Magazine by SarahR

PA L I FE I S S U E TWENT Y THR EE • NOVEM BER /DECEM BER 2 014

ALL ABOARD CRUISING AS A CONFERENCE OPTION

CHATTING WITH THE STARS Special ACA interview

PLAN TO SUCCEED The results of our event management survey

ISS U E T WE NT Y THREE N ovemb er/ D e cemb er 2014

PAlife I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E

EDITOR’S LETTER

onference settings are at the forefront this issue, with a round-up of venues across Europe (page 19), a look at historic royal societies (page 27) and an overview of country retreats (page 37). We’re also examining the

Contents N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R

2 0 1 4

event management

side of running conferences, with the results of our #PAEventTips survey. This fascinating study reveals that upwards of 60 per cent of PAs are involved in organising five or more events a year and that 59 per cent spend a day or more each week on planning. It turns out that around 70 per cent of all events have a lead time of less than three months, so most managerial assistants report that time is of the essence in this context. The survey also rounded up some top tips from PAs on how to organise events effectively and these include pointers such as using spreadsheets to keep track of the planning process; the need to have one dedicated point of contact at the venue; plus the wisdom of having a contingency plan – see the full story on pages 34 and 35. Meanwhile, we review TOP PAS another kind of venue entirely SPILL THE BEANS ON on pages 24 and 25. While WORKING cruising may be better WITH VIPS known as a leisure option, it can also be a viable choice for corporate events; we explore the opportunities that exist to motivate and entertain your team while at sea. Elsewhere in this issue, we revisit the Office show and have a report on the interview I conducted with the Association of Celebrity Assistants. It turned out to be a fascinating session, with Past President Deborah Shaw and board member Stephen Lockyer spilling the beans on exactly what goes on behind the scenes when your daily job involves dealing with VIP clients. It’s also the time of year for festivities, of course, so we bring you some holiday cheer in our fashion commentary (pages 8 and 9) with a look at plush party wear to see you through the season in style. The PA Life team wishes all our readers a very happy Christmas and all the best for the New Year. COLETE DOYLE

EDITOR

p4 The inside track Our favourite new products, competitions and offers p6 Read all about it Readers’ book reviews p8 Working wardrobe Dressing up for this season’s Christmas parties p11 Tried and tasted Dining on high versus clever cocktails p12 Top 10 Office show innovations Our pick of this year’s products and services p14 PA Angie Williams, PA at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales p16 Behind the limelight A candid look at the world of celebrity assistants p19 A European event venues p24 A Set sail for an alternative conference location p27 A tour of the UK’s leading royal institutes p30 Sharing the load Understanding new maternity laws

p31 P How to manage projects effectively p32 Advice on choosing the right workwear p34 The revealing results of our event management survey p37 A Visiting the countryside’s finest properties p40 Checking in Hampton by Hilton Gatwick Airport and Supercity Aparthotels The Rosebery p41 Spaces Venues, openings and places p42 A Former PA to Lily Allen Vicky Silverthorn teaches us to follow our dreams

OFFERS AND COMPETITIONS p10

P with Village Urban Resorts

Cover: Angie Williams, PA to Michael Izza, CEO of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Read her profile on p14

F I N D O U T W H AT ’ S N E W B Y B O O K M A R K I N G PA L I F E .C O. U K PALIFE.CO.UK

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THE INSIDE TRACK NEWS, PRIZES, OFFERS

IDEAS

Win Win

Bespoke design takes the cake

inal Touch Cakes has more than 25 years’ experience of baking confections for everyone from the Royal Family to Radio 1. Its unique blend of bespoke designs and creative flair means the company can add your branding to any kind of cake for corporate events. Whether you have a company function coming up, or you simply want to treat the office for a job well done, Final Touch Cakes will work with you to make something that looks as good as it tastes. Now, one lucky PA Life reader can win bespoke baked goods worth £250, excluding delivery. You can choose from a large cake, biscuits, or mini cakes decorated with your own design. To be in with a chance of winning, simply email your details to competition@palife.co.uk with “Final Touch Cakes” in the subject line by 9 January. The prize must be claimed within six months of the closing date.

OPEN UP A BOX OF HAPPINESS Hampers make great gifts because they offer a range of products in one attractive package. Happy Box London provides an interesting alternative to the conventional wicker basket with its range of handpicked boxes. Choose from one of the ready-made themes, or create a bespoke package of the presents your clients will enjoy the most. It’s a great way to show you’ve put some thought into your gifts. Two lucky PA Life readers will each get a sample of luxury with a Happy Box hamper worth £250. One of them includes all the items you’ll need for the ultimate summer picnic, while the other is stocked with toiletries from Heathcote & Ivory’s Vintage collection (pictured). To be in with a chance of winning, email your name and details to competition@palife.co.uk with “Happy Box” in the subject line by 9 January.

Get some help choosing the right gift Shopping for presents for your company’s clients can leave you stuck in a spiral of uncertainty. Women can be especially difficult to buy for and with so many options it’s easy to get discouraged. Askherfriends.com has developed an interesting answer to the gifting dilemma with its online “idea map”. Users answer a series of questions about the person they’re buying for and are given a selection of suggestions from the company’s trusted suppliers, such as Rococo Chocolates and Regency Hampers. From now until 31 December, PA Life readers who purchase online will receive £5 to spend on future purchases (£10 if your order totals £30 or more). To take advantage of this special offer, enter the code “PA” at the checkout (or “LIFE10” for orders over £30). Plus, keep an eye out for the forthcoming Ask His Friends to get some great gifting ideas for the men on your list.

PALIFE.CO.UK

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PICKS

TOP TWEETS THIS MONTH

@PatriciaRossi “

L A

@MikeCalinoff “

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LL APP A ALL ”

@DavidRoads

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ALL P A L

A A ”

@Quotes_Business

@snarkyrocko

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P L L

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P LA LL

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AP A ALL PP A A LA L

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ENJOY FREE ROOM HIRE AT A HISTORIC VENUE

s one of the oldest venues in the Soho area of London, Kettner’s boasts lots of experience when it comes to hosting corporate events. Set in what was once a series of four Georgian townhouses, the Grade II-listed property has maintained many of its original architectural features and provides a historic backdrop for meetings and conferences. Each of the venue’s eight spaces can be adapted to suit any type of function, from private dinners to seminars, and can accommodate up to 120 people. Plus, you can hire an entire floor for a larger capacity. From now until 31 December, Kettner’s is offering PA Life readers the chance to book private rooms at the venue for events taking place in January and February 2015 with no hire charge. To take advantage of this discount, simply quote “PA Life 2015” when you enquire. A minimum spend applies and contracts must be signed and a deposit paid by 31 December 2014.

Book parking and go for a ride Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) is an awardwinning, long-stay parking operator and booking agency. From now until 31 January, the company is offering PA Life readers 15% off its services, plus the chance to win a number of exciting prizes, such as weekend use of a Fiat 500 convertible, an overnight stay at an airport hotel with your choice of spa treatment for two people, or two free airport lounge passes. Simply visit aph.com/palife, where the discount will be applied automatically. The more bookings you make, the better your odds of winning. APH offers facilities at all major UK airports, as well as the ability to arrange on-site hotels with travel extras. The company strives to be environmentally friendly, so it has worked with the World Land Trust to purchase and maintain more than 1,000 acres of endangered rainforest to offset its carbon footprint.

THANK YOU FOR MAKING THE PA LIFE CLUB BIRTHDAY SPECIAL Visitors to our stand at this year’s Office show were invited to sign a giant card for the PA Life Club’s first birthday celebration. We welcomed new members with a special discounted membership fee and offered everyone who came by a thirst-quenching smoothie from Sejuiced. Thank you all for making our time at the show so much fun. We’re looking forward to the next fantastic year of events!

The personal assistant for PAs and EAs

FORUM EVENTS MEDIA OFFICE FF2, SAGA CENTRE 326 KENSAL ROAD LONDON W10 5BZ WEBSITE: PALIFE.CO.UK TWITTER: @PALIFEMAG EMAIL: EDITORIAL@ PALIFE.CO.UK EDITORIAL EDITOR: L L FEATURES WRITER: LL SUBBING: AL DESIGNER: A A

COMMERCIAL A L AL A L LL A A AL A L LL PAL L MANAGEMENT CEO & PUBLISHER PA L PRINTED BY THE MANSON GROUP 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 © 2014 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.

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BOOK CLUB

READ ALL

ABOUT IT

FIND OUT WHAT MOTIVATIONAL BOOKS OTHER PAS ARE PICKING UP, ALONG WITH NOVELS TO RELAX WITH IN YOUR DOWN TIME

of material and cut of suits, dresses and jackets. There is also a useful section on people’s perception of what is acceptable attire for “dress-down day”. The book is full of fabulous tips, such as not wearing your suit jacket while travelling to avoid creases, using lighter cologne or perfume for the office and the kind of accessories that project a professional image. It also covers gestures and body language and makes you think about how others will perceive you. I found it useful for office workers who are looking to up their game and would recommend it as an interview preparation tool. A A

BUSINESS

HOW TO STRESS LESS Benjamin Bonetti Capstone, £10.99

This book is a great resource for anyone who wants to learn some easy ways to manage pressure in their lives. The premise is that we don’t “have” stress, we “do” stress; it is our thoughts and attitudes towards events that cause us to become

strained. Bonetti moves swiftly from explaining what stress is and how it affects your mind and body to exploring the potential causes and then on to managing it effectively. Through a series of exercises, the author helps you identify your own difficult situations and provides practical advice for taking control and performing at your best. As we are all individuals, there is no “one size fits all” solution; Bonetti encourages you to work through the exercises to see what resonates for you. Although some of the information will be familiar, having a comprehensive, forward-thinking “stress manual” makes this a valuable addition to any PA’s bookshelf. A

AL ALL Lesley Everett Self-published, £10.99

Although this book isn’t specifically targeted at PAs, it’s a great reference and training book for any office professional wishing to enhance their personal brand. The author encourages you to take a look through your wardrobe and gives great guidance on the colours and patterns you should be wearing, as well as the type

AT G THR EYE N I H U NOT ES YO T YOUR T A CH MI CAT E? SUB TO US E. F W R I E L E I A V H L@P N RE OW ITORIA .UK O D C E

LEISURE

P Emily Gould

THE CHERRY BLOSSOM

Virago, £14.99

Fran Pickering A

CreateSpace, £7.99

PA L

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Originally opened in 1867, Kettner’s is one of the oldest venues in London’s Soho and has a long history of hosting show-stopping events. Formerly a series of four Georgian Townhouses, the Grade II listed building retains much of the original architecture creating an intimate, homely feel. The eight elegant private dining and events rooms are adaptable in their uses and can individually hold up to 120 people or an entire floor can be hired for events requiring a larger capacity.

No room hire charge in January and February 2015! Book a private room by the 31st December 2014 and we will waive the room hire charge for events held in January and February 2015! To check availability, call 020 7734 6112 or email events@kettners.com

Terms & Conditions: A minimum spend applies. Please quote ‘PA Life 2015’ when you enquire. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and applies to new bookings only. Only applies if the event is held in a private room in January or February 2015. A contract must be signed and deposit paid by the 31st December 2014.

Andy canned his homage to Van Gogh’s chair When the chair he had hired failed to turn up at his studio, the great artist was left with no other choice but to improvise with his lunch. Had his agent called us, then the chair would have been there, because at Europa we stock and supply a huge choice of quality furniture to hire. Priding ourselves on our knowledge and customer service, we deliver on time, everytime. So if you want your event or work of art to go down in history for all the right reasons then choose us.

Call us today 08454 303015 europainternational.com/palife Follow us

twitter.com/europa_int

11118_PA Life 172x126_Andy Warhol(1)SS.indd 1

PALIFE.CO.UK

10/09/2014 11:56

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CHRISTMAS PARTY WARDROBE IN A DEPARTURE FROM OUR REGULAR COLUMN, CAROLINE WILLIAMS TRACKS DOWN THE OUTFITS GUARANTEED TO MAKE AN IMPRESSION THIS FESTIVE SEASON

HRISTMAS IS ARGUABLY ONE OF THE BEST TIMES of the year. The festivities are endless and start as early as October, with countless events to attend. It’s a time when, despite work still being busy, we start to wind down. It’s a time to enjoy mulled wine, cosy pub nights and, of course, Christmas parties. This year we see a gorgeous array of trends hitting the stores, from sparkle, embellishment and sequins through to luxury fabrics such as velvet, suede and leather. To keep it current, mix and match where you can. Contrasting fabrics and designs look fantastic. Team sparkly skirts with a knitted jumper and a polished white shirt. Men can mix and match too. Or you might like to purchase a suit that comes in a funky tartan, perhaps with contrasting lapels or pockets. Think accessories – the more the better and this applies equally to both men and women. With lower temperatures, this is the perfect opportunity to wear hats, scarves and gloves. Accessories will make any outfit. Men can get quirky with them – try a bow tie or an interesting printed cravat. These can easily be contrasted with a more casual shirt, or one with the sleeves loosely rolled up. Layering always makes an outfit look more modern and youthful and this is a great way to add a splash of colour. Almost anything goes and if you need some inspiration for what works, have a rummage through your wardrobe and start experimenting. To finish off any party look, a polished haircut and style will speak volumes, while for women, perfectly manicured Christmas nails can finish the look to a tee. Happy holidays!

Caroline Williams is Managing Director at De Vallenger Design. For more information visit devallenger.com, follow the company on Facebook at facebook.com/devallenger, or on its Twitter feed, @devallenger

£59, MONSOON THE PERFECT LITTLE BLACK DRESS WITH A TWIST. WE LOVE THE HIGH NECK – JUST THE THING FOR COLDER WEATHER

This plum velvet dress will make you the belle of the ball, £119, Precis Petite, Jacques Vert Group

£45, NEXT

METALLICS AND SPARKLE ARE THE PERFECT GO-TO FOR A CHRISTMAS PARTY

S T O C K I S T S D E B E N H A M S . C O M ; M A R K S A N D S P E N C E R . C O M ; M O N S O O N . C O . U K ; N E X T. C O . U K ; P R E C I S . C O . U K ; S I M P LY B E . C O . U K

PALIFE.CO.UK

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 • PALife

FA SHION

£45, SIMPLY BE

THESE FAUX-FUR OXBLOOD ANKLE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKING – AND WEARING WITH ANY PARTY OUTFIT

£10, NEXT

THESE JEWEL DROP EARRINGS WILL MAKE ANY OUTFIT LOOK GLAMOROUS

£75, NEXT

THIS MEN’S VELVET JACKET IS LUXURIOUS, STYLISH AND PERFECTLY TAILORED

A suit that’s bang on trend with its blue and green tartan pattern and contrasting lapel. Three-piece tuxedo suit, £249; shirt, £45; velvet bow tie, £12.50, all Marks & Spencer

£45, JEFF BANKS AT DEBENHAMS

WANT A SMART LOOK BUT DON’T WANT TO WEAR A SUIT? THIS CHECKED WAISTCOAT OFFERS THE IDEAL SOLUTION

W H AT T R E N D W I L L YO U B E C H A N N E L L I N G T H I S S E A S O N ? S H A R E @ PA L I F E M A G PALIFE.CO.UK

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 • PALife

COMPETITION

Win! Win! Win! WIN A VIP STAY WITH VILLAGE URBAN RESORTS

TO CELEBRATE THE RELAUNCH OF its unique Meeting and Events Hub offering, Village Urban Resorts is offering one PA Life reader the chance to win a VIP, one night stay for two, in a deluxe ‘UpperDeck’ room at any one of its 25 UK destinations. This fabulous prize also includes dinner for two with wine, free access to the Velocity Health & Fitness facilities and a complimentary spa treatment in the Viva Urban Spa. The Events Hub is shaking up the meetings and events sector by introducing a host of new options to make your meeting or event a success. Fancy yoga in the boardroom, head and shoulder massage over lunch , high energy workouts or a relaxing post meeting swim or sauna? Village Urban Resorts is committed to making their client meetings and events a success. Since re-launching The Events Hub in January, Village Urban Resorts has seen an impressive 16% year on year growth in demand for its meeting and events product. Available at all 25 Village Urban Resort properties, the new enhanced offering comes with the same high levels of service excellence, culinary delights and business expertise you would expect, including:

ENTER NOW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A VIP STAY WITH VILLAGE URBAN RESORTS

• Personalised and expertly prepared menus, using fresh, locally sourced produce wherever possible • A dedicated member of staff on hand throughout the duration of the meeting to cater to your every need • A dedicated meetings breakout area with bean to cup coffee on tap, complimentary soft drinks, fresh fruit and healthy or more indulgent snacks throughout the day • Free high speed Wifi with option to upgrade for specific client requirements • Free use of the leisure and pool facilities • Free car parking on site • Able to provide tailored activities, including fitness classes, yoga, massage therapy, team building, themed tribute nights, and more… With 25 easily accessible locations throughout the UK and a further three new properties in development in Scotland, there will always be a Meetings and Events Hub for every occasion, offering the same exceptionally high standard of Village Urban Resort service across the board. Visit www.village-hotels.co.uk for more information.

HOW TO ENTER

For the chance to win a VIP stay at a Village Urban Resort of your choice, answer the following question: How many Village Urban Resorts are there currently in the UK? Send all entries via email to competition@ palife.co.uk by 10 January, 2015 with ‘Village Urban Resorts’ in the subject line. Please include your company name, address and website. Terms and conditions apply.

TO ENTER, EMAIL US AT COMPETITION@PALIFE.CO.UK PALIFE.CO.UK PALIFE.CO.UK

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R E S TA U R A N T R E V I E W S

TRIED& TA S T E D

FOR THOSE OCCASIONS WHEN YOU WANT YOUR CHOICE OF RESTAURANT TO WOW FOR MORE THAN JUST THE FOOD, CHECK OUT THESE TWO EATERIES

Silk & Grain

his past life as a bartender. My favourite is called Leather and Spice, a concoction of scotch with leather infusion, mango, passion fruit syrup and cardamom bitters. It’s just N THE MODERN AGE OF sweet enough to mask the CREATIVE COCKTAILS taste of alcohol. AND INNOVATIVE FOOD, When it comes to food, a restaurant offering delicious the chef has everything well dishes and drinks that rival under control. The menu is the fanciest bars is a rare find. small, but it offers something Silk & Grain is one such place. for everyone. I start with a The atmosphere here is chilled lobster salad with ideal for both lunch meetings sweetcorn, tomatoes and post-work drinks. On the and tarragon ground floor you’ve mayonnaise before got a hip bar playing moving on to a the latest music, THE MAIN rump steak with while the dining ATTRACTION béarnaise sauce. room is located on IS THE My partner wolfs the floor above. As SELECTION OF we are escorted COCKTAILS down his smoked mackerel and upstairs, I’m horseradish pleased the noise pâté and the flavour of his doesn’t permeate – manager honey-glazed rack of lamb James tells us the speakers makes up for the meat being a are pointed downwards for bit undercooked for his taste. this very reason. Dessert for me is a gooey It’s a few minutes before homemade brownie with we even look at the menu pistachio ice cream and a because we’re busy taking in peach and almond tart for the striking stag statue that’s him, which leave us ready to covered in pennies and the slip into a satisfied food coma. bull’s head fountain plastered If you’re looking for an with paper currency from unusual drinks list without the around the world. commotion of a cocktail bar, The main attraction on the this restaurant is worth a try. menu is the aged cocktails, an idea James came up with in Molly Dyson 33 Cornhill, London EC3V 3ND 020 7929 1378; silkandgrain.co.uk

CITY SOCIAL

City Social

Cornish mackerel, which turns the fish a fetching shade of pink and is served with roasted pine nuts and goat’s cheese sorbet, and I order tuna tataki with avocado, which comes with a piquant ONDON citrus ponzu dressing. RESTAURANTS ARE For the main course, GOING UP IN THE I select Dover sole with a world – quite literally. citrus sabayon that is Long-time stalwarts such as enhanced by the addition of the Paramount at Centre caper gnocchi. My escort’s Point have been joined by lamb dish, meanwhile, comes Sushisamba at Heron Tower complete with a dinky mini and Aqua at The Shard. shepherd’s pie. And now there’s City Social, After dessert, (a selection located on the 24th floor of cheeses for him of Tower 42, close and a white peach to Liverpool Street. parfait with basil The latest THE AMAZING for me) we’re venture of VIEWS presented with Michelin-starred GET EVEN salted chocolate chef Jason BETTER Atherton is buzzing AFTER DARK caramels in a wooden box to when I arrive. Even enjoy with coffee though it’s still early while we admire the and mid-week, there’s already magnificent views, which get a lively feel to the place and even better after dark. an upbeat jazz soundtrack There are smart private adds to the atmosphere. rooms for hire here too – one Service is sleek from the is a chef’s table, the other outset as our server brings a seats 24 (pictured above) and choice of white baguettes or sourdough brown bread there’s an incentive scheme accompanied by whipped, whereby PAs get points for unsalted butter that tastes booking. Just one more incredibly creamy. reason that this classy My companion and I both operation looks set to be opt for seafood starters – he a soaring success. goes for beetroot-cured Colette Doyle 24th floor, 25 Old Broad Street, London EC2N 1HQ 020 7877 7703; citysociallondon.com

SILK & GRAIN

R E A D M O R E R E S TA U R A N T R E V I E W S O N L I N E AT PA L I F E .C O. U K PALIFE.CO.UK

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TOP 10 OFFICE SHOW INNOVATIONS

THIS YEAR’S OFFICE SHOW ONCE AGAIN OFFERED PAS A HUGE RANGE OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES. WITH SO MUCH TO SEE, IT WOULD’VE BEEN EASY TO MISS SOMETHING, SO PA LIFE HAS PICKED A FEW OF ITS FAVOURITES TO PROVIDE A FLAVOUR OF THE TWO-DAY EVENT

AMS This company has been developing machines that make mass mailing quick and easy for more than 20 years. At this year’s show, it unveiled the new AMS 6500 Folder Inserter, which can fold paper and fill up to 2,400 envelopes an hour. It automatically detects the size of the paper and can handle up to eight sheets at a time. Plus, its compact design makes it ideal for small offices. ams-gb.com

MAGIC NOTEBOOK

MUGGI

PILOT PEN

The people behind the Magic Whiteboard have adapted the technology to design a reusable notebook. Available in A4 and A5 sizes, each book contains 60 pages. The ink dries within 10 seconds and won’t smudge, yet you can make corrections to your work at any time using the built-in eraser. The perforated edge allows you to tear a page out and print on it, making it perfect for creating reusable to-do lists. magicwhiteboard.co.uk

This innovative little tray makes it easier and safer to carry drinks. The Muggi holds up to four mugs or glasses and can be carried in one hand, leaving the other free to open doors or grip handrails on stairs. Its slotted design allows you to secure cups with handles so they won’t tip. If there is a little spill, the tray catches it, keeping it from staining office carpets or creating slippery surfaces. muggi.co.uk

Reducing waste is at the forefront of the aim to become more environmentally friendly. Pilot is helping out with its new V5 cartridge system, the first refillable liquid ink needle-tip rollerball. Made from 71% recycled plastic, it provides smooth writing without blotting or making a mess. The clear side panel allows you to see how much ink you have left, so you’ll never be caught in a meeting with a useless pen. pilotpen.co.uk

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 • PALife

HOT LIST

CHERRY KEYBOARDS

ECEAU

GODMINSTER

We don’t always think about the quality of our keyboards, but it can be a hassle if one breaks or loses its lettering. Cherry specialises in these essential devices and designs them to stand up to the test of time. Each key features laser-etched numbers and letters, which means you won’t have to worry about them wearing off, and the sturdy casing protects it from spills and bangs. cherrycorp.com

With the world becoming more healthconscious, it’s important for businesses to support staff with nutritious food and drink options. Eceau does this while solving the problem of cost and excess waste with its direct-from-the-tap dispensing units. The machines can provide both cold and hot water, as well as still and sparkling, plus they have an energy-saving mode to reduce the impact on the environment. eceaultd.co.uk

Cheese makes a great gift. Somersetbased Godminster has launched a range of corporate gifts in time for Christmas, with hampers that include vintage Cheddar, handmade brie, chutney, crackers and infused vodka, along with wine and port. From now until 17 December, readers can get 10% off orders of £150 or more by quoting “PA Life” over the phone, plus a free gift for a £500 spend. godminster.com

10.

STICK IT ON

TWISTKEY

VARIDESK

A corporate party isn’t complete without music, so let your colleagues take it in turns to be a DJ for the night. Everyone in your company submits a list of the songs they would play if they were in charge of the turntable. A member of the Stick It On team chooses the best lists, then at the party, each chosen member of staff works with a professional DJ to keep the beat going and get their co-workers dancing. stickiton.org.uk

There are many ways to present information about your company to clients. USB flash drives save time and money, as well as space, by storing every document on one tiny device. TwistKey takes this a step further by allowing you to present USBs in branded packaging. In addition to a cover, the box features two internal pages on which you can list contact details or include graphics. twistkey.com

Research shows that taking a break from sitting at your desk by standing up regularly does wonders for improving your health. Varidesk has designed a solution for busy workers with its adjustable desktop units. The device allows you to raise the height of your computer monitor and keyboard so you can continue working while standing. Its easy-to-use locking mechanism makes it simple to then lower back down. uk.varidesk.com

K E E P U P TO D AT E W I T H N E W S F R O M T H E PA C O M M U N I T Y AT PA L I F E .C O. U K PALIFE.CO.UK

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 • PALife

Angie Williams PA TO THE CEO OF THE INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS IN ENGLAND AND WALES

members know of any new laws and regulations, I have a close relationship with our communications team,” Angie OR MOST PAS, FINDING continues. “I’m also the one who is A SPECIFIC INDUSTRY responsible for arranging Michael’s IN WHICH YOU’RE meetings with members of Parliament. HAPPY IS NOT ALWAYS I’ve gained a hearty interest in politics and a given. At the start of her career, love the fact that we get to watch the news Angie Williams managed to combine her and Prime Minister’s Questions in the office.” knowledge of commerce and her skills as a shorthand typist to pave the way for a So what kind of changes has Angie lifetime of interesting roles. observed in the role of the PA over the Angie, who is the PA to Michael Izza, years? “When I first started, it was the CEO of the Institute of Chartered expected that you could do minutes in Accountants in England and Wales shorthand,” she explains. “The job is so (ICAEW), based at One Moorgate Place, much more involved than just taking says she chose to work in finance dictation now, so when some of the because it was something she had younger people I work with see my notes always been interested in. After she they think I’m writing in Arabic. The most left school, she sent her CV to a large obvious change is the impact email has number of firms. “I was lucky enough to had on anybody who works in an office. get a job after a short amount of time,” Everything is so much more immediate notes Angie. “I was young, naïve and shy, than it used to be. I remember when but it was such a good introduction to life correspondence was done either over in the City of London.” the phone or in a letter, which gave you While a typical first day is usually time to consider your response. Now spent touring the office and getting to there’s pressure to answer within hours. know your colleagues, Angie was thrown I have to force myself to get away from in at the deep end. “The first person I my desk every so often, otherwise I could took dictation from was a lord,” she sit at my computer all day.” divulges. “It was a huge thing to With such a demand on her time, long undertake on day one. His PA had been office hours aren’t unusual for Angie. She taken ill and I was later told that he asked says she wasn’t a stranger to working until a colleague to ‘send in the new girl’.” 6am in past jobs, so heading home by Since then, Angie has remained mainly 6.30pm is “more civilised”. Although she in the corporate finance sector. When the believes her career has affected her company she worked for in personal life, she thinks 2007 was bought out, she that’s down to her natural decided not to stay on. EVERYTHING IS dedication and the fact “I fancied something that she tends to put her SO MUCH MORE IMMEDIATE THAN job first. “Still, a demanding different,” she comments. IT USED TO BE She was told about the job role can become quite at the ICAEW and thought it stressful,” she adds. “I find would be the perfect match that exercise and talking to for her skills. “My CEO, Michael, has good friends really helps.” contacts all over the world, which keeps Despite this hectic lifestyle, Angie says the job interesting. We have 144,000 she loves her job. “I’ve been at the ICAEW members in 160 countries and offices for more than six years now, so I think that around the globe. I’m never bored shows I’m happy. Ideally, I’d like to still be because my ‘to-do’ list is always growing. here in the years to come. My ultimate The organisation has expanded and the retirement goal is to move to the country demands on Michael’s time are increasing, or by the sea and own horses and dogs, or so my role is to take some pressure off him. maybe open a small florist shop.” “Because we’re involved with the If a young PA were to ask Angie her government and are the ones to let our advice for reaching executive-level

A DAY IN THE LIFE 7.15am I spend the time on the train to check my own and Michael’s emails. It’s always good to be prepared before I arrive at the office. 8.15am I log on to both Michael’s computer and mine, then record our daily voicemail greetings. I check my ‘bring-forward’ file and get papers and speeches ready for the day. I’ll reply to emails and any correspondence, take phone calls and plan ahead where I can. I’m the first point of contact for people who want to speak to Michael, so new tasks will come up throughout the day that need to be dealt with. Michael travels abroad to our worldwide offices quite often, so part of my job is organising his flights and hotels, as well as that of anybody travelling with him. It’s important for me to know how to obtain visas, which are different for every country he goes to. 1pm I normally have a sandwich at my desk and continue my daily tasks until around 6.30pm. I aim to have answered every email before I leave the office, even if it’s just to acknowledge that I’ll look into their request. 7.30pm I try to get to my local sports centre a couple of nights a week. It’s a great way to switch off at the end of a busy day. Socialising is normally left to the weekend, although I do occasionally meet friends for dinner or a visit to the theatre after work. 11pm I finally fall into bed, ready to start the whole thing over again in the morning.

positions, she would say that soft skills are of the utmost importance. “You have to be discreet, positive, helpful and conscientious,” she explains. “A good telephone manner is also essential, as you are the first point of contact for people who are trying to reach your boss. You need to stand out from the crowd, but looking smart is a must. I once read that you should dress for the job you want, not the one you have.” These are excellent tips from a PA in finance who has her career all figured out.

WA N T TO A P P E A R I N A P R O F I L E ? E M A I L U S AT E D I T O R I A L@ PA L I F E .C O. U K PALIFE.CO.UK

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PROFILE

WORDS

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MOLLY DYSON

PHOTOGRAPH

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DAVID PREUTZ

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 • PALife

BEHIND THE LIMELIGHT PA LIFE EDITOR COLETTE DOYLE RECENTLY INTERVIEWED REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE ASSOCIATION OF CELEBRITY ASSISTANTS IN ORDER TO GET AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT THE ROLE OF A HIGH-PROFILE PA. MOLLY DYSON REVIEWS THE KEY POINTS OF THIS REVEALING SESSION

A LIFE EDITOR COLETTE DOYLE BEGAN THE INTERVIEW BY asking the participants, Deborah Shaw, former President of the Association of Celebrity Assistants in the UK (ACA-UK), and board member Stephen Lockyer, how they got started as celebrity PAs. Deborah says her mother made her do a secretarial course because it was something she could always fall back on. “I then headed for London, where I trained to become a buyer for Harrods.” However, she was picked out to be the assistant to the managing director because she was the only one on the course who could type. “After I started in the store they hired publicist Lynne

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Franks, who is the inspiration for cult TV show Absolutely Fabulous, and I worked with her as an in-store point of liaison. I was organising fashion shows and photo shoots, which made me realise my days of arranging till rotas wasn’t so exciting.” Deborah went on to work as Lynne’s assistant until moving to Los Angeles, where she landed a job with Charlton Heston. This role brought her face to face with many movie stars and Charlton recommended her as a talent manager when she moved on. One day she received a call from a lawyer who said he had a talented young man called Shia LaBeouf they’d be interested in. “This kid blew us out of the water, so we immediately got him on a Disney TV show called Even Stevens. The rest is history.” Stephen had a slightly different introduction to the world of celebrities.

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He started out as a PA and chauffeur for a London-based public relations company. “I previously supported the royal family of Dubai when they visited the UK,” he explains. “If a prince comes over with a group of his friends, he needs a driver who can set up dinners, hotels, nightclub visits and a whole list of other things, so I branched out on my own.” Then Colette asked what the strangest request was that Deborah had ever received as an assistant. “One of my bosses in LA really liked Marks & Spencer’s white cotton underwear and there wasn’t any online shopping back then. I had a friend coming over to visit me, so he asked if I could have my friend bring over a pack of briefs. He agreed on the condition he could come to the house and meet my boss!” Stephen has to deal with lots of requests for privacy – but these aren’t

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 • PALife

OFFICE SHOW REVIEW

always as simple as arranging late-night dinners and shopping trips. “I once had to arrange for Windsor Castle to be closed so my clients could have a private show round.” How does he handle demanding requests? “I have a lot of contacts through the ACA,” he comments. “It’s always handy to get to know people on a first-name basis and have their mobile numbers.” Next, Colette was interested in the difference between working for a private individual and for a company. Deborah says all PAs share the same skills. “What sets us apart is that celebrity assistants often work out of their boss’s house, so there isn’t a support system. You have to be self-reliant and able to think on your feet. There’s added pressure, depending on how well known your boss is. Confidentiality is key and some of us can’t tell people whom we work for. That’s where the ACA comes in. If I have a crazy request, I can ask for help. When somebody says no I have to find a way to make things happen. It’s a very proactive job,” she notes. Stephen agrees, adding that private PAs often end up working long hours. “My clients operate on Saudi time, which means I have to be flexible. I visit a lot of places in my spare time and read loads of magazines and newspapers to find out which restaurants all the VIPs are currently going to.” The nature of looking after high-profile clients means that PAs can often find themselves isolated. Deborah believes it’s essential to build a support network. “The first thing I do in any job is make friends with the other people who work at the house. Meeting and networking with other PAs, even if it’s online, is the shortcut to everything. They understand the pressure you’re under and can lend a helping hand.” Anyone who has read a gossip magazine knows how demanding celebrities can be. How does an assistant ensure, therefore, that their boss knows what they will and will not be prepared to do? “Most private PAs tend to be older because you need life experience to be able to set boundaries,” Deborah comments. “You just have to figure out what you’re comfortable doing and be polite about it.” Is the life of a celebrity PA really as glamorous as it might seem? Deborah admits that she has had some amazing experiences, such as travelling to a private island ahead of her client. “I also go to a lot of smart restaurants and hotels

and get nice presents, but I have to do some extraordinary things. We all work incredibly hard. At the end of the day, it’s still a job.” Deborah says one of her biggest challenges came when she was working for an actress in LA whose pet boa constrictor went missing after a trip. “A couple of weeks later I had to take her car for servicing and discovered a very hungry snake coiled under the driver’s seat. I called a friend to help me get the car to the garage and then I had to pay the mechanics to free the boa.” Stephen tends to view all of his last-minute requests as a challenge. “When the new iPhone came out, I was tasked with finding 100 of them for a prince to bring home to his friends,” he says. “We paid people to stand in queues, but ended up not getting any. Luckily, he was very understanding.” With so many demands on their time, how do Deborah and Stephen manage their work-life balance? Stephen’s hectic schedule means that he sometimes works for days on end, but he tries to plan time off when he knows he doesn’t have any important clients visiting. “I consider myself quite lucky in my current role,” Deborah says. “I do have to be flexible, but it’s not difficult. I’ve turned down jobs in the past because the client expected me to be available 24/7 and I knew I wouldn’t be able to cope with it.” So what kind of advice does Stephen have for those aspiring to become assistants to the rich and famous? “Get in the mind-set of your clients. Understand etiquette and how to approach people, especially if there’s a cultural difference. Read newspapers and magazines every day to keep up with the trendiest places to eat and drink.” Homing in on the jet-setting lifestyle of many celebrities, Deborah believes that a fondness for international travel is vital. “If you possibly can, try to experience flying first class so you know what it’s like. Find a common interest with your boss and get into the things they like. Make contacts wherever you can because you never know when you’re going to need to ask for a favour.” She finishes the discussion with an interesting statement that sums up the life of a celebrity assistant perfectly. “You have to be proactive rather than reactive, but you still need to be able to handle situations as and when they come up. Most importantly, remember your status as a PA. Your relationship is a close one, but you’re not their friend. It’s a job.”

MEET THE INTERVIEWEES Deborah Shaw Deborah has had a varied background. After training as a buyer for Harrods, and working as a publicist at Lynne Franks PR, Deborah relocated to Los Angeles. There she became the personal assistant to Charlton Heston before moving to John Crosby Management as a Talent Manager, representing numerous clients. These included Charlize Theron, Rene Russo, John Hurt, Orla Brady, James Denton and Shia LaBeouf, whom Deborah discovered when he was just 12 years old. In 2003, with a wealth of experience under her belt and already a BAFTA member, Deborah returned to London where she met founding President of the Association of Celebrity Assistants in the UK, Joy Montgomery. Soon after, she was invited to join the founding board for a two-year term as the first treasurer of the ACA-UK. In April 2011 she became Vice-President and in April 2012 took over as President. Deborah stepped down from the position in September and has since been succeeded by Thomas Trautmann. Stephen Lockyer Stephen initially worked at a Londonbased PR agency as part-PA and part-chauffeur before moving to work with a leading fashion retailer. Stephen now works in a private capacity for international talent and VIPs when they come over to the UK. Having worked with royal families and many well-known faces in the music world, such as Taylor Swift, Liza Minnelli and P Diddy, he uses his connections to help others within the Association of Celebrity Assistants in the UK.

SHARE YOUR VIEWS ON THE WORLD OF THE CELEBRIT Y PA @PALIFEMAG PALIFE.CO.UK

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 • PALife

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A FOREIGN AFFAIR

IN TODAY’S GLOBAL BUSINESS CLIMATE, PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ARE OFTEN TASKED WITH ORGANISING MEETINGS WITH EUROPEAN CLIENTS. PA LIFE GOES FURTHER AFIELD TO VISIT SOME OF THE CONTINENT’S BEST CONFERENCE VENUES

KEMPINSKI HOTEL BARBAROS BAY

HOTEL ARTS BARCELONA Marina 19-21, 08005 Barcelona, Spain hotelartsbarcelona.com Spaces available: The hotel offers 3,500m2 of modern function space, equipped with state-of-the-art conference equipment. The venue’s outdoor areas and open-air restaurants provide an additional 1,000m2 of terraces and gardens. Its 14 indoor meeting rooms feature flexible seating to suit any type of event and can accommodate up to 1,000 delegates. Meanwhile, the exclusive Arts 41 duplex complex provides more intimate spaces. Hire rate: From £960 per room Unique selling point: Considered one of the finest luxury events spaces in Barcelona, Hotel Arts offers stunning panoramic views of both the city and the sea.

Kizilagac Koyu Gerenkuyu Mevkii Yaliciftlik, 48400 Bodrum kempinski.com/bodrum Spaces available: The Kempinski Hotel offers a variety of event spaces that can accommodate up to 750 people. Executive meeting rooms provide an ideal setting for smaller groups of up to 30, while the ballroom can host 190 for a sit-down meal. Hire rate: DDR from £44, including room hire and refreshments. Unique selling point: The hotel has a silent beach (no kids, mobile phones, or boats), chill-out DJ sundeck and a spa with an authentic Turkish hammam bath. In addition to its indoor spaces, the venue offers a host of open-air spaces, including a private beach, suitable for cocktail parties. Its in-house team of chefs can cater for an event with unique menus and bespoke dishes.

L’HOTEL DU COLLECTIONNEUR

BELMOND GRAND HOTEL EUROPE Nevsky Prospekt, Mikhailovskaya Ulitsa 1/7, 191186 St Petersburg, Russia belmond.com/grand-hotel-europe-st-petersburg Spaces available: The Belmond Grand Hotel Europe features a number of function spaces, from the intimate Museum Room to the large Kryscha Ballroom. Each of the venue’s meeting areas can be arranged to suit any type of event. Hire rate: Varies depending on the room; from £130 per day. Unique selling point: The Belmond Grand is Russia’s first five-star hotel and features the largest presidential suite in the city. The building is steeped in more than 130 years of history and features stunning architectural design throughout. It’s ideally situated in the city centre, with its numerous historic attractions.

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51-57 rue de Courcelles, 75008 Paris, France hotelducollectionneur.com Spaces available: The hotel boasts 1,700m2 of event facilities, with a maximum capacity of 650 people. Its six rooms feature fully flexible layouts to suit any type of event, from board meetings to gala dinners. Each space opens on to the central courtyard, with its Andalusian patio, which allows for lots of natural daylight. Hire rate: Varies depending on the room; rates on request. Unique selling point: The hotel is located close to the famous Champs-Elysées, providing easy access to Paris’s boutique shops and numerous historic sites. Its beautiful art deco style brings the sophistication of the 1930s to life, while wifi and AV equipment updates it to the modern age.

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 • PALife

LA CALA RESORT

THE FIRST LUXURY ART HOTEL Via del Vantaggio 14, 00186 Rome, Italy thefirsthotel.com Spaces available: The First Luxury Art Hotel has 23 suites and six guest rooms, as well as a restaurant for lunch and dinner. Its outdoor spaces are ideal for private meals and cocktail parties. Hire rate: Starts from £263 a night Unique selling point: Located in the heart of the city, the hotel welcomes guests to a new concept of luxury lifestyle with dedicated multilingual staff available 24 hours a day to make the stay a memorable experience. More than 150 contemporary artworks are showcased and available for sale. Guests can enjoy the Michelin-star All’Oro restaurant and taste amazing creations by chef Riccardo di Giacinto. The Roof Garden is a unique destination for a meal and from there guests can sip on a cocktail with 360-degree views of the city.

Mijas Costa, 29649 Malaga, Spain lacala.com Spaces available: The resort sits in 1,050 acres of land, which provides a remote setting for outdoor events with beautiful views. In addition to 107 guest rooms, the hotel features five function spaces that can accommodate up to 180 people. Meanwhile, the Clubhouse Laurel has a maximum capacity of 300, making it ideal for receptions and conferences. The venue also has its own 18-hole championship golf course, a spa, tennis courts, a FIFA-specification football pitch and three restaurants. Hire rate: Available on request Unique selling point: La Cala is secluded and private, but it is also located a short drive from Malaga airport and has easy access to the vibrant town of Marbella. Its leisure facilities allow delegates to take a break and unwind, whether they’re relaxing in the spa or having fun playing their favourite sport.

PARK HYATT VIENNA

LOUGH ESKE CASTLE Lough Eske, Donegal Town, County Donegal, Ireland solishotels.com/lougheskecastle Spaces available: The hotel features three dedicated event spaces, including the Oak boardroom, the Glencar suite and the ballroom, plus expansive grounds that can host summer parties and team-building activities. The venue is also available for exclusive hire of its 96 guest rooms, giving delegates access to the property’s multiple lounges and leisure facilities. Hire rate: DDR from £32, with 24-hour residential packages available; exclusive hire rates on request. Unique selling point: Situated under the Blue Stack Mountains, the hotel features stunning views of Ireland’s diverse landscape. The venue can arrange extra accommodation at nearby hotels, as well as on-site team-building activities, fishing in the lake and day excursions. Delegates can also relax in the spa.

Am Hof 2, Vienna, Austria 1010 vienna.park.hyatt.com Spaces available: Park Hyatt Vienna incorporates 800m2 of event facilities. The hotel’s meeting and banquet spaces include the Grand Salon, a ballroom that can accommodate 112 people cabaret-style and up to 200 for cocktail receptions, as well as a breakout space that is ideal for coffee breaks and post-event drinks. Two small salons can be used for admin purposes, or as a welcome area. The five boardrooms are filled with natural daylight and can be connected to offer extra flexibility. Hire rate: DDR from £60; room hire rates available on request. Unique selling point: Park Hyatt Vienna offers premier meeting space in beautifully refurbished, historical spaces in its Bel Etage area, located exclusively on the second floor. Plus, all of its board rooms face the oldest square in the city, Platz Am Hof.

D I S C O V E R N E W V E N U E I D E A S AT PA L I F E .C O. U K PALIFE.CO.UK

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 • PALife

EVENTS REDEFINED WITH ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL®

Clockwise from top: From spectacular theatres that can seat hundreds of guests to more intimate spaces, each ship offers a variety of venues for your event. Enjoy dazzling entertainment onboard, including incredible shows on ice. Gourmet dining experiences and fine wines create an event that’s as delicious as it is memorable.

Whether it’s your annual conference, product launch or that all-important incentive trip, we will make it unforgettable. Let us help plan your event with everything from complimentary fine dining, state of the art conference facilities and amazing entertainment. Our dedicated conference centres can accommodate up to 400 guests, or make use of the theatre to captivate larger groups in style and comfort. If it’s reward, excitement or just relaxation your guests seek, they will find it onboard. Royal Caribbean International offers outstanding value, endless destination choices, ease of planning and a number of options to help customise your event.

Take your event somewhere new. Contact us today. miceuk@rccl.com | Tel 0844 493 3070

Features and amenities vary by ship. RCL Cruises Ltd is a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd of Miami, Florida doing business as Royal Caribbean International. RCL Cruises Ltd is a registered English company (company no. 07366612) with registered office address at Building 3, The Heights, Brooklands, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0NY. ©2014 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Ships registered in the Bahamas. *Brilliance of the Seas® is operated by RCL (UK) Ltd., a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. 14040803 • 9/29/2014

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EUROPEAN VENUES

ROYAL CARIBBEAN

PULLMAN PARIS TOUR EIFFEL 18 Avenue de Suffren, 75015 Paris, France pullmanhotels.com Spaces available: Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel boasts 430 guest rooms, a ballroom and 23 meeting spaces that can be configured for any function. The hotel also boasts a unique private 280m2 function area on the 10th floor, with a glass roof and stunning panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower. Its “business playground” boardroom combines work with pleasure and offers a different approach to traditional meetings, with a poker-style table and break-out area for private conversations. Hire rate: From £96 per person Unique selling point: Situated on Paris’s Left Bank, Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel is a sleek four-star hotel in a prime destination for business customers. Following a complete renovation, the hotel was relaunched in May as a flagship of the Pullman brand and a leading Paris venue for meetings and events.

Cruises available across Europe royalcaribbean.co.uk/conference Spaces available: A number of spaces are available for corporate event use on the company’s fleet of 23 ships. Royal Caribbean has invested as much in accommodating business as it has pleasure. Meeting facilities are sleek, modern spaces that can host everything from a small board retreat to a company-wide presentation, with group sizes from 16 to 1,400. Hire rate: Contact the sales team for a quote Unique selling point: Royal Caribbean offers a number of itineraries across Europe. Its ships feature state-of-the-art conference facilities, as well as a number of spaces to host cocktail parties, award ceremonies and product launches. From a rewarding incentive programme to a full itinerary, the team works with you to deliver the results you need. It can also arrange exclusive activities and shore excursions for corporate guests.

WALDORF ASTORIA AMSTERDAM

SWISSTECH CONVENTION CENTER EPFL, Société pour le Quartier Nord de l’EPFL, Station 21, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland tstcc.ch/en/index.php Spaces available: At the push of a button, the large auditorium, with a capacity of 3,000, can be transformed into a 2,000m2 banquet hall. The basement can be used as one large hall, or split into separate rooms holding between 40 and 250 people. Hire rate: From £3,250 per day Unique selling point: The building is the result of years of planning and brings together cutting-edge multimedia technology with several pioneering devices to personalise the experience of each delegate. Intelligent signposts help participants navigate around the venue, automatically adapting the information displayed to their location. A unique mobile application provides visitors with access to information on all of the day’s events.

Herengracht 542-556, 1017 CG Amsterdam, Netherlands placeshilton.com/wa-amsterdam Spaces available: The Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam features a number of indoor and outdoor spaces that can accommodate any type of event. For large conferences and gala dinners, there’s the Hooft Ballroom, which can cater for up to 160 for a reception, or there are more intimate options such as the De Hartogh room. The venue also offers 93 elegant guest rooms. Hire rate: From £1,200 a room per day Unique selling point: The hotel is situated beside Amsterdam’s iconic canal, offering stunning views of the water and the city. It’s a historical property and home to the largest courtyard garden in the area, as well as the first Guerlain spa in the Benelux region. Its two restaurants provide fine dining options, while the Vault Bar is the ideal place to relax with a cocktail after a day of meetings.

C H E C K O U T T H E O N L I N E V E N U E S E A R C H AT PA L I F E .C O. U K ♦ 22 ♦

GIFT COACH Introducing our corporate gift services, perfect for thanking clients and employees. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE COACH CORPORATE GIFTS TEAM AT COACHCORPORATESALES@COACH.COM OR 07894800179

RUNNING HEAD

ALL ABOARD FOR LUXURY CRUISING MAY BE MORE COMMONLY ASSOCIATED WITH THE LEISURE SECTOR, BUT THESE FLOATING PALACES CAN ALSO WORK WELL WHEN IT COMES TO HOSTING BUSINESS EVENTS. COLETTE DOYLE FINDS IT’S ALL PLAIN SAILING WHEN SHE BOARDS THE SILVER WIND A SILVERSEA SHIP ANCHORED OFF THE GLAMOROUS RESORT OF PORTOFINO

RUISE SHIPS HAVE A REPUTATION FOR GLAMOUR, BUT NOT ALL ARE CREATED equal. As you board a Silversea vessel you realise from the outset that you’re in for a taste of the high life all the way, from the chilled champagne that greets you on arrival to the Bulgari toiletries you’ll find in your suite and the gleaming gold fittings that surround you. Then there’s your cabin attendant – actually, scratch that – other lines may have attendants; Silversea has frockcoated butlers. Ours is Jitin, an affable character who hails from Kerala and for whom nothing is too much trouble, including unpacking our bags as we stagger off an early-morning flight – a real treat. The reassuring thing is that he’s not being this nice just so you’ll cough up a big tip at the end of the voyage, as all gratuities on board are included. “Always appreciated, never expected” is Silversea’s motto when it comes to tipping and the truly superlative service, pre-empting each guest’s every whim (when I tell him I’m not a big fan of New World wines, Jitin graciously swaps my Chilean bottle of wine for an Italian one) is abundant evidence of this. In fact, the ratio of just 296 guests to 222 crew members on board the Silver Wind means there is always someone on hand to assist. Another pertinent fact to note about the Silversea experience is there are no inside cabins on its fleet – it’s an all-suite ENJOY ON-BOARD FINE DINING AT LE CHAMPAGNE

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line, each one with a panoramic picture window and most featuring a balcony, or veranda as they’re more grandly called here. As well as the butler service, you have a fridge – which banishes all sorry memories of the mini-bar by stocking full-size bottles of your favourite tipple – plush bathrobes and cosy slippers, plus (my favourite if only for the sheer cachet of it) personalised stationery. A digest of news is delivered daily free of charge so you can keep up with all the goings-on at home, but I really liked the Silversea Chronicles. This is a printed overview of the day’s activities, both in terms of the entertainment on board and the different shore excursions available. It also incorporates the rather quaint touch of informing you of the dress code for the day – formal, informal or casual – with a reminder that no jeans or shorts are allowed indoors after 6pm. The highlight of most cruises is the dining and on the Silver Wind this is a gastronomic experience designed to please even the most exigent bon viveur. The prosaically named The Restaurant is the main

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dining room and, unlike on some other cruise lines, there are no fixed timings or seating allocations, meaning you can choose when you eat and with whom you’d like to sit. Typical starters include swordfish carpaccio or shrimp cocktail, followed by a choice of meat grills accompanied by a vast selection of side dishes and sauces, plus seafood and vegetarian options, salads and pasta. Desserts feature a healthy alternative complete with calorie count for those who are either being virtuous or dull, depending on your point of view. La Terrazza, meanwhile, serves up Italian fare and reservations are mandatory, although that’s simply to keep numbers in check in order to foster an intimate atmosphere, but there’s no additional charge to dine here. Favourites of mine included the classic vitello tonnato (veal with a tuna and caper sauce), homemade tagliatelle with San Marzano tomatoes and cassata Siciliana, a divine ice-cream cake. The all-inclusive pricing structure that operates on Silversea cruises covers alcoholic drinks too, so you’re free to imbibe away, whether your libation of choice is a glass of fine wine, champagne, or a fancy cocktail – the Aperol Spritz comes highly recommended. If you don’t mind paying extra on top of your all-inclusive deal, you may want to

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 • PALife

B U S I N E S S T R AV E L

check out Le Champagne, which can lay claim to being the only Relais & Châteaux restaurant at sea. There is a steep additional charge of $200 (around £125) per person, but the menu offers up such tempting specialities as Dover sole with a Camembert bouillon, lobster thermidor and Grand Marnier soufflé. You’ll never go hungry on board a Silversea ship. As well as the standard three meals a day, there’s afternoon tea, tapas before dinner and all-day snacks at the pool bar – even drinks in the lounges come served with dainty canapés. Meanwhile, if you opt to have a meal in your suite it’s silver service all the way, as your butler unfolds the tablecloth with a flourish and sets the table with proper cutlery and condiment dishes. When your itinerary takes in such stunning ports of call as Sardinia, Corsica, Portofino and Monaco (see the box right), you might not plan on spending that much time on the ship, but there are on-board activities aplenty for when you do. During the day, there are card games, trivia quizzes and fitness classes to while away the time, as well as talks on places of interest that you’re passing through. I didn’t recognise any of the speakers on this sailing, but there are big names on occasion: last year, the Silver Wind played host to award-winning investigative journalist Roger Cook, who spoke about his globe-trotting career that spans more than 40 years. There’s also a hair salon and Steiner spa with a full range of wraps, facials and massages, a small but serviceable casino and a set of smart-looking boutiques where you can pick up some tasteful souvenirs, plus there’s a terrific little library where you can borrow a decent selection of books and DVDs if you’re not feeling especially sociable. Each evening there is entertainment in the show lounge – I

particularly enjoyed the Abba tribute performance, but there was also opera and classical piano recitals on offer for the slightly more highbrow. Explaining how the facilities can be put to good use in the corporate sector, Maarten Tromp, Director of Corporate & Incentive Sales for the EMEA region, says the cruise line organises six full-ship charters a year on average, plus four group charters whose numbers mustn’t exceed 25 per cent of the ship’s capacity, so as not to disturb the other guests. Then there are deck charters, where a company can take over one whole deck and customise it with their branding, while still having access to all the facilities on board. For instance, a group from a well-known soft drinks manufacturer took part in a deck charter with a dual purpose: as well as being the venue for a board meeting, it also served as an inspection visit for a whole ship charter that was planned for the following year. So far to date in 2014, the companies that have run programmes hail from the UK, continental Europe and the Far East and span various industries, including the financial, automotive and household goods sectors. Customisation is the name of the game: for the group from the Far East all the menus were translated into Asian languages, oriental cuisine was the fare of the day and their national spirit was especially flown in. Other items that have been flown in by companies include entertainers such as Diana Ross, US comedians from the Vegas circuit and Russian dance troupes; boxer turned motivational speaker Sugar Ray Leonard also made a guest appearance as a presenter at a corporate awards ceremony. “You can change the itinerary to suit, and tailor it to be as personal as you like. If it’s possible to do it, we’ll make it work,” comments Tromp,

citing the example of one group who chose to stop off at Sardinia instead of Corsica, as there was a specific golf course there that they wanted to play at. On another occasion, a German firm devised a partners’ programme so that spouses weren’t bored waiting while the company employees got down to business. When the ship docked in Monaco, the team worked on board as partners embarked on a glitzy shopping trip and were later picked up in St Tropez. Then there was the car manufacturer, which had its brand new models lined up in each port so that the invited motoring journalists could test-drive them. Tromp opines that perhaps the perception of leisure puts conference organisers off considering cruise ships as a serious option, but once it’s proposed they often take to the concept like – if you’ll pardon the pun – a duck to water. As he puts it: “You stay in a hotel, but you experience a cruise” and anyone who has cruised with Silversea can vouch for it being quite an experience indeed.

Prices for a similar voyage on board Silver Wind in 2015 start from £2,750 per person. For more information on other itineraries, ships in the Silversea fleet and charter opportunities, visit silversea.com

SILVER WIND ITINERARY FOR VOYAGE 2340 Day one Arrive Rome, transfer to Civitavecchia. Silver Wind departs for Olbia, Sardinia Day two Arrive Olbia at 8am, depart for Calvi, Corsica at 6pm Day three Arrive Calvi at 8am, P

THERE IS PLENTY OF ROOM FOR CONFERENCES AT THE SHOW LOUNGE

Day four P L

Day five Arrive Livorno at 8am Day six Depart for Cannes at 7pm Day seven Arrive Cannes at 8am, depart for

S E E M O R E I D E A S F O R H O S T I N G C O R P O R AT E E V E N T S AT PA L I F E .C O. U K PALIFE.CO.UK

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 • PALife

A hidden gem in the heart of London

One Moorgate Place is home to the Institute of Chartered Accountants It is the perfect venue for every occasion Enquire now to book your next meeting, conference, celebration or private dining event

www.onemoorgateplace.com E: events@onemoorgateplace.com T: 020 7920 8613

COMADV13611-1 OMP PA Life advert.indd 1

17/11/2014 16:13

HIGH SOCIETY

THE UK’S ROYAL INSTITUTES AND HISTORIC SOCIETIES OCCUPY SOME OF THE COUNTRY’S MOST MAGNIFICENT PROPERTIES, MANY OF WHICH ARE AVAILABLE FOR CORPORATE EVENTS. PA LIFE VISITS A FEW OF THESE GRAND VENUES TO SEE WHAT THEY HAVE TO OFFER

BMA HOUSE

30 EUSTON SQUARE London NW1 2FB 30eustonsquare.co.uk Background: Home to the Royal College of General Practitioners, the venue opened in 2012 following a reconstruction programme. Spaces available: The new auditorium can seat up to 300, while the property’s 24 meeting rooms can accommodate up to 80. Other spaces include the penthouse staterooms with a rooftop terrace, six private dining rooms and 41 boutique guest rooms. Hire rate: DDR from £65 Unique selling point: The venue features a combination of traditional and modern facilities, with enhanced technology throughout. It is situated at the heart of the capital’s transport triangle of Euston, King’s Cross and St Pancras.

Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9JP bmahouse.org.uk Background: BMA House is a stunning Grade II-listed building, designed by world-famous architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. It has been home to the British Medical Association since 1925. Spaces available: The venue features 25 unique event spaces, with capacities ranging from two to 320. Hire rate: Rooms from £325; DDR from £70 Unique selling point: Centrally located in fashionable Bloomsbury, BMA House boasts excellent transport links via Euston, King’s Cross and St Pancras. Steeped in history and character, this hidden gem offers an ideal setting for conferences and meetings, with state-of-the-art technology and wifi throughout.

MIDDLE TEMPLE

CHICHELEY HALL Chicheley Road, Chicheley, Buckinghamshire MK16 9JJ deverevenues.co.uk/en/venues/chicheley-hall/ Background: Chicheley Hall is home to the historic Royal Society. A stunning 18th-century Grade I-listed mansion, the venue offers a rural setting just a short distance from Milton Keynes. Spaces available: With event space for up to 100 delegates across nine meeting rooms, Chicheley Hall features top-of-therange TVs and audio visual equipment, as well as free high-speed wifi throughout and 48 guest rooms. Hire rate: DDR from £25 Unique selling point: The venue offers a programme of scientific events and remains at the forefront of discoveries across the globe, providing an inspirational setting for corporate training.

PALIFE.CO.UK

Ashley Building, Middle Temple Lane, London EC4Y 9BT middletemplehall.org.uk Background: The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple is steeped in more than 400 years of history. It is one of four ancient Inns of Court and services the legal profession to this day. Spaces available: The Rutledge Suite has recently reopened following an AV and wifi upgrade and comprises seven rooms that can be configured in a number of ways for up to 60 delegates. Hire rate: DDR from £45 Unique selling point: Middle Temple hall boasts an original double hammer-beam roof, beautiful stained-glass windows and oak-panelled walls. The property’s award-winning landscaped gardens offer the ideal location for receptions and summer events.

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 • PALife

ROYA L I N S T I T U T E S

RIBA VENUES

ONE MOORGATE PLACE London EC2R 6EA onemoorgateplace.com Background: One Moorgate Place is a beautiful Grade II-listed building with a range of versatile rooms and striking historic features. It is the headquarters to the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Spaces available: This hidden gem in the heart of the City can accommodate up to 600 delegates. Hire rate: Room hire from £250 Unique selling point: One Moorgate Place boasts stunning architecture and exceptional service that is offered as standard. A dedicated events co-ordinator and high-quality in-house hospitality team can deliver bespoke events and the wide range of rooms available to hire can cater for meetings, conferences, exhibitions, private dining and parties.

66 Portland Place, London W1B 1AD ribavenues.com Background: RIBA Venues is the conference and events arm of the Royal Institute of British Architects, which regularly plays host to events for corporate clients, associations and charities. Spaces available: The venue’s event facilities, including a tiered auditorium, can host meetings, conferences, receptions and dinners for up to 400 delegates. Hire rate: From £220 per room; special offers available on request. Unique selling point: The venue is set in an architecturally significant construction built in 1934 following an intense competition among leading architects. The winning entry was from the UK’s own Grey Wornum, whose design was chosen due to the ease of flow between rooms. RIBA regularly hosts architecture exhibitions that are available free of charge for delegates to view when attending events at the venue.

RSA HOUSE

THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS 11 St Andrew’s Place, London NW1 4LE rcpevents.co.uk Background: The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is England’s oldest medical institution, founded by Royal Charter in 1518. Spaces available: With more than 18 meeting rooms, the portfolio of facilities includes two auditoriums featuring tiered seating, as well as meeting and dining facilities such as the Dorchester Library. The property also boasts a private medicinal garden that is ideal for summer barbecues and drinks receptions. Hire rate: DDR from £63 per person and VAT-exempt room hire from £400. Unique selling point: The home of the RCP is an iconic Grade I-listed building opposite Regent’s Park, with more than 500 years of history. It also holds museum status, offering a value-added experience for delegates.

8 John Adam Street, London WC2N 6EZ thersa.org/venue-hire Background: Home to the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, RSA House was designed by Robert Adam in the 1770s. Spaces available: The venue features 11 event spaces that can cater for up to 220 delegates. The versatile Great and Benjamin Franklin rooms are ideal for conferences and gala dinners, while the Vaults offer a larger space for dinners. The Durham Street Auditorium provides tiered seating and is perfect for seminars. Hire rate: DDR from £60; special packages available on request. Unique selling point: RSA House combines Georgian grandeur with high-quality contemporary design. Its period features provide a blank canvas for corporate events, while advanced AV technology offers a customisable solution.

B R OW S E M O R E H I S TO R I C V E N U E S U S I N G T H E O N L I N E S E A R C H AT PA L I F E .C O. U K PALIFE.CO.UK

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 • PALife

Ref: PAXMAS

If you’re looking for a special Christmas celebration this year, look no further than the DoubleTree by Hilton London – West End and Victoria.

2 EXCLUSIVE OFFERS for only £50.00 per person*

We are delighted to introduce our exciting range of party options for Christmas 2014, featuring a selection of top quality packages to suit all. Each of our party packages have been thoughtfully planned to ensure there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Our experienced and friendly team will be glad to help you find a date and organise even the smallest of details to create your perfect Christmas party! From our mouth watering menus to our stylish entertainment we’ve taken care of everything for you, not to mention our highly popular Sharer Party Nights and themed Private Party Nights.

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the award winning Royal College of Physicians building, we have created 2 exclusive packages! DINING PACKAGE:

CHRISTMAS PACKAGES:

Bubbly on arrival and a viewing of the Lasdun ‘Anatomy of a building’ architectural exhibition, followed by a 3 course seated dinner, with half a bottle of wine*.

A half day morning meeting, followed by a 3 course lunch - or An afternoon meeting, followed by a canapé reception*.

A Christmas Lunch with colleagues, Festive Party Night or Christmas Day Feast with family – each will have the right ambience, a terrific menu and your favourite tipples to match. We look forward to seeing you over the season and making it one to remember. Get 15% off the below prices when booking through PA Life. This offer is not valid for the special accommodation rates. Special accommodation rates available throughout the festive season from only £74.50 per person, based on two sharing Festive Christmas Lunches £29.95 per person Christmas Sharer Party Nights £49.95 per person Private Party Nights £55.00 per person Christmas Afternoon Tea £15.50 per person Christmas Day Lunch £55.00 per adult, £28.00 per child (3-12 years)

*Minimum numbers and terms and conditions apply

Call: 020 7400 3808 or email:christmas@dtlondonvictoria.com

To book, or for more information please contact: 020 7034 4900 | events@rcplondon.ac.uk | www.rcpevents.co.uk 11 St Andrews Place, Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4LE

53998 PA life advert - Events 126x172.qxp_Layout 1 18/11/2014 18:05 Page 1

BMA House, London, WC1 EVENTS - CONFERENCES - WEDDINGS

A Stunning Grade II Listed Building in the Heart of London Call 020 7874 7020 or email events@bma.org.uk www.bmahouse.org.uk BMA House, Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9JP. www.facebook.com/bmahouse - twitter.com/bmahousevenue

PALIFE.CO.UK

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 • PALife

EXPERT ADVICE

SHARING THE LOAD

NEW LEGISLATION IS SOON TO COME INTO EFFECT THAT WILL TURN TRADITIONAL MATERNITY LEAVE ON ITS HEAD BY ENABLING BOTH PARENTS TO SHARE TIME AWAY FROM THE OFFICE BETWEEN THEM. ALEX CLEMENTS EXPLAINS HOW THE SCHEME WILL WORK T HAS LONG BEEN THE COMPLAINT OF SOME LESS enlightened bosses that there is little merit in employing young women as they “will only go off and take maternity leave”. However, new legislation is on the way that may challenge even the most dinosaur of bosses and hopefully help share the workload between parents during a baby’s first year. At present, employed mothers are entitled to take 52 weeks of maternity leave and to receive 39 weeks of statutory maternity pay (although some employers offer more generous schemes). New fathers have the right to a minimum of two weeks paternity leave. However, this structure doesn’t really reflect the realities of modern parenting – more and more women are the major earner in a family and many more fathers expect to be involved in the day-to-day practicalities of bringing up their children. There was a limited attempt to address this in April 2011, when regulations came in that allow women to return to work once their child is 20 weeks old, and for the father to use the remainder of the leave. The scheme has not been well advertised, however, and take up has been limited. For the parents of babies born on or after 5 April 2015, there should be much more flexibility in how parents manage the care during the first year of their child’s life. If they so wish, women will still be able to take the whole 52-week period as maternity leave. It is currently the case that no woman may return to work within a two-week period of giving birth and this will remain in force after next year. After that initial two-week period though, a

woman can choose to end her maternity leave and then it is up to the parents to decide how to use the remainder of the time – they can either be on leave together, or take it in turns to use blocks of leave. This is a right that the mother can share with either the biological father or her partner (including a same-sex partner) with whom she shares the childcare responsibilities. There are certain eligibility criteria: one parent must have worked for the same employer for at least 26 weeks at the 15th week before the baby is due (as is currently the case for maternity leave) while the other must have worked for 26 weeks in the 66 weeks leading up to the due date. In addition, in order to qualify for maternity pay, the parent taking leave must have earned at least enough to pay national insurance contributions when averaged over the eight weeks leading up to the 15th week before the due date. Parents wishing to opt for shared parental leave should give their employer at least eight weeks’ notice of their

intention to do so. Each eligible employee can give his or her employer up to three separate notices. Each notice can be either for a block of leave or for a pattern of discontinuous leave involving different periods of time (perhaps alternating the leave with their partner). Employers are entitled to refuse requests for discontinuous leave and can insist that leave is taken in one block. Clearly, this could all cause some headache for employers. Leave taken in discontinuous weeks could make work planning problematic, not to mention the difficulty of trying to co-ordinate leave between two different employers. However, with early and regular communication, there is no reason why this new regime can’t be a real boon for all working parents.

Alex Clements is a partner at law firm Schofield Sweeney, specialising in all aspects of employment law with a particular interest in discrimination issues. For more information visit schofieldsweeney.co.uk

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 • PALife

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

PLANNING MADE PERFECT PAS AND EAS CAN HOLD THE KEY TO EFFECTIVE PROJECT MANAGEMENT. ESTHER MCMORRIS EXPLAINS WHAT YOU CAN BE DOING TO ENSURE A PROJECT’S SUCCESS AND STRENGTHEN YOUR POSITION WITHIN THE COMPANY IN THE PROCESS XECUTIVE ASSISTANTS HOLD THE KEY TO SUSTAINABLE PROJECT MANAGEMENT, YET FOR every business that understands and supports your unique position, the rest overlook it. As a result, many businesses still need educating on exactly how to utilise their administrative professionals more effectively. First, though, you need to consider the fundamentals of a project, as understanding these will allow you to elevate your corporate position and assist your company. Clear communication is therefore vital – it is a critical component during delivery and without it projects can fail to materialise, fall by the wayside and result in wasted time and resources. Key stakeholders must be brought on board – projects need strong backing, otherwise colleagues may struggle to get behind the process. Resistance may occur; senior management should be prepared to support apprehensive staff, especially when substantial change is involved. Ignoring the above can cause projects to derail. Thankfully, PAs are perfectly positioned to assist with all three. This is because of their unrivalled access to senior management, company knowledge and internal relationships. With the right strategy, leveraging this combination will enable you to become a project’s champion. Set yourself project management objectives and actions to cement the responsibility you want. This could mean relaying progress to the entire executive team efficiently when milestones are met, or ensuring potential risks are dealt

with as soon as they are identified. Think about fielding project feedback from concerned staff, pushing and encouraging those responsible for specific resources to deliver on time, motivating staff that require assistance, or becoming a mediator when challenging situations may arise. Recognising the significant role you play in the project management chain will help raise your own profile and career. Take advantage of the opportunities that exist with the following factors. Identify who was influential during past projects,

then gain their trust and respect to put yourself in a stronger position in the future. Drive resource creation – support staff with the right materials so they can stay productive. Generate positive noise around successes, whether you have been asked to or not, as effective project management comes from efficient team management and interaction. Business outcomes should always be sustainable, so find out what can be done to raise the results of completed projects, especially those that are flagging. Search for a mentor willing to involve you in

current projects; if that is not possible, shadow and absorb the process by utilising your corporate position. These are wise first steps, but you should also consider complementing general business awareness with practical action. If available, schedule time for accredited training programmes. Official project management skills are translatable across all areas of business, so discuss with HR about expanding your skills base. Be clear about the value you can bring if the company invests in you. Make a business case for training and the results that could occur from you taking charge. The biggest threat to projects is that once staff have delivered what they need to, they move on to other priorities. However, projects often only really begin once they are considered complete because businesses are always evolving, people move on and the market never sits still. You should learn how to deal with this situation and control it for your benefit. You are the one constant. Provide clarity and steadiness through your role so projects keep delivering positive business results, long after everyone else has lost focus. Bolster your skills and take ownership of the situation; the long-term rewards will resonate personally, as well as having a positive impact on your company.

Esther McMorris is the founder of Nine Feet Tall, a management consultancy specialising in sustainable business transformation, project and change management and values-based training. Find out more at ninefeettall.com

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 • PALife

STYLE YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS MATCHING YOUR IMAGE TO YOUR ABILITY IS A SKILL THAT COMMUNICATES COMPETENCE, CREDIBILITY AND GIVES YOU THE EDGE IN TODAY’S COMPETITIVE CORPORATE WORLD. JO SMALLBONES PRESENTS HER TIPS FOR DRESSING FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS

HINK OF THE BEST TWO OR THREE KEY WORDS THAT DESCRIBE YOU. IF YOU FIND THIS challenging, ask a friend or colleague who knows you well. When you have deciphered these key words, attempt to reflect them in your appearance. For example, meticulous and organised can be projected in a look that is classically neat with very little fuss; therefore avoid pattern or too much jewellery. Clean, simple lines work best, but avoid looking staid and dated. Know your dress codes: smart casual is the one dress code that everyone interprets in their own way, but very few realise what it actually entails. It’s the

social equivalent of business casual so, in a nutshell, for women it means replacing the jacket with knitwear and for men it’s losing the tie. Jeans do not fit into this category, nor do maxi dresses, tunics and leggings. Of course, appropriate dress codes depend on the business requirements and its culture, and every business will have different rules. As a guide, think about how your clients and work colleagues would expect you to dress. Keep it appropriate: too much flesh is a distraction. Remember that short skirts ride up even higher when you sit down. If it clings, creases and is see-through then don’t wear it, wrap your sandwiches in it instead. A clingy garment is a sure-fire

way to get noticed, but do you want to be noticed for all the wrong reasons? After all, “trashy” is unlikely to be among the key words you’d choose to describe your business image. Add colour: although seen in every office in the land, black, grey and beige equal dull, unimaginative and boring. Does this reflect the inner you? Of course not! When you wear the colours best suited to you, your eyes will sparkle, you will miraculously lose the dark circles and lines and you will feel good about yourself. Colours are a fantastic mood enhancer, so avoid wearing black or grey on their own and inject a splash of colour to brighten your day. Enjoy your wardrobe and have fun with it; by fun I mean use your clothes to reflect your character, charm and spirit, but keep within your instinctive boundaries of knowing whether or not you can carry off a certain look. It’s a fine line between playing it too safe and knowing exactly what suits you, your personality and your body shape. This is the key to confidence and feeling great in whatever you wear. Above all, though, feel free to be yourself. Reflecting your true self in your appearance and being more aware of the non-verbal messages you’re transmitting helps you communicate more effectively. Be authentic – while something may look good on your friend or work colleague, it may not be suitable for you. Go with your gut instinct, otherwise your buying habits might end up as an expensive mistake, with lots of unworn items in your wardrobe. Style is not about being good looking, having a fabulous figure, or access to lots of money; it is about confidently stepping forward and saying: “This is me and I love who I am.”

Jo Smallbones is a style advisor and image coach who gives her clients the confidence to reflect who they are through what they wear, thereby achieving career success. For more tips and to sign up for her Style Secrets newsletter, visit the website at josmallbones.co.uk

SHARE YOUR ST YLE TIPS FOR DRESSING FOR BUSINESS VIA TWITTER @PALIFEMAG PALIFE.CO.UK

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 • PALife

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To: PA Life Readers essionals - all users Cc: PA’s and office prof ational Confex Subject: OMPA @ Intern

Thank you for your email. on February 18th & I will be out of the oﬃce Management & PA 19th at OMPA, the Oﬃce ex. show at International Conf my department will Unfortunately the rest of ideas for venues and also be out gathering new ies, conferences, on m re ce ds ar aw r fo rs lie supp itality, team building meetings, corporate hosp ining and of course tra l, ve tra ve nti ce in , ts en ev ere is nobody the Christmas party. So th ery. around to answer your qu PA? Why don’t we meet at OM

Kindest Regards, Mail Calendar Contacts Tasks Notes

essionals All UK PAs and Oﬃce Prof Worththeirsalt.co.uk

MAKE SURE YOU’RE PART OF IT REGISTER AT OM-PA.CO.UK

Co-located with

IN ANY EVENT

THE PA’S ROLE IS FAST DIVERSIFYING, WITH INVOLVEMENT IN EVENTS HAVING BECOME A FUNDAMENTAL ELEMENT OF THEIR DAILY WORK LIFE. PA LIFE RECENTLY PARTNERED WITH AGENCY TOP BANANA TO FIND OUT MORE IN THE #PAEVENTTIPS SURVEY

S PAS GAIN GREATER RECOGNITION WITHIN SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAMS, MANAGING events has developed into a significant area of responsibility. Around 63 per cent of PAs are involved with five or more events a year and 59 per cent of PAs spend a day or more each week on event planning. The remit of the average executive assistant has expanded to include everything from organising monthly off-site board meetings through to the annual conference for 500 delegates.

PALIFE.CO.UK

The most common event lead time is one to three months and around 70 per cent of all events have a lead time of less than three months. This relatively short period means the time-saving offered by working with a venue-finding agency can be of real value. On top of short lead times, the #PAEventTips survey found that PAs work on a large variety of events, from off-site meetings, away days and conferences, to leadership and teambuilding events and, more often than not, the office Christmas party.

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Venue finding is the most common aspect of event planning that respondents are involved in, followed by logistics and delegate management. The pressure is on for PAs when looking for venues. The complex administrative, legal and practical implications of the decision, combined with the bewildering amount of choice, is what prompts management assistants to hire experts in the field. Add to this the sheer variety of events and increased time pressures, and it’s easy to see why the majority of PAs seek venue expertise from a specialist agency, although it must be noted that more than a third (37 per cent) say they never use the services of a venuefinding agency. Themed venues and blank canvas spaces are used less often, especially when a venue-finding agency is not in the picture. When an agency is involved there is also a greater chance that rural locations will be used, demonstrating the wider variety of options an agency might have at its fingertips. It may be that the reliance on hotels is seen as an easy option, driven by short timescales, pressure on a PA’s own time during the working day and limited knowledge of the availability of other kinds of event spaces. Meanwhile, 66 per cent of all the 154 PAs surveyed said that sustainability has become more important in venue selection. This is likely to increase in future as rules surrounding corporate social responsibility tighten. When using agencies, knowledge and first-hand experience were the most valued aspects of the service. Having a single point of contact and offering unusual options were also important. The advice of other PAs is highly prized here – most agencies are found through personal recommendation. Online searching is significantly less common, the #PAEventTips survey found. The ideal venue-finding team should understand the event’s needs as well as the culture of the business, plus take budget constraints into consideration. Agencies are expected to come up with ideas and options that are different yet still reflect

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 • PALife

EVENT MANAGEMENT SURVEY

the brand and that are a good fit for the company, as well as being within budget. The survey found that agencies are a way for PAs to achieve tasks outside their core skillset, or to fulfil duties the PA doesn’t have time to do personally. One of the most common challenges faced by assistants is communication with the venue. One point of contact is called for and that person must be responsive and available to deal with any queries and modifications. Flexibility in accommodating last-minute changes and being able to deal with issues arising with very little notice were also cited as important factors by those PAs working with venue-finding agencies.

To find out more about the services offered by Top Banana, see the website at top-b.com

KEY EVENT ORGANISING CHALLENGES • Coming up with new and fresh ideas for venues • Finding a venue of the right size and in a suitable location • Availability of appropriate venues – especially with short timescales • Lack of time – event management demands a lot of attention to do the job properly • Getting everything right on the day, with all contingencies covered • Keeping within an agreed budget • Management of delegates and speakers

TOP TIPS FROM THE SURVEY’S TWITTER FEED • • • • • • •

Plan, plan and plan some more – use spreadsheets and checklists to keep track Be totally organised from start to finish Visualise what is needed, anticipate problems and be very clear about your brief Communicate regularly with the venue and have one point of contact only Visit the venue before you agree the contract, build rapport and ensure every need is understood Allow enough of your time to plan and organise properly Consider using an agency to minimise stress, gain expertise and cover yourself legally and logistically

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 • PALife

PA RT Y

E F IT QU D F OR KIN GS AN

A night of delicious food, classic music and service fit for Royalty, the Ascot Christmas Banquet is the perfect way to treat your team for all their hard work. Available 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, and 20th December. 19th December SOLD OUT

A GREAT ESCAPE

THERE ARE TIMES WHEN BUSINESS MATTERS ARE BEST DISCUSSED IN A RELAXED SETTING. WITH THE UK’S LANDSCAPE OFFERING SO MANY BEAUTIFUL LOCATIONS FOR RURAL RETREATS, PA LIFE TAKES A LOOK AT JUST A FEW OF THE COUNTRY HOTELS AVAILABLE

BEAUMONT ESTATE

ASHDOWN PARK Wych Cross, Nr Forest Row, East Sussex RH18 5JR ashdownpark.com Spaces available: The Richard Towneley Suite seats 150, while the Harry Clarke room can accommodate 200. Other spaces include the more intimate Jacob Henniker suite, which can hold up to 40 people, along with the Henry Smart, Lady Brassey and Laura Stafford rooms. Hire rate: A range of delegate packages are available, with a flexible approach to rates. Rooms start from £200 for a smaller suite to £6,000 for the largest. Unique selling point: Ashdown Park is located in the heart of the Ashdown Forest, which, according to the playwright and author AA Milne, is the woodland that inspired his Winnie the Pooh stories.

Burfield Road, Old Windsor, Berkshire SL4 2JJ beaumont-estate-windsor.co.uk Spaces available: The contemporary Hanover Suite provides a blank canvas and can cater for 550 people. The dedicated Conference Village has four rooms that are ideal for board meetings, in addition to the redeveloped Tudor Suite, which accommodates up to 140. The White House, an impressive executive wing at the heart of the estate, is ideal for exclusive events. Hire rate: DDR from £49 per person Unique selling point: The 19th-century chapel, with its stainedglass windows and ornate ceiling, offers a breathtaking space for dinners, receptions and meetings. Organisers can add teambuilding activities, leisure time options and overnight stays.

THE CONISTON HOTEL

BELMOND LE MANOIR AUX QUAT’SAISONS Church Road, Great Milton, Oxfordshire OX44 7PD belmond.com/le-manoir-aux-quat-saisons-oxfordshire Spaces available: Raymond Blanc’s Michelin-starred dining room can be hired for corporate dinners and can accommodate up to 50 guests. The hotel is also available for exclusive use and offers 32 guest rooms. It’s home to a cookery school too, where you can impress your clients with a private demonstration. Hire rate: Rates available on request Unique selling point: The luxury hotel provides an idyllic, typically English setting. Beyond the eye-catching architecture are vegetable and herb gardens that provide the kitchen with ultra-fresh, organic produce, ensuring the restaurant remains at the cutting edge of culinary excellence.

PALIFE.CO.UK

Coniston Cold, Near Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 4EA theconistonhotel.com Spaces available: The hotel offers a variety of corporate event spaces that can accommodate up to 200 people, including nine meeting rooms that range from small, intimate areas to large conference suites. The venue also features the Huntsman’s Lodge for informal dining overlooking a lake and expansive grounds that are ideal for outdoor parties and team-building activities. Hire rate: From £135 for a 24-hour delegate rate, including dinner, bed and breakfast and a full meeting during the day. Unique selling point: The property boasts fantastic scenery spread over 1,400 acres of Yorkshire Dales landscape. The team is on hand to help you organise every aspect of your event.

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ISLE OF ERISKA HOTEL Benderloch, Argyll PA37 1SD eriska-hotel.co.uk Spaces available: The hotel features a range of meeting rooms that can host small, medium and large events, as well as providing options at the nearby Scottish Institute of Marine Science. It’s also available for exclusive use and offers 25 bedrooms, plus two luxury one-room lodges and a three-room cottage (all with private hot tubs) that can be rented at an additional cost. Hire rate: Exclusive use starts from £17,000, including two nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast for up to 49 people. Day rates are available on request. Unique selling point: The Isle of Eriska is located on a 300-acre private island, offering the last word in exclusivity. Its unique surroundings offer the perfect opportunity to arrange activities for corporate guests, including archery, sailing, watersports, fishing, clay-pigeon shooting and plenty of walking trails.

DEWSALL COURT Callow, Hereford HR2 8DA dewsall.com Spaces available: Dewsall Court offers a wide variety of corporate event spaces that can accommodate up to 140 delegates, including the Chinoiserie, a naturally lit conservatory, and the study. It also offers exclusive areas in its converted barns, the wainhouse and the studio. In addition, the hotel features guest rooms for up to 23 people. Hire rate: Exclusive use starts from £3,950; specific rates and packages are available on request. Unique selling point: The hotel is set in 15 acres of land with far-reaching views and features the Great British Safari, offering activities such as horse trekking, paragliding over the Black Mountains, pheasant shooting and an SAS survival weekend. It’s also surrounded by 1,000 acres of protected forestry that features miles of trails for hiking and walking.

SWINTON PARK

SOPWELL HOUSE Cottonmill Lane, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 2HQ sopwellhouse.co.uk Spaces available: From small meetings to product launches and conferences for hundreds, Sopwell House expertly caters for any business need across its 19 well-equipped function suites that can accommodate up to 500 people. Its outdoor space is ideal for summer parties and team-building activities, while its various dining areas offer both formal and informal dinner options. Hire rate: Available on enquiry Unique selling point: Each conference suite varies in size and adaptability to ensure that all requirements can be met. Each suite also benefits from natural lighting and air-conditioning. Sopwell House boasts a walled garden, situated among the picturesque grounds in the form of a 600sqm enclosure, which provides additional privacy during outdoor meetings and events.

Masham, Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 4JH swintonpark.com Spaces available: Swinton Park offers several function spaces, such as small turret rooms for meetings and the versatile library for presentations. The venue can accommodate up to 120 people for dinners and 90 delegates theatre-style. Hire rate: Exclusive-use rates start from £9,500 a night, which includes bed and breakfast in 32 double guest rooms and all event space hire. It also has delegate rates from £170 per person, including a meeting room, lunch, accommodation and dinner. Unique selling point: Swinton Park is rumoured to be the inspiration for the setting of Downton Abbey, with the 20,000acre Swinton Estate on its doorstep. It also offers dining options at the Deerhouse in the Parkland, overlooking the local fallow deer and the castle under a canopy of stars.

B R OW S E M O R E V E N U E S U S I N G T H E O N L I N E TO O L AT PA L I F E .C O. U K PALIFE.CO.UK

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Are you organising an event? Demands coming from all directions?

Need help finding the perfect venue?

Call us:

CircusMASH offer a range in Entertainment and Corporate Packages.

0121 411 9241

If you are looking for a truly breathtaking evening of extravagant circus splendour to transform your event, then let us bring our bespoke performances to you.

Our dedicated venue finding team offers a totally free worldwide venue finding service. We help busy PA’s sparkle, by finding the best venues at the best negotiated rates.

Whether you are looking for ambient walkabout style performers, or unique performances created to suit your own theme, we are certain you will be amazed by the stunning effect circus will have at your event. Are you looking for a new and unique way to bring your team together?

www.clearwaterevents.co.uk stephen@clearwaterevents.co.uk

A Circus Team Building Day is a fun and exciting way to bring all the positive benefits of circus to your group. From ground-based juggling and balancing skills, to exploring aerial circus, we have a range in skills on offer to create the perfect day to bring your team together, working harmoniously to achieve the impossible!

For more information about our various packages, please email info@circusmash.co.uk or visit www.circusmash.co.uk.

Conferences, Team Building, Incentives, Sales Conferences, Seminars, Away Days, Company Celebrations

A BEAUTIFUL, BROAD CANVAS ON WHICH TO CREATE THE PERFECT EVENT Nestled within 12 acres of Hertfordshire countryside, yet only 20 minutes away from London, the former Georgian residence of Lord Mountbatten has recently been restored to contemporary country house glamour. From small meetings to lavish product launches, any business need can be expertly accommodated across our 19 recently refurbished function suites. With the hotel offering guests Sky HD in all 128 bedrooms, complimentary WiFi throughout, extensive onsite parking, and access to our luxurious spa — a very special experience awaits you and your guests.

Cottonmill Lane St. Albans Hertfordshire AL1 2HQ T +44 (0) 1727 750466 E events@sopwellhouse.co.uk www.sopwellhouse.co.uk

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HOTEL REVIEWS

CHECKING IN

FROM THE CONVENIENCE OF A HOTEL ROOM TO THE FLEXIBILITY AND SPACE OF A SERVICED APARTMENT, WE’VE GOT THE NEEDS OF YOUR TRAVELLING EXECUTIVES COVERED

HAMPTON BY HILTON GATWICK HAMPTON BY HILTON IS A RELATIVELY NEW BRAND IN the UK, with 14 hotels across the country offering good quality, affordable accommodation. I have an earlymorning flight, so I stay at the Gatwick location, which opened earlier this year. It’s ideally situated close to a shuttle that gets you between terminals in about five minutes, which means I don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn to rush to the check-in desk. The property definitely feels new – the brightly lit lobby practically glitters and the hardwood floors add a touch of elegance, making it stand out from the usual suspects when it comes to airport hotels. The receptionist makes friendly small talk while she checks us in and informs us we can grab some light bites at the lobby bar if we’re feeling peckish. The hotel obviously has the safety and security of lone female travellers firmly in mind as we’re pleased to find the lifts can only be operated with a key. Upstairs, the chic décor continues, with stylish carpets all the way into our room. It’s quite large and features a comfy chair and a desk with handy outlets for laptops, as well as free wifi. The double bed is practically perfect and as we settle in to watch some TV, I can tell I won’t have any trouble

SUPERCITY APARTHOTELS THE ROSEBERY SERVICED APARTMENTS OFFER A VIABLE ALTERNATIVE to hotels when you have people travelling from out of town for business meetings. Supercity’s selection of central London properties provides many of the comforts of home without breaking the company budget. The Rosebery comes with only one caveat: although it’s surrounded by several Underground stations, including Farringdon, Barbican, Chancery Lane and King’s Cross, it’s a bit of a trek from any of them if you have luggage, so expect to arrange for a taxi to complete your guests’ journey. However, its location doesn’t detract from the appeal. The secure reception features an entry-phone system and lifts that require a key card to be operated. Our lodging for the night is a premium one-bedroom apartment on the fifth floor. The heating and lighting is operated by a clever touch-screen control pad on the wall and it can even display instruction manuals for all the appliances. My partner and I are stunned by the size of the open-plan kitchen and living room, which includes a combination oven/ microwave, separate hob, dishwasher and refrigerator, as well as

sleeping. The bathroom is kitted out with a luxurious walk-in shower and the sink has plenty of room for my make-up. Hampton’s own Purity Basics brand of toiletries can be found in convenient wall dispensers. Female business travellers take note: I find the bath products nearly as good as the expensive ones I use at home. In the morning we head downstairs for a complimentary buffet breakfast, which again sets the hotel apart from other budget names. Rather than the typical continental selection, we find the freshly made ingredients for a full English, and then some. For those who prefer a lighter meal, you can also opt for cereals, yogurts, pastries and cold meats. As far as convenience is concerned, Hampton by Hilton Gatwick is ideal for overnight layovers, so you’re close to the airport for early-morning flights. Hampton by Hilton Gatwick, Longbridge House, North Terminal, Gatwick RH6 0PJ; 01293 579999; hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/united-kingdom/ hampton-by-hilton-london-gatwick-airport-LONGNHX/ index.html. Room rates start from £75 a night

Molly Dyson

a dining table, sofa, coffee table and a desk under the wallmounted television. The proportions continue into the large bathroom and spacious bedroom, where I feel a sense of envy regarding the massive built-in wardrobe. As a base of operation, the Rosebery has everything you’d want: complimentary wifi, Sky TV, plenty of electricity outlets, an espresso machine and a kettle, as well as free tea, coffee, bottled water and milk. If you need to relax after a day of meetings, there’s a wine bar on the ground floor that serves light nibbles, along with a residents’ gym. Plus, you can take advantage of loads of optional services such as a weekly maid service, dry cleaning, discounts at local restaurants and use of a Zipcar parked nearby. With all this going for it, the Rosebery is the perfect place to make yourself at home while you’re in London on business. Supercity Apartments, The Rosebery, 20 Rosebery Avenue, London EC1R 4SX; 020 7837 4400; supercityuk.com/ the-rosebery.html. Room rates start from £140 and corporate contracts are available, with the option of discounts for extended stays

Molly Dyson

D I S C O V E R M O R E V E N U E S B Y V I S I T I N G T H E O N L I N E S E A R C H AT PA L I F E .C O. U K PALIFE.CO.UK

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VENUES

SPACES WHERE TO EAT, MEET AND SLEEP THIS SEASON

EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB

YORKSHIRE WILDLIFE PARK

GOODISON PARK, HOME TO EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB, has refurbished three of its premier conference and banqueting suites. The remodel includes upgrades to the décor and alterations to the layout to maximise space and versatility. In addition to nine event spaces, the venue features a number of executive pitch-side boxes with uninterrupted views of the pitch that can be used for smaller meetings. Basic delegate packages include room hire, lunch and refreshments, along with state-of-the-art AV technology, complimentary parking and wifi. Everton Football Club, Goodison Park, Goodison Road, Liverpool L4 4EL; palife.venuedirectory.com/ venue/1873

THE YORKSHIRE WILDLIFE PARK IS HOME TO A NEW £1.2 million event complex called the Monkey Play House. The venue backs on to a large viewing window overlooking a troop of 18 baboons, which offers a unique team-building activity that requires delegates to learn to work with the animals to help them solve puzzles. The larger of the two event spaces can hold up to 140 delegates and features views of the park’s African-style plains. Meanwhile, the smaller suite provides a breakout and catering area, as well as a place to watch the primates. Both offer AV systems, plus complimentary wifi. Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Brockholes Lane, Branton, Doncaster DN3 3NH; yorkshirewildlifepark.com

WOODLAND GRANGE CONFERENCE CENTRE EEF VENUES HAS COMPLETED A £120,000 refurbishment of the lounge and bar areas at its Woodland Grange Conference Centre in Leamington Spa. The update includes new flooring, lighting, décor and furniture. This

HOTEL XENIA BOUTIQUE KENSINGTON PROPERTY HOTEL Xenia opened in 2013 following a two-year £9 million refurbishment and has now appointed a new chef to take command of its restaurant, Evoluzione. Andrea Angeletti comes to London from Le Marche in Italy, where he has held a Michelin star since 2004. His focus is his native cuisine, which showcases the natural flavour of simple, authentic ingredients. Guests can look forward to Andrea’s signature dishes, which include carbonara vegetables, scallop salad with ice cream, and caramelised strawberries with grappa. The 99-room venue also features both indoor and

latest project follows last year’s £1 million investment in the property’s guest rooms. The coffee lounge features a new Autobar bean-to-cup drink station, where delegates can enjoy the venue’s range of handmade biscuits, speciality teas, fresh juices and fruit. The colourful décor is designed to set the breakout areas apart from the meeting rooms and provides a calmer and more

outdoor versatile function spaces that can cater for up to 65 delegates. From boardroom meetings to champagne receptions, the hotel’s bespoke service allows corporate visitors to tailor their event to meet any specific requirements. Hotel Xenia, 160 Cromwell Road, London SW5 0TL; hotelxenia.co.uk

relaxing environment for delegates to unwind after a busy conference or training session. Guests can also take advantage of the venue’s health suite, which includes a jacuzzi, gym and sauna. Woodland Grange Conference Centre, Old Milverton Lane, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV32 6RN; palife.venuedirectory. com/venue/3111

F O R M O R E I D E A S , B R OW S E T H E O N L I N E V E N U E S E A R C H AT PA L I F E .C O. U K PALIFE.CO.UK

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GUEST COLUMN

A MEMO FROM

Vicky Silverthorn

I WAS NEVER ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO KNEW EXACTLY WHAT THEY WANTED TO DO IN life career-wise. My friends at school had all chosen various options for further education. When a few of them decided to do a diploma in nursery nursing I felt it was a good choice. Looking back, I don’t believe I was even slightly aware of the enormous amount of career opportunities available in the world. After two years as a nanny, I worked in a bar and then I fell into the role of PA to a sports agent and his professional golfers. This was a new challenge in a brand new company that quickly grew from five to 25 players. A role that began with an empty computer and no files soon evolved into one where I was frequently visiting destinations around the world. With so much international travel, my office was a hotel room, a table in a golf club, or a makeshift set-up in an airport. Four years later I followed my long-standing dream and moved to London. I was working in an office, still in the sports field, but this time in football management. From day one, though, I knew that office life wouldn’t be where I ended up; so I worked hard for a year to find my next role. Scouring recruitment websites and sifting through ads from agencies offering the kind of roles

had and I learned so much. When I left there, I started my own business. Some would say it was a risky move, as even four years down the line, the idea of a professional organiser isn’t that well recognised. But having a diary booked up to eight weeks in advance means I am glad I listened to myself and ignored all those people who doubted me. I’m certainly not the most academic of people, but I absolutely love what I do, I love interacting with people and I enjoy making their lives better. So what have I learned so far? Trust your instincts and believe that if someone else can achieve their goal, then you can too. As a PA you have to be totally adaptable to your surroundings, wherever they may be. You have to have the confidence to go with your gut feeling and I wanted became part of my daily routine. realise no-one else is going to get you to I reminded people I was still looking every where you want to be in life. It is your few weeks and went for interviews way responsibility and although sometimes out of my league, just to give myself the a large element of luck is experience. If I hadn’t done involved, hard work and the this I would never have met ability to make sure you stand the Hollywood movie star I AM GLAD out from the crowd and go that I interviewed with one morning. I IGNORED extra mile are what will help you I wasn’t qualified enough, so ALL THE went in as the so-called PEOPLE WHO achieve success in your career. “The world doesn’t owe “underdog” (a description to DOUBTED ME you a living” is a saying that has this day I see as way too always stuck in my head. You negative to be used by the can sit around and feel sorry for yourself, agency that sent me along). or you can believe you are as good as The employer in question talked about anyone else. You never know where life me so positively that I was determined to will take you and where the opportunities prove myself as a higher level of will come from. Work hard at whatever candidate, capable of going for exactly you do, even if you don’t see it as your those kinds of jobs. So when the position ultimate choice of career. of PA to singer Lily Allen came up there I never meant to be a PA, but years was no question I should be put forward – in it’s what I’ve found myself doing and this time I was completely ready. I promised myself I would be the best I was utterly determined that this job at what I did. And you can be too. was to be mine. It ticked every box I had in mind for myself: I wanted to learn a new industry, work for one person and travel. Vicky Silverthorn is a professional And, guess what, after two fantastic organiser and the founder of interviews I got the job, and started three youneedavicky.com, which offers weeks later. During the following three assistance with home paperwork, years I travelled a lot and helped set up wardrobes, general decluttering new businesses – I can truly say I loved and house moves. She also runs the experience. It was hard work, busy youneedapa.com, which provides times indeed, but the best job I’ve ever a pay-as-you-go PA service

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EXECSec Created for PAs, EAs & Office Administrators who want to expand their network and discover innovative opportunities, the EXECSec Summit features everything you need to excel and develop within your career.

We do all the hard work for youâ&#x20AC;Ś with a personalised itinerary of face-to-face meetings, attendance to interactive seminars and unlimited networking opportunities, the EXECSec Summit is a key date for your 2015 diary. Not only this, you will receive all of your meals and refreshments, plus attendance to our evening gala dinner and overnight accommodation at Whittlebury Hall Hotel & Spa â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all totally free of charge. To confirm your place or for further information, please contact Laura Spratt on 01992 374053 or l.spratt@forumevents.co.uk

27th-28th April 2015 Whittlebury Hall Hotel & Spa, Northamptonshire

BACK TO BUSINESS Stamford Bridge offers everything you need for the perfect event. Kick start the new year with our low DDR of ÂŁ39+VAT per person for any meeting booked in January and February.

24 function rooms 60 syndicate rooms 281 bedrooms in Millennium & Copthorne Hotels State-of-the-art music venue, Under the Bridge A choice of restaurants and bars Luxury health club and spa 180 onsite car parking spaces All at Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most complete venue.

To speak to a member of the events team, call now on 0871 223 9940 or email events@chelseafc.com chelseafc.com/events

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