘8’ would be sought-after in limited editions.

CLIMATE AND DIETARY RESTRICTIONS Be aware of the climate conditions at the destination country. Sending items such as chocolate to hot climates (i.e. Africa and the Middle East) wouldn’t be recommended as they melt in the high temperatures. Dietary requirements should also be considered including gluten-free, vegan, kosher, halal and non-alcoholic beverages.

Tracy Finn established herself as a leading expert in the luxury gifting sector. Since joining the worldrenowned store in 2004, Tracy has developed and grown the dedicated Corporate Service department at Harrods to become the industry standard for carefully considered business gifting solutions. The importance of an accurate understanding of gifting etiquette in all cultures and across religions is a vital consideration for Tracy, who applies her knowledge to ensure the department has an appreciation of festivals and seasonal celebrations in the UK and internationally.

CUSTOM REGULATIONS Custom regulations change from country to country periodically. Harrods has a global distribution network for Corporate Service at Harrods to advise regarding restrictions. For example, Middle Eastern Customs do not allow products containing alcohol, such as champagne truffles, mulled-wine mince pies or brandy butter.

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CORPORATE GIFTING

RICK STEIN A one-day cookery experience at Rick Stein’s Cookery School makes a great gift for those new to cooking or keen foodies alike. It’s the perfect blend of hands-on cooking with great food and wine. Guests learn a range of cookery skills and techniques as they recreate some of Rick’s most popular dishes from his travels.

A school and stay voucher is also available to purchase so individuals can extend their stay in one of our 40 guest bedrooms and take in more of Padstow and Cornwall during their visit.

Buy an experience at www.rickstein.com with one-day gifts available from £198.

PROMOTIONAL PRESENCE Promotional Presence, experienced suppliers of quality branded merchandise. As well as manufacturing Diaries leather goods, notebooks within our group (enabling us to keep tight control on quality, lead times and price) our philosophy is to source, supply and manufacture any type of merchandise, onto which we can add a logo. Use our knowledge and expertise to your advantage! We don’t want to sell you just anything – we want to deliver a solution that is tailored to your needs. promotionalpresence.co.uk

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SPONSORED CONTENT: BERRY BROS. & RUDD

Remarkable Christmas hampers, gift sets and bottles Berry Bros. & Rudd, Britain’s original wine and spirits merchant, has been helping customers choose the perfect Christmas present since 1698. Since then, our mission has remained unchanged – to make the festive season as easy, stress-free and full of mirth as possible.

We offer a wide range of beautifully presented gifts, wines and spirits – chosen by a team of experts – which includes more Masters of Wine than any other business in the world.

These range from two-bottle packs of our ever-popular Own Selection range, to decadent treat-filled hampers – both ideal gifts for anyone with an appreciation for the finer things in life.

We cater for single and multiple purchases and offer a fully personalised service from browsing to delivery. If you’d like to find out more, please contact us and our dedicated team of personal shoppers will be more than happy to help.

HOW TO ORDER Telephone 01256 247 961 Email gifting@bbr.com Website www.bbr.com/christmas Address London Shop, 63 Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5HZ

Quote PALife17 when placing your order to be entered into a draw for a Berry Bros. & Rudd Classic Hamper, worth £225.

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17/10/2017 14:19

CORPORATE GIFTING

PERFECT 10 BLACK LABEL Perfect 10 Black Label, a 24/7 personal styling and grooming consultancy, launches its Christmas Advent Hamper to indulge during the 12 days of Christmas. Luxurious beauty products have been handpicked to reenergise the body and the mind in the build up to this year’s festivities. Each gift has been delicately wrapped and numbered one to 12 for a special journey. The Christmas Advent Hamper includes items such as: a Black Label dressing gown, Aromatherapy Associates’ therapeutic oils and Essie’s Gel Couture nail polishes. Priced at £290 (with a £600 value), the Christmas Advent Hamper is available to purchase at perfect10mobilebeauty.co.uk

ROLLO LONDON Rollo London is a timeless, eye-catching line of stationery which brings a modern and sophisticated twist to the everyday stationery essential. Each product bears the unmistakable trademark of quality, functionality, attention to detail and exquisite craftsmanship. With a focus on the corporate market, a number of specialist options are available and include: personalised charms, company branding, bespoke page printing, optional cover colours or a fully made to order product. Rollo products are produced from faux leather and focuses on two ranges, the premium and every day.

Gift sets are also available from Rollo London. www.rollolondon.com

…CELEBRATE WITH A SAINSBURY’S GIFT CARD The festive season is a great time to reward employees with a gift – something that thanks them for all their hard work and loyalty, while gearing them up for the year ahead. A Gift Card from Sainsbury’s is the perfect staff reward as it offers a huge choice for the recipient and provides cost savings for your business too! Gift Cards can be redeemed in over 1400 stores nationwide and you can also earn valuable Nectar points every time you shop. sainsburysbusinessdirect.co.uk/gift-cards

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SPOILER ALERT! The November/December issue of PA Life will throw the spotlight on: • • •

International Venues Private Dining Office Supplies

Round table

Our PA panel

discu ssion

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Jepso Hannah

on organis

Look On the

ing events

brigh t side the import ance of optimis in the workpl m ace

Pay rise ahoy! at Facebook e Assistant the YearPA salaries are rising Executiv in 2017.

Are you earnin on PA of g enough ?

2016 Lond

CH A RL O TT E W IB BE RL EY CEO and Found

01 Cover PA Life

er of VIP VA

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dd 1

20/03/2017 13:59

Plus all the regulars, including PA Profile, How To Guides, Restaurant and Hotel Reviews and PA Life Club News.

To get involved contact Charlotte Russell on 01992 374080 or charlotte.russell@palife.co.uk

Make a lasting impression with clients or customers with a delicious corporate gift from Bettys Call our dedicated corporate team on 0845 600 1919 or email corporate@bettys.co.uk

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CORPORATE GIFTING

MAKE AN IMPRESSION THAT LASTS WITH A CORPORATE GIFT FROM BETTYS Our delicious treats make perfectly memorable corporate gifts, employee rewards and sale incentives. After all, who doesn’t love a tasty treat?

Also, for a limited time we’re offering 5% off your first order if you spend over £100* valid until 29th November 2017.

In order to take up the offer please call 0845 600 1919 or email corporate@bettys.co.uk and quote ‘PALIFEMAG’. *Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.bettys.co.uk/palife

DEBENHAMS Looking for something a little different, Debenhams is exclusively offering some very interesting advent calendars this Christmas. Gift set calendars from the likes of L’Occitane and bareMinerals are fun inclusions for those who like their make up and toiletries, but that’s not all they have to offer. If you’re looking for a calendar that’s a little less dry, Debenhams are exclusively stocking the Bailey’s advent calendar, filled with chocolate truffles. If you’re looking for a more savoury option, you can even order a pork scratching calendar, so take a look at www.debenhams.com/gifts/

BISCUITEERS If you want corporate gifts with a bit more bite, Biscuiteers creates delicate, hand-iced gifts to colleagues and clients looking for the personal touch. Create bespoke looks with neat, professional designs and include your own messages. Based in London, the team can deliver your biscuits within the same day if you order to the City, while next day delivery is ensured for the rest of the UK. If you’re interested, visit their website at www.biscuiteers.com/ corporate-gifts

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SPOTLIGHT ON LONDON

Spotlight on

London With so much on offer in one city – from its iconic sights and attractions to its wide range of restaurants – it’s easy to see why London houses so many venues for businesses to make the most of when considering team-building in the workplace. But it isn’t just team members who can benefit from the City’s exclusive offering, as London also offers the perfect opportunity to wow business clients.

Make the most of London’s vistas and impress clients with our line-up of corporate event spaces

Whether it’s a conference suite overlooking the Thames or heading out to the tranquil countryside to re-energise, there really is something for everyone hidden within this incredible City. So, whether you’re on the lookout for somewhere to hold your upcoming Christmas party, awards dinner or a networking event, London without a doubt can offer any business a unique space to make any event a triumphant success.

EMPIRE SUITE, HOLIDAY INN WEMBLEY

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The iconic Empire Suite at Holiday Inn London Wembley is the perfect place for your London event, holding up to 500 delegates. Book before February 28th, 2018 and every one in ten guests will go for free.

This bright, modern space is fully equipped with all you need to make your event a roaring success, including top of the range AV and lighting, excellent catering facilities and plenty of natural daylight.

Choose from seven flexible spaces including parking for up to 250 cars with DDR from just £35 and 24-hour residential meetings from just £165 per person including VAT. Contact: Hiwembley.co.uk

KIA OVAL

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The Kia Oval is fast becoming the conference and events destination in central London. Situated just outside the congestion charge zone, this venue surprises all with its proximity to the City.

The grounds boast parking for up to 50 cars on-site and four minutes walking time from the transport hub of Vauxhall.

Every room offers a unique experience for your guests, spanning from the historic wood-panelled chandeliered Long Room to the incredible Roof Terrace with sweeping panoramic views across London. The Kia Oval offers something to suit every event from two to 1000 people, so why not book now?

Contact: kiaoval.com

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SPOTLIGHT ON LONDON

GILWELL PARK

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You want to make an impact with your colleagues, to inspire, re-energise or just say thank you. Gilwell Park will help you get out of the office together and do something different. Home to over 30 on-site activities from archery and abseiling to zip wires and the 3G swing, there’s something for everyone – from those who want to keep their feet firmly on the ground to the adrenaline seekers out there.

For more information on our activities visit Scout Adventures.

We’ve made things easy for you with our Gilwell Challenge package. Use this as a starting point or talk to us about a bespoke experience you’ll remember forever.

Contact: gilwellpark.co.uk

SEA CONTAINERS EVENTS

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Having launched in March this year on the South Bank, Sea Containers Events offers two floors of event space on the 12th and 13th floors. The six spaces can accommodate events for ten to 600 guests, ranging from boardroom meetings and private dining to standing receptions, awards dinners, summer and Christmas parties.

The Wren private dining room includes its own terrace overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral, while the standout space is the Roof Terrace sitting behind the Sea Containers letters, affording views across the River Thames.

Contact: events@seacontainersevents.co.uk

HAVE YOUR EVENT AT

THE KIA OVAL

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SPOTLIGHT ON LONDON

NO.11 CAVENDISH SQUARE

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Situated in the heart of London’s West End, No.11 Cavendish Square is a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse, which perfectly maintains its original features while combining them with a contemporary design.

The venue houses 20 event spaces with several large lecture theatres, breakout rooms, board rooms and a light and airy courtyard garden ideal for alfresco entertaining.

No.11 Cavendish Square is the perfect venue for meetings and conferences, product launches, summer and Christmas parties, private dinners and weddings.

Contact: 11cavendishsq.com

LUCKY VOICE

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Something a little out of the ordinary, Lucky Voice offers guests a private karaoke experience inside two of its London venues; Soho and Islington.

If you are looking to bring the experience to you, firms can also hire the pop-up karaoke booth or the Lucky Voice experience for an upcoming party. Plus, a live karaoke option can also be used for a corporate bash or brand launch, where a host can be provided to get the party started.

Contact: luckyvoice.com

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SPOTLIGHT ON LONDON

ELM GROVE

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Elm Grove Conference Centre on the edge of Richmond Park, South of Hammersmith Bridge and with close links from London Waterloo, is a purpose-built conference centre situated in the grounds of The University of Roehampton.

Offering two floors of meeting space, The Oak Suite holding 140 guests boasts 98-inch plasma screens for presentations, touch screen controls for sound and floor to ceiling windows.

There are two boardrooms holding up to ten delegates. On the top floor, the Lime Tree Suite offers more space plus a copper roofed terrace.

In addition, overnight Elm Groves offers 30 en suite bedrooms.

Contact: roehamptonvenues.co.uk

WAXY O’CONNOR’S

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Featuring over six levels, Waxy O’Connor’s is described as a ‘labyrinth’ consisting of four unique bars. Located within London’s Piccadilly Circus, the venue can cater for private events from Christmas parties to leaving dos. Companies can hire a private area, which comes equipped with its very own bar, plus Waxy’s also offers set menus and buffet options for guests to enjoy, as well as its usual bar food.

The bar also houses three large screens that show all major sporting events throughout the year, from the likes of the GAA, rugby and football.

Contact: waxyoconnors.co.uk

SOUTH OF HAMMERSMITH BRIDGE DIRECT LINK FROM LONDON WATERLOO

ELM GROVE

cutting-edge Product launch or private board meeting, having the right space supports the outcomes you wish to achieve. Elm Grove is the purpose-built, state-of-the-art environment that delivers.

020 8392 3505 @RoeVenues Find your space at www.elmgrovespace.co.uk 34,35,37,38 PA Life October_v4.indd 4

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EVENT PREVIEW

office* 2018 PA Life speaks to Duncan Siegle, Event Director of the office* show about what next year’s event has in store for visitors

Photo by MattChung / MattChungPhoto.com

How many visitors are you expecting for next year’s show, based on this year’s numbers?

2017 was our inaugural event as the new owner of the event and it proved to be a great year for office*, with an audited 5,520 unique visitors. Of course for 2018 we are aiming for and anticipating an increased number of visitors, but our focus is to continue to deliver an exceptional event.

What new and exciting things will attendees find this year?

We always strive to put on the best experience for our visitors and 2018 will be no different. We are working hard to provide an unrivalled educational programme that delivers essential information, skills and advice. This is a huge influencing factor for our visitors and provides them with both hands-on and practical knowledge; attendance will count towards delegates’ CPD points.

The exhibition is another main draw for our visitors. We are curating a diverse showcase of companies to enable visitors to explore and discover the latest

products, services and solutions.

A new focus for us is how we can cultivate greater networking between our audience of PAs, EAs and office professionals to enable them to share best practice advice.

A lot of thought has gone into the seminar programme – what are the themes of the content?

We want the programme to meet and reflect the needs of the contemporary office professional and to enhance their skills, training and working life.

Content will once again span several theatres and contains focuses such as personal development, wellbeing, career development, technology and life as a VA. Visitors will be able to choose from keynotes, panel discussions, workshops and seminar sessions that will cover a range of elements integral to the multifaceted role of the PA, EA, VA and Office Manager.

The full educational programme will be revealed over the coming weeks; however, we are confident that we have chosen key themes that will provide the best possible training value for our audience.

office* will once again be co-located with International Confex – how does that benefit PAs? With event management becoming an ever-increasing part of the executive support role, visitors can take advantage of the complimentary attendance at the UK’s leading event for meetings and events professionals. office* exhibitors also get great value from the co-location with a vast number of meetings and events professionals utilising the office* exhibition to source and procure products and services for their event needs.

What makes office* the must-attend event for PAs and EAs? office* is unrivalled, it is the ultimate event for PAs, EAs and Office Managers.

As the largest event, it brings together a world-class training programme and exhibition dedicated to the executive support professional. You can discover the latest office products and services and enhance your career development – over just two days. Plus pick up the latest tips and techniques by attending the CPD accredited seminars hosted by top international trainers.

office* takes place from February 28th to March 1st 2018 at Olympia London. Visit officeshow.co.uk to find out more

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ROUNDTABLE

Mental health in the workplace Mental health is a growing concern for businesses. This year, everyone from employees to recruitment to bosses and even the Government have taken notice of the impact mental health can have on a workplace. PA Life readers have revealed that, despite more and more companies embracing and valuing mental health, 44% still don’t feel comfortable discussing their psychological wellbeing in the office

PA Life’s Toby Cruse was joined by PAs and specialists who are particularly supportive of mental health issues to discuss what more needs to be done to give peace of mind to troubled workers facing negative company culture Many workers find it uncomfortable discussing mental health in the workplace. Do companies need to do more to change office culture?

JC: Yes, undoubtedly a lot needs to be done to enable people to feel comfortable when broaching the subject. We are all human ‘beings’ and the focus needs to be on this versus on the ‘doings’.

TJ: It’s important to create an open and caring culture that makes staff feel supported and looked after. Having a strong mental health policy and encouraging regular breaks and a good work/life balance can make all the difference.

How do you think businesses have changed their approach to mental health in the last 10 years?

JC: As someone who was with my last

company for 11 years I can only really talk from my own personal experience.

My last company had a great charities committee. I was delighted to get funding for a friend with cystic fibrosis, but during my time there no mental health charities got the same sponsorship or exposure. Hopefully this has since changed.

It’s fantastic to see associations such as EPAA actively championing charities such as MIND. Brits in particular are often embarrassed to bring up mental health problems...

SR: I would say the ‘taboo’ is absolutely still in existence, but the nationwide campaigns and discussions are most definitely bringing light to the subject. I think people find it difficult to admit to themselves that they are struggling with mental health issues and therefore find it

even harder to talk to others about it.

JC: It’s a worldwide issue. I grew up in Dublin with a mother who was diagnosed with manic depression and I felt the stigma until well in my 20s.

How responsible are bosses when it comes to the health of their employees?

SR: As members of the community we all have a responsibility, but as managers are in constant contact with you, in the same way that teachers are with their pupils, it is vital they are able to recognise and support their employees. This can only happen when trust and a good rapport exists in the relationship.

PAs can end up blurring the line between work and personal hours when dealing with employers. Have you found this adds more mental strain than other positions?

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Tara Jackson is a holistic self-care coach on a mission to help career focused people who put everything else above themselves discover how important self-care is, so that they can feel less stressed, have more energy and live a life that they love.

Sally Russell is currently working for the Mayor of London and has collaborated with five members of the Wellbeing Network, ranging from PAs to HR managers, to deliver the best response. Sally was a finalist in the 2015 London PA Awards and an award winner in 2017. She continues to mentor young people at the GLA, working with them to achieve their goals.

Jennifer Corcoran is the founder of My Super Connector, and has been coined the Queen of social media.

With a personal understanding of the effects of mental health, Jennifer now counts Businesswoman Awards Social Media Consultant of the Year – South England, a Rising Star from WeAreTheCity and Pitman Training’s Super Achiever of the Year amongst her lengthy list of accolades.

TJ: Being in a role which requires you to be ‘on’ more than others is particularly stressful and adds more mental strain to the individual as a whole. It’s so important to be able to fully switch off, get a digital break and allow the body and mind to relax.

SR: Yes, this can quite often happen as some managers are heavily reliant on their assistants. My previous manager would contact me any hour of the day or night with either personal messages or to discuss how the evening event/ meeting had gone. I often felt obliged to respond despite it being 10.30pm or a Sunday. Because of the nature of our working relationship, I felt pressured to respond.

Have you found more people openly talking about their mental health?

JC: Social media and blogging have definitely opened the floodgates which is brilliant. Social media can often get a bad rap but this is definitely one of the benefits. Mental health affects one in

four of us so it’s so important to finally get this topic out in the open and rip off the band aid.

SR: I have found people who suffer from mental health are still uncomfortable bringing the issue up on social media.

This could be because there is still a stigma attached to mental health illness and people are worried about being judged or discriminated against by people they know. Society in general has stereotyped views around mental health illness and how it affects people – partly due to a lack of understanding around the issue.

Another factor in people being uncomfortable discussing mental health openly is that there are people who use social media to portray only the positive aspects of their lives which isn’t always an accurate reflection of how they actually live. This could lead to people with mental health issues having feelings of inadequacy and being reluctant to talk openly about their issues when their peers use social media in a different way.

And finally, where is the appropriate place to discuss mental health in the office?

SR: People shouldn’t be made to feel that conversations about mental health need to take place in tucked away corners or in secret; the more that people are open about their mental health the better it will be for everyone.

But equally, if someone is having a particularly difficult time it is important to have a space where they can discuss their worries comfortably.

TJ: Ultimately the health of an individual is confidential to them, whether it’s physical or mental. If there is an HR department, this is a good starting point to discuss mental health. Additionally managers/directors should be aware of any issues as it is their responsibility to ensure staff are cared for and treated in the right way. They are also the ones who can help with spotting any early signs, and can step in, referring the individual to someone who can help so that the situation does not get severe.

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A moving story Office moves and refurbishments are frequently the responsibility of PAs and EAs. Orlaith Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien, EA at Liquidnet, has managed three projects in her career to date. PA Life asked for her advice

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OFFICE MOVES & REFURBISHMENTS

“Start off with a plan and figure out what is required. Look at the basics: number of staff, facilities, IT requirements, general layout - open plan or closed-off offices. But don’t forget about the budget!”

What office move projects have you worked on?

Since starting my career, I’ve worked for three companies.

And in each one, I’ve had to orchestrate an office move/expansion.

In my first job, I worked for a small publishing company based in Hertford. As the company grew, it became apparent that we needed a lot more space. As office manager, I was heavily involved with the move, working alongside the MD. In hindsight I can’t believe how much responsibility I was given at such a young age—I was straight out of university! I guess you could say I was thrown in at the deep-end, but in hindsight the hands-on experience was extremely helpful.

In my second role, I had a similar task but being based in London, the scope was on a much larger scale. I was most surprised by how many more options there were in terms of locations, suppliers, lease options, etc.

In my current position, I have overseen several office layout projects. This includes optimising furniture and floorplans to accommodate department or office-wide needs. Bizarrely, this can amount to almost as much planning as a full blown move! More recently, when we acquired a small company, this required building an office within the office.

All of these tasks were massive learning opportunities for me which I am grateful for. My next project, which I’m very excited about is the opening of a new office in Dublin (thanks to Brexit). I am right at the start of this project but already thinking about timelines, suppliers, health and safety, etc.

What’s the starting point with an office move or major office reconfiguration?

You should always start with a plan. It helps to start by figuring out what is required. Start with the basics: number of staff, facilities, IT requirements, general

layout (ie. Open plan or closed off offices) but don’t forget about budget!

How do you work with company execs on planning?

In all positions, I have always worked very closely to the company executives.

Daily meetings and constant communication is key as the goal posts are always moving!

What approval processes does you have to go through, or are you pretty much trusted with everything after being given a brief?

The approval process varies for each stage of the project. For example, the initial step of finding an office, I’ve been given a brief and trusted to go and view the spaces, make a shortlist and bring that to the execs. Similarly with finding contractors and suppliers. I’ve sourced a selection, created a shortlist and then put them in front of the execs for the final decision. Once you’ve done something like this a few times, you build relationships which makes the whole process much easier.

Do you have work from a set budget?

Do you create and manage that budget?

I’ve never been given a budget as such. I find that if you can get a benchmarking for each stage, expectations are more realistic. You can haggle on everything!

How do you choose suppliers?

Most of the time, I use recommendations as a starting point to choose suppliers. Then look at how much they are charging for their services to create a benchmark. After that, it’s up to them to sell themselves to me. There is a lot of competition out there but for me it’s also vital that I can work alongside them and have a good rapport. Office moves are intense so it’s important to have a good working relationship with everyone involved and establish a mutual respect.

What obstacles have you faced most often?

Technical issues. You can never be too prepared when it comes to tech and IT. I suddenly know an awful lot about underfloor cabling and server capacities which were like another language to me two years ago.

What challenges do youcome up against with staff (not clearing up, files full, etc)?

Staff can be demanding. You have to know when to stand your ground, and realise the difference between peoples actual requirements versus their ‘wishes/ luxuries’.

It also helps if you make their desk area each individual’s responsibility. If it’s not packed up properly and something goes missing, it’s their own fault. Harsh but necessary.

Generally just keep things transparent and don’t underestimate communication. It’s important to keep staff in the loop so there are no surprises and they know they are respected professionals—not just sheep being moved from one pen to another.

What are your top tips for a smooth office move?

1. Take your time when planning – attention to detail is essential.

2. Be transparent and keep communication open with all parties – don’t assume your suppliers know everything. They won’t necessarily know the nature of your business.

3. Negotiate – if you don’t ask, you don’t get!

How did you ‘learn’ to do this in the first place?

I’m still learning! Every project is different but I’ve been lucky enough to have incredibly supportive managers and teams who have placed their confidence and trust in me.

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to someone about to plan their first office move?

Enjoy it and keep a positive attitude!

Having the right frame of mind makes things much easier to deal with.

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QUICK EATS IN LONDON

FAST FOOD The Ivy City Garden Dashwood House, 69 Old Broad Street EC2M 1QS 020 3146 7744 Located in the historic Bishopsgate Gardens - one of the City’s few garden squares - and next-door to the famous St. Botolph church, The Ivy City Garden brings the familiar luxury of The Ivy to the City of London. There’s an express menu from 11.30am to 3pm, with two courses served within 45 minutes. Mains on this menu (at the time of press) include Steak, Chips & Bernaise; Salmon & Smoked Haddock Fishcake; Roast Half Chicken; Grilled Chicken Salad; Seared Yellow Fin Tuna.

The Ivy Café, Marylebone 96 Marylebone Lane W1U 2QA 020 3301 0400 The Ivy Café, Marylebone provides the perfect setting for any occasion. It has an all-day café-style menu that ranges from breakfast through to lunch and dinner including light snacks, sandwiches and afternoon tea.

No Express Menu, but there are a range of (posh!) sandwiches on the menu and, of course classics such as The Ivy’s famous Shepherd’s Pie.

Where to book when your exec needs a lunch that’s quick but tasty? PA Life spotlights some of London’s best places to grab a fast lunch

Eastway Brasserie 40 Liverpool Street, London EC2M 7QN 0207 618 7400 Eastway Brasserie promises great British food mixed with Mediterranean flavours.

It’s located within the Andaz London Liverpool Street hotel, making it an ideal business lunch venue. Starters range from just under £10, with mains around the £15-20 mark.

Canto Corvino 21 Artillery Lane, Spitalfields E1 7HA 0207 655 0390 Located a stone’s throw from Liverpool Street Station and Spitalfields Market, Canto Corvino caters for the corporate or the casual. The set menu provides excellent value for money, priced at £24.50 for two courses and £28.50 for three. Mains include Organic salmon, cashew, quinoa & smoked aubergine; Homemade tagliatelle & wild mushroom ragu; Organic Angus beef onglet with Al Forno potatoes.

New Street Grill 16A New Street EC2M 4TR 020 3503 0785 New Street Grill is a modern British Grill situated between the City & Shoreditch.

The set menu is priced at £25 for two courses and £29 for three, with mains including Cornish cod; Jasper grilled smoked pork cutlet; Jasper grilled chicken; Wild mushroom risotto.

Tram Shed 32 Rivington Street, London EC2A 3LX 020 7749 0478 Part of the Hix empire, Tramshed is a former East End tram-generator building in the heart of Shoreditch. The concept of the menu is simple – chicken or beef.

If it’s speed you’re after, the lunch menu offers great value for money with all dishes priced at £9.95.

Pollen Street Social 8-10 Pollen Street, London, W1S 1NQ 020 7290 7600 Jason Atherton’s Pollen Street Social remains one of London’s hottest restaurants, just recently being listed third in the Good Food Guide’s 2018 rankings. It also boasts one Michelin star and five AA Rosettes. It’s pricier than some of the other restaurants listed here, but the three course set menu is still very good value at £37. But you’ll never go wrong with this hugely popular West End restaurant.

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HOTEL REVIEW Moor Hall Restaurant Prescot Road Aughton, Lancashire L39 6RT

CHECKING IN Moor Hall has brought fine dining at its best to the North West. EA Dalya Perry-Bernstein reports Acquired by Andy and Tracey Bell in 2015 in partnership with talented Chef Mark Birchall, Moor Hall – a Grade II* listed building – underwent a major renovation which was completed in early 2017. Situated in a peaceful and tranquil setting, Moor Hall allows for true escapism.

The Rooms Moor Hall is not your typical Hotel; with just a handful of luxurious rooms, each one is stunningly unique. I stayed in the Damson Suite, a visually impressive room with lounge area, large en-suite bathroom and a huge, very inviting Emperor bed. Everything about the room had the wow factor and the attention to detail was phenomenal – even the wallpaper was like velvet! Personal touches were added such as delicious home-made fudge and a personalised welcome card to make this a memorable

experience. The view of the lake from my room was breath-taking.

The Food Talented Chef Patron Mark Birchall creates the most amazing dishes one could imagine. The entire experience of all eight delicate courses arriving in front of me filled me with intrigue and excitement. The menu was so carefully put together with very unusual ingredients and produce, many of which are sourced locally or grown on-site. The presentation was so intricate, it was almost a shame to eat! The menu is provided to all guests as a wax sealed letter to take home; a lovely touch.

The service was first class with a very attentive waiting team within a relaxed atmosphere, which was most welcoming for someone who had not experienced fine dining before. As each dish arrived, its ingredients were explained with such

passion. Moor Hall really has a team to be proud of.

From a PA perspective, this would be the perfect place for an Executive to really impress a client with an unforgettable experience. From start to finish, we indulged in mouth-watering food and drink for about four hours, meaning this is an ideal venue for that special meeting where one-on-one time is required. This would certainly leave a lasting impression on any client.

Admittedly, prior to my visit, I was very sceptical about fine dining and was always of the view it would be very clinical, formal and pretentious. I am now a convert and cannot wait for the next special occasion so that I can enjoy the culinary delights Moor Hall has to offer once again.

Moor hall has recently been awarded a coveted Michelin Star. https://moorhall.com/

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We’ve been making quality coffee simple since 1923.

To celebrate our new look we’re giving away a £1923 Amazon voucher.

KENCO THE COFFEE COMPANY LAUNCHES COMPETITION TO MARK NEW BRAND POSITIONING

PURCHASE A TIN OF KENCO FROM YOUR USUAL COFFEE SUPPLIER THEN ENTER AT

WWW.WIN1923.CO.UK

Coffee expert Jacobs Douwe Egberts (JDE) Professional has unveiled a fresh new logo and pack design for Kenco The Coffee Company, bringing to life the heritage and expertise behind the well-loved brand which was founded in 1923.

To celebrate, all professional customers have the chance to win a £1,923 voucher when buying a 500g or 750g tin of Kenco through their usual wholesaler or stationery supplier entering at www.win1923.co.uk before the end of 2017.

Win an Amazon voucher for £1,923. To enter your business must purchase one of the following: Kenco tin range Kenco Smooth 750g, Kenco Rich 750g, Kenco Decaff 500g or Kenco Millicano 500g and submit your details to www.win1923.co.uk. All entrants must have the permission of their employing business to enter. The winner must be able to provide proof of purchase in order to collect their prize. Competition runs from 9th October to 31st December 2017. Terms and conditions apply, see www.win1923.co.uk

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LONDON PA SUMMIT PREVIEW

Meet, connect and learn at the

LONDON PA SUMMIT Remember, remember the 7th of November. Here’s why you should be attending next month’s London PA Summit - but register your free place quickly!

Next month’s London PA Summit is a day of ‘speed dating’ for business, where you’ll also have the opportunity to attend inspirational seminar sessions, network with like-minded PAs and EAs and attend a drinks reception at the end of the day.

It takes place on Tuesday November 7th at the Hippodrome Casino, London and is entirely free for you to attend.

But spaces are limited – so book your place now by contacting Laura Spratt on 01992 374053 or email l.spratt@ forumevents.co.uk MEET At its very heart, the London PA Summit will provide you with an itinerary of pre-arranged, face-to-face meetings with suppliers who will help you: • Source venues for Christmas & Summer Parties • Arrange Team Building Days • Create Corporate Events & Conferences • Book Dinners • Engineer Training Sessions • Co-ordinate Client Meetings • Buy Corporate Gifts And more…

Our event partners include AEG – Indigo at the O2, Clive Agency, Conference Contacts, Destination Bristol, GETT Taxi, Gleneagles Hotel, Hippodrome Casino, Holiday Inn Wembley, Level 39, Liverpool Football Club, Melia White House Hotel London, Mercedes-Benz, Merchant Taylors Catering, Rockliffe Hall Hotel, Rollo London, Roomex.com, Royal Air Force Museum, Royal College of Physicians, Smart Group, The Hurlingham Club and Vibrant Partnership.

These meetings are based on your requirements and upcoming projects – no hard sell and no time wasted.

LEARN A series of seminar and practical sessions will take place throughout the day, all designed to provide you with take-home tools to help your day-to-day job, and further your career. Topics include: Yoga and Fitness At Your desk The Power Of The PA The London PA Awards Making The Most Of Your Event How To Manage Your Boss How Has The PA Role Changed?

How To Be PA Ready For 2018 Confidence – How To Make It Work CONNECT You’ll have the opportunity to network with like-minded PAs and EAs who share your challenges. They represent companies including AMS Accounting, Atkins, Atos, Apis Partners LLP, Barclays, British Airways, Citi, Clifford Chance LLP, Cripps Sears & Partners, De La Rue, Deloitte, Department of Health, Embassy of Brazil, Ensurance UK, ESF Capital, Financial Conduct Authority, Handelsbanken Wealth Management, Iron Mountain, Ipos MORI, Laird, Lipsy, Lloyds Register Foundation, Macmillan Publishers, MetLife, Michael Kors, Nest. co.uk, Newlon Housing Trust, Ngage Recruitment, NHS England, Northacre, Optima Group, P&G Gillette, PA Consulting, Paragon International Insurance Brokers, Pinsent Masons, Private White VC, Regent Street Association, Rio Tinto, Royal Bank of Scotland, Serco, Simon & Schuster, SMG, SRI, SSE, Survitec Group, Taylor Vinters, Thales, The Blackstone Group, The Crown Estate, Viacom, Virtual1, Vengrove and more…

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OUT OF OFFICE

Read all about it This month’s motivational must-read book

Leaders Eat last Author: Simon Sinek - a motivational speaker, marketing consultant and described as the unshakable optimist.

Paperback available to buy on Amazon, £7.69; Kindle edition, £6.49 If I had to rewrite the title it would be ‘Leaders Should Understand That Without Their Employees They Are Nothing’. The book is Sinek’s vision to create a new organisation of men and women who understand that organisation’s success or failure is based on leadership excellence and not managerial acumen [sic].

Although Sinek has used the US military to show the importance of the leaders’ focus on their people, the book tells you about how trust in the workplace is the most important value. Leaders who tell the truth will create a culture of people who trust each other and are honest.

It should be all about helping each other

Reviewed by Francisca Kozijn, Operations Manager

rather than making yourself stand out. And - with us spending so much time at work, spending more time with your manager and colleagues than our loved ones - it is about treating everybody with respect. When the environment is supportive we do more than just ‘survive’, we ‘thrive’.

We Are All Leaders and Leadership is not a Position, it’s a Mindset that’s actually a title from a different book but true. And this book is a great read and gives you an insight into how leaders, ie. you, can create organisations and cultures that allow all employees to feel fulfilled, trusted and be an invaluable asset.

Who does not want to work in such an environment?

DATES FOR THE DIARY Networking, learning and things to keep in mind Sunday October 29 Daylight Saving Time ends, clocks go back!

Saturday, November 11 IAM learning and development morning

Tuesday, October 31 Halloween

Sunday, November 12 Remembrance Sunday

Wednesday, November 1 IAM workshop, Resilience – Managing your emotions at work

Thursday, November 16 mia Agent Hosted Dinner

Thursday, November 30 St Andrew’s Day

Sunday, November 5 Bonfire night

Thursday, November 23 Thanksgiving

Wednesday, December 6 Driving Experience at Mercedes-Benz World

Monday, November 6 mia workshop, taking charge of your online marketing strategy

Monday, November 20 - Tuesday, November 21 Destinations & Travel Management Summit

Wednesday December 12 First day of Hannukah

Tuesday, November 7 London PA Summit

Wednesday, November 29 PA Life Christmas Party

Wednesday December 20 Last day of Hannukah

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SPOILER ALERT!

The November/ December issue of PA Life will throw the spotlight on: International Venues Where are you headed in 2018? A guide to the best destinations for overseas events Private Dining The menus, the ambience and the service – all you need to know about the best private dining venues Office Supplies Staples ahoy! It may not be the sexiest part of your job, but it’s essential. From printers to envelopes, laptops to notebooks, we’ve got it covered Plus all the regulars, including PA Profile, How To guides, restaurant and hotel reviews and PA Life Club news IF YOU’RE NOT A CLUB MEMBER, LOOK WHAT YOU’VE MISSED...

The calendar’s been buzzing for PA Life Club members with recent experiences taking in the Four Seasons, Lokhandwala, Sea Containers, Salters Hall, Vintners Hall and more. Join us for more by joining the Club - visit palife.co.uk/pa-life-club. Membership is just £79 per year!

MORE SOGGY BOTTOMS, THAN SHOWSTOPPERS...

Despite our early reservations, the PA Life team has been enjoying the new Great British Bake Off series so much that we’ve been holding our own bake-offs.

Not sure we’’ll be getting the Hollywood handshake...

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“I GOT MY JOB THROUGH LINKEDIN. THE PLATFORM SHOULD BE YOUR NUMBER ONE SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNEL. IT IS ALSO FANTASTIC FOR NETWORKING.”

WORK+LIFE

This month our Guest Editor and EA to the CEO at Handelsbanken Declan Halton-Woodward talks LinkedIn, networking and iPads My alarm goes off… loudly and abruptly at 06:00.

My boss gets into the office at around 07:45, I like to be in around the same time, just in case anything is needed urgently and so that I am fully prepared for our daily 08:30 catch up meeting.

I’m responsible for… anything my boss is responsible for. It’s a principle I believe all assistants should adopt. I think of the firm I work for as if it were my firm. Anything that your boss is doing, responsible for or has jurisdiction over, you should be concerned with. Try and understand and add value wherever that is.

I got my job… through LinkedIn. The platform should be your number one social media channel.

Not only is it great as a recruitment site, but it is also fantastic for networking, getting tips and knowing what’s going on in the industry.

In my spare time… I have a keen interest in international and national politics and, to engage in this area, I formed a debate club last year and now act as Chair. I also volunteer for the Royal British Legion annually to sell poppies, and I dedicate some time to a non-profit organisation that aims to simplify politics to facilitate wider understanding and engagement.

My proudest moment… is tough to decide. Either winning two awards at the London PA Awards 2017 or taking part in the ‘Not Just a Girls Job’ Campaign with EPAA. I have a drive in me that

really wants to change this industry for the better and the gender imbalance within it is one way of doing that. It’s a great campaign and I urge all assistants to get involved.

My favourite techie kit/app… is the iPad. I didn’t realise how useful having an iPad in the office would be until I got one. It saves you un-docking and carrying your often heavy laptop from meeting to meeting, and enables you to quickly check the diary and emails whilst around the office, on the tube or at home.

My work mantra… Everyone is a client and client is God. No matter who they are, everyone is a stakeholder in your job. You are not above anyone.

Treat everyone with respect, and as if they are a client, because in a way they are. You are an extension of your executive - remember that when dealing with people.

My bucket list… make a real, lasting difference in the world.

Networking is… key to your success. It takes up a lot of your time, the novelty of it soon wears off, but it is vitally important to your career. If you are serious about this profession, it is a great way to meet like-minded individuals; get more knowledge around the industry and thus be better at your job; and meet potential future colleagues. I see it as part of my job and I think many more people should.

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T YO UR NEX ?

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22/01/2017

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former EA to Sir Richard Branson

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THIS COULD BE YOUR LAST ISSUE OF PA LIFE… To continue receiving PA Life for free, you will need to join the PA Life Club.

It’s just £79 for a full year – that’s less than a cup of coffee each fortnight! – and as a member you’ll receive: • • • • •

A full subscription to PA Life magazine Entry into exclusive Club competitions Exclusive Partner offers and discounts Priority invites to networking events Access to a private PA Life Club LinkedIn group where you can share ideas and challenges • Invitations to FAM trips • Access to exclusive content on the PA Life Club members-only website To join and find out more about the exciting benefits of the PA Life Club, visit palife.co.uk/pa-life-club Or speak to PA Life Club Manager Freddi Jackson: 01992 666720 f.jackson@forumevents.co.uk

Vintners’ Hall A thought provoking venue in the heart of London.

Enjoy stylish catering by Searcys to create a memorable occasion.

Let us inspire you

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