PA Life Magazine - Autumn 2022

SUSTAINABLE LUXURY

The 616 Venue, in the ancient woodlands of Sherwood Forest, is the perfect corporate retreat

XMAS WRAPPED

A Festive guide to activities and party venues, plus ecoconscious gifting

GREAT SCOTS! Heritage hotels, castles and more – discover what Scotland has to offer for events

ARE YOU A STAR?

The PA Life Star Awards are back. Find out how to win a prestigious Star Award

WELCOME...

Welcome to our autumn issue! It’s been particularly rewarding for us to work on this issue with sustainability as the common theme in every article and feature, where possible. We are very grateful for all our contributors and advertisers for sharing their sustainability efforts and plans, and demonstrating that they have not had to compromise the quality of their products and service when incorporating higher sustainability standards into their business operations.

Christmas parties are firmly back on our calendars this year. To help Assistants to get ahead with their party planning we’ve put together a great round-up of team activities and fantastic party venues which your colleagues and bosses will love. See also what the iconic hospitality venues Lord’s cricket ground and Williams Racing Experience Centre have to offer all year round.

We also have excellent advice on how to beat the Christmas rush by a top party organiser, Liz Taylor, founder of Taylor Lynn Corporation. Gifting is an equally challenging task to get right, especially when you have tens or hundreds of gifts to organise for people you don’t know. Take inspiration from some of the best corporate gifting specialists on pages 28-31. If you fancy venturing further afield, turn to pages 4445 to see what Scotland has to offer as an events destination. Gleaneagles Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, Crieff Hydro Hotels and Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh all feature in our guide, representing top venues in Scotland.

Our wellness columnist, Lucy Eden, founder of Be In Your Element, discusses the importance of our heart, not just for keeping us alive, but on how it affects our emotional wellbeing and decision making. Adam Fidler, founder of Adam Fidler Academy, shares his expert views on Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and urges assistants to take a more informal approach to it. SecsintheCity has published its 2022 Salary Survey Report – turn to pages 13 and 14 for the report highlights on salaries, bonuses and benefits, and the real picture of post-pandemic employment.

This issue’s PA Profiles feature two experienced Assistants: Danielle Francis, EA at Ankura Consulting and Juliet Tolley, PA at the Home Office. Don’t miss our PA Life Club news on pages 47-50 either. We have a lot to shout about with our 10th anniversary this autumn, and are offering a 20% discount to new members who join by October 31st. You can also find out about our recent Meet Ups, the Club’s birthday party and PA Life Summit, and see highlights of this autumn’s busy schedule of events, including our Christmas party and PA Life Star Awards ceremony on November 28th at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms. See more about how to enter the awards on page 5.

And finally, we are pleased to announce that PA Life has teamed up with leading recruitment specialist SecsintheCity. The SecsintheCity Jobs Board will feature on our new website, to be launched soon. Keep an eye out at www.palife.co.uk to find out more plus see our latest stories and daily updates.

We’ll be back in February. Until then, have a great autumn, and dare I say it already, festive season!

Marja-Leena Toseland, Editor

The PA Life Team

Marja-Leena Toseland Editor

Carina Smyth Media Manager Charles Dragazis Production Manager

Morgan Robertson PA Life Club Manager

“Highlights of this autumn’s busy schedule of events include our Christmas Party and the PA Life Star Awards ceremony on November 28th”

PA Life partners with SecsintheCity to help you to further your career

PA Life has teamed up with leading recruitment specialist SecsintheCity to help Assistants take their careers to the next level.

A new PA Life website is coming very shortly, which will feature a Career Development section, including a Jobs Board that comes via SecsintheCity. Keep an eye out at www. palife.co.uk to find out more.

Emily MacKinnon, Head of Sales at SecsintheCity said: “As the UK’s leading specialist site for Personal Assistants, Executive Assistants, Secretaries and other Business Support Professionals, we will support PA Life’s readership to further their careers. Whether you’re a new starter or seasoned professional looking for a change, SecsintheCity will deem to excel your career, providing the latest jobs,

tailored job alerts and industry-specific career advice.”

PA Life Editor Marja-Leena Toseland added: “We know that our readers are keen to progress their careers, which is why we are increasingly

focusing on career and personal development through our editorial in the print magazine and online.

“And now, thanks to the support of SecsintheCity, we will be able to give the PA Life community access to

up-to-date job listings across all areas of the Assistant sector.”

SecsintheCity has provided PA Live with some exclusive insights into its recent Salary Survey. Turn to pages 13 & 14 to find out more.

Beating procrastination with five easy productivity techniques

Top tips from Kathy Soulsby of Personally Virtual:

1. The Pomodoro Technique: break your day into blocks, 30 minutes, or shorter if you are pressed for time. No interruptions, just crack on with the task.

2. Have an accountability partner. Share your targets and progress for a day or a week at a time.

3. Co-working sessions with goals set at the start of the session and check in at the

end. Helpful groups are flown. com or focusmate.com

4. Changing your scenery can make a big difference. Try working from a meeting room, a different desk, a local café or even the park.

5. Take a break: If you’ve been at your desk for hours and accomplished nothing your brain might need a rest. Can you find something completely different to do and give your mind a breather?

Set up your work space based on your personality

Do you enjoy optimum productivity with the sound of silence, whilst a coworker thrives with the pulsating beats of the office playlist? Maybe the vibrant #positivevibes prints on your colleague’s home office throw you off on Teams calls?

There could be a reason for this – it’s down to your personality type.

There are 16 personality types according to the Myers-Brigg Personality Type Index. This includes a Feeler Extroverted; the Social Butterflies who love a busy office but prefer their desks organised and tidy, decorated with plants, and inspirational quotes to bring the #postitivevibes into their working day. A Sensor Introverted looks inwards, guided by realities and circumstances. They need calm minimalism to boost productivity. External stimuli can be extremely distracting for these personality types.

Find out which one you are at www.ebuyer.com/ myersbriggs

50.7% of us are introverted

Are you a Star Assistant?

The nominations for this year’s PA Life Star Awards are now open! The awards recognise the hard work and dedication of PAs, EAs, VAs and Office Managers, championing and celebrating everything they do in their constantly evolving roles.

CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA:

Rising Star: For outstanding Assistants who have been working in the sector for less than five years, but have demonstrated excellence in their roles and workplaces.

Virtual Assistant Star: For individuals who have shown exceptional applications of service to their clients.

PA Life Club Member Star: Awarded to the member who

has shown strong commitment to supporting the PA Life Club by attending events and engaging with other Club initiatives.

Commitment to CSR Star: An assistant who has helped their organisation make a difference within the

helped execs and teams via wellbeing and wellness initiatives, by introducing or managing projects.

PA Star of the Year: The big one! Celebrating the work of one Assistant over the past year. We want to hear from PAs, EAs and VAs who have had an impact on their workplaces, going above and beyond duty to make processes smoother and their Execs’ lives easier.

HOW TO ENTER:

workplace or wider community, via sustainability and green initiatives, charity work and more.

Commitment to Wellbeing

Star: An assistant who has

Simply email editorial@palife. co.uk with the subject line ‘PA Life Star Awards’ and the name of the category you’d like to enter. Then tell us why you – or a colleague – deserves to win. Nominations must be sumbitted by midnight on October 31st.

Get Avatar-ready for Metaverse meetings

Meetings in the Metaverse could become a reality for millions of UK workers soon after a new study found that hundreds of businesses are looking for, or building, office space within the

virtual environment. Business leaders view the Metaverse as a natural progression for hybrid working, and half are exploring office space within the online world.

66% of business leaders are expecting truly virtual meetings

Let your heart play its part

How much do we rely on our heart? Lucy Eden, the founder of Be In Your Element, organiser of corporate wellbeing events, explores the role of the heart and emotions in decision making as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of World Heart Day…

We all know how important a healthy heart is in regards to our bodily function, as the muscle at the centre of our circulation system, pumping blood around our body. But is that the only way we utilise our heart? Do we really understand how much we need it, use it and make decisions based on it?

Contrary to what is generally believed, all decisions are in fact informed by emotion and our heart experiences emotions with a change in heartbeat, even physical pain sometimes. New research into the brain’s action pathways, utilising FMRI scanning, has helped us understand how emotion translates into action, and how emotions drive more than 80 per cent of our decision-making, while logic makes up the rest.

Looking after our heart is not only crucial for our physical health, but also for our mental and emotional health too. And what we feel in our hearts can have a ripple effect on how we make others feel, how we connect with others, ourselves and with nature.

10 years ago, world leaders committed to reducing global mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by 25% by 2025. They created World Heart Day as a platform for the cardiovascular disease (CVD) community to unite in the fight against CVD.

Bringing awareness to the importance of a healthy heart and how changes, however big or small, can make a big difference to our heart and to the hearts of those around us.

Where to start on a journey for a healthy heart? How about jumping off the tube a stop or two earlier and walking the rest of the way into the office? Working from home? How about taking a walk around the block on your lunch break, or better still out in nature and connect two hearts and hug a tree.

Have a day of brainstorming or networking as a business or a team? Why not turn that into ‘net-walking’ or ‘brain-stomping’? Moving your body and having exposure to nature not only makes you feel better emotionally, it also contributes to your physical well-being, by reducing your heart rate and muscle tension.

How to make your heart play its part? Your heart is already doing most of the work without you thinking about it, making emotional decisions is natural, and I am sure we can all relate to when bad decisions have been made based on stress, frustration and anger, and how good decisions are often made from emotional connection, with what ‘felt’

right. Which one always ends up as the best decision you’ve ever made?

Imagine how much your heart could do if we all leaned into that knowledge more. If we took a few breathes before making a decision led by an angry heart. If we acknowledged how we ‘felt’ with a person or a situation and acted on feelings of compassion and kindness instead of trying to understand it logically. When dealing with others, you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but emotion, and it’s contagious too! Connecting to your happy heart transfers to those around you.

So let your heart play its part! www.yourelementevents.com

When dealing with others, you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but emotion, and it’s contagious too.

Take an informal approach to CPD!

Adam Fidler

We’re frequently being asked by our clients, requesting an in-house training session, to remind EAs and PAs about the importance of CPD. Whether you call it continuous professional development or continuing professional development (I refer to the former), it really is crucial that we dispel the myth that CPD must only be formal learning.

Many EAs that I interact with seem to get hung up about CPD, and I see the frustration on their faces when the word is mentioned. To many, it conjures up an image of formal learning, perhaps in a classroom, or on a computer, that might consume hours of time and a lot of energy and has to be squashed into an already-busy working day. However, that isn’t the case.

CPD, in reality, can be any form of learning or building knowledge. It’s generally about learning something new; about the acquisition of new skills, new knowledge and even new behaviours.

But, CPD can be achieved not only through formal methods of learning by attending a training course, but also informally.

Think of all the things you might be doing already that are CPD. These could include things such as reading about your company to build your industry knowledge, attending a briefing at work to understand the company’s strategy, reading an article at lunch-time (for instance in PA Life Magazine), speaking to your boss about their views on a certain topic, being mentored by someone, or even leading a team meeting.

The more you get into thinking of CPD less formally, then less daunting it becomes. And that means that when you have your appraisal, you will have scores of examples of self-managed CPD to evidence your appetite for learning.

In many ways, it would help to think of yourself as what we call a reflective practitioner and that simply means that you try new things, implement new ideas at work, and then reflect on what you’ve learned from the experience.

CPD is now a crucial characteristic of high-performing EAs and PAs. A common question at interviews is: ‘What have you been doing in the last six months to continue learning?’.

Employers want to see ownership of CPD, and whilst many of them will offer in-house courses, webinars and the like, they really do want their support staff to make a plan of their own and be hungry for continued learning.

Whether you work for a firm that encourages CPD or not, there are scores of ways you can be an ambassador for your own CPD, formally and informally!

www.adamfidler.academy

, Founder of Adam Fidler Academy, the UK’s leading provider of education to professional assistants, looks at a more informal approach to including Continuous Professional Development in your career journey…

Think of all the things you might be doing already that are CPD.

Toast to Christmas in a venue like no other

Experience the West End like never before, with one of our bespoke and unique Christmas celebrations.

Our spaces can accommodate large gatherings, intimate dinners and everything in between. Add a touch of dramatic flair to your festive season by booking yourself in at The Lane.

From £57 per person

For enquiries email privatehire@lwtheatres.co.uk

Get ahead in 2023 with PA Life’s online courses

Research from recruitment specialist Hays has highlighted the ways in which employers and employees value training differently. Wherever you stand, PA Life’s Online Courses will ensure you’re in control of your own skills destiny…

This year’s Learning Mindset Report 2022 from Hayes confirmed what many of you have probably long suspected: that there is a disconnect between the views of workers and their employers when it comes to the subject of upskilling.

For example, the study found that 83% of workers said they were “very much” open to learning and upskilling, while only 48% of employers answered the same for their workforce.

Hays also found that half of employees confirmed they had adequate access to learning materials, in comparison to 78% of the employers. In fact, 25% of workers said they were not satisfied with the upskilling offer from their company.

Finally, nearly half (46%) of organisations claimed to have offered more learning resources since the pandemic, something only 23% of employees agreed with.

Clearly, while trends such as digital transformation and skills shortages were visible before 2020, there can be no denying the role the pandemic played in accelerating these trends. Upskilling the workforce is a solution, but it would seem employers and employees disagree about the impact of the pandemic on their learning strategies.

But you can take control of you own destiny with our newly refreshed and expanded PA Life Online Courses service.

We know from our own research that PAs and EAs recognise the need to upskill: As such we’ve deepened our collaboration with leading online learning specialist New Skills Academy, so that you can learn new talents throughout the next 12 months via a high value, low-cost bundle.

Available via the PA Life website and specially curated by an expert team, there are more than 100 courses available to help develop your career – and yourself. And the list covers those areas we know are lacking within some businesses, including:

• Business Management Skills

• Computing & Technology

• Mental Wellbeing

• Health & Safety

• Human Resources

• Team Management

If bought individually, these courses would cost £890. But PA Life readers can buy the entire bundle of courses for just £225, including VAT. And if you join the PA Life Club - www.palifeclub. co.uk - as a VIP member, you can buy them for just £99! What are you waiting for?

To view the full list of courses and to start your learning journey, visit www.palife.co.uk/course-bundle

SecsintheCity publishes 2022 Salary Survey Report

SecsintheCity has published its 2022 Salary Survey Report, shining a light on salaries, bonuses and benefits – and the real picture of post-pandemic employment. PA Life has some exclusive insights…

In Early 2022, SecsintheCity set out to understand how the previous 12 months have impacted the working lives of business support professionals. The survey was conducted with over 1,000 respondents, made up of EAs, PAs, Office Managers and more, exploring the shifts and shortfalls across a range of industries.

Responses to the survey showed that the industry is starting to return to normal after a turbulent two years caused by Covid-19. Key report findings saw that:

• 44% of survey respondents received a pay rise in 2022 (up 63% from last year)

• 54% of our audience earned a bonus in 2022 (up from 38% last year)

• 49% of respondents now work for multiple managers

• The highest earners have more than ten years in their field, taking home an average of £44,307 per annum in 2022

• 63% of respondents stated that they feel secure in their present position

A Snapshot of the Survey Participants & Their Roles

• 92% are female

• 72% are based in London

• 38% hold a Bachelor’s Degree or above

• 49% support more than three people

• 73% have more than a decade’s experience

• EAs and PAs continue to make up the core audience (49%)

• While PA numbers edged down 2% year-on-year, the EA population grew by 17%

• Secretaries grew by 15%, Legal PAs by 22% and Office Managers jumped by 59%

The survey reveals that experience and loyalty pay – to a point. The highest earners have clocked up more than ten years in their field, taking home an average of £44,307 per annum in 2022. Those who have spent a decade or more in their actual role make £45,625.

pay

earners have clocked ten in their field, home an of £44,307 annum in 2022. Those who spent a decade or more in their actual role make SecsintheCity reveals that there is a salary out. Professionals with less than a a 18% year-on-year it’s a lucrative time to make the to business

‘salary sweet spot’ for those just starting out. Professionals with less than a year’s experience enjoyed a generous 18% year-on-year wage increase, proving it’s a lucrative time to make the leap to business support.

While employers are willing to pay for fresh talent, there’s a clear once new starters

fresh talent, there’s a clear cooling off period once new starters have settled in. For those

with one to three years under their belts, annual income has dropped 6% since 2021. Average ‘take-home pay’ in this category is now £26,591. At the same time, individuals with less than a year’s track record are

with one to three years under their belts, 6% since 2021. Average in this category is now At the same individuals with less than a track record are earning £31,071.

in line with a lift from £41,434 to £44,307 after ten years. £42,779 once mark

Education has little on potential, to SecsintheCity Business salaries are across the board – from holders – with doctorates a difference

After this initial blip, income climbs steadily in line with experience, including a lift from £41,434 to £44,307 after ten years. Average pay then slides to £42,779 once workers reach the two decade mark. Education has little impact on earning potential, according to SecsintheCity. Business support salaries are comparable across the board – from GCSE to degree holders – with only doctorates delivering a material difference.

EARNINGS BY EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION & SERVICE YEARS

PAY PROFILES BY JOB TITLE

Private PAs edged out EAs to top the salary tables by job title, thanks to an 11% annual increase.

EAs are 7% better off since the last SecsintheCity report, now earning £49,988 per annum.

Corporate PAs also benefited from a 3% upswing in pay, bringing home an average of £39,604.

Other success stories include HR professionals (up 24% to £48,205), Receptionists (up 4% to £28,333) and Administrators (up 3% to £27,992).

While Project Managers outpaced many other roles in salary terms, they experienced a pay drop of 2% to £44,444. Legal PAs and Office Managers also saw 1% wage cuts.

ADDITIONAL HOURS WORKED EACH WEEK

Overtime is all in a day’s work for more than half of the Assistants surveyed (57%), although this is a 2% drop compared to last year.

With more professionals returning to the office or adopting hybrid working, SecsintheCity believes that this trend may continue as teams establish clearer boundaries and schedules.

Among those who currently go above and beyond their core contract, 56% deliver between one and five extra hours per week. And 18% regularly clock up nine extra hours or more.

SecsintheCity is the UK’s leading specialist job site for PAs, EAs and other business support professionals. When you’re looking for your next role in the UK, SecsintheCity is the ultimate destination for job seeking business support professionals. https://www.secsinthecity.co.uk/

For more information on SecsintheCity or to get a full copy of the 2022 Salary Survey Report, please contact via cs@secsinthecity.co.uk

Tell us about your career to date.

I’ve been in my current role for three years and support the Chairman for EMEA & APAC, Head of People and two Senior Managing Directors. I have worked in the business support industry for over 15 year, first at a local mortgage company, later in different industries in PA and EA roles. I feel honoured to have won several awards over the years and I also give talks and mentor other PAs and EAs.

What’s your typical day at Ankura?

I’m sure most assistants can relate to this – there isn’t a typical day! I support multiple senior executives and I never know what’s going to come my way. I’m involved in a lot of travel arrangements, expenses processing, diary management, onboarding staff as well as in various projects. We have eight offices, so there’s lots of international calls and dealing with different time zones.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love getting involved in event organising, it’s one of my favourite things to do. Whether it’s private dining or a large drinks reception, I love finding new and interesting venues and suppliers and doing my best to make each event special and memorable.

What do you find most challenging in your role?

One of the biggest challenges is definitely dealing with all the different time zones! I’m regularly tasked with finding times for an urgent call that has attendees in the US, Australia, UK and Dubai, for example.

What’s the tool, technology or service you couldn’t do without in your job?

Most of us rely on video calling platforms. I use both MS Teams and Zoom. We operate a hybrid working model so it’s

important to provide flexibility for our meetings, not just for international attendees, but also those in the London office who may be working from home.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given?

Keep learning! It’s something I promote and talk about all the time on webinars and to my mentees. Our industry has moved along so much over the years, it’s important to keep up with changes, new tools and techniques. You can always learn something new and become better at your role.

Are you involved in any special projects that you are particularly passionate about?

I’m part of a team that looks after the social and charity side of the office. We are currently raising money for Make-A-Wish UK and organise fundraising events – from coffee mornings to sponsored runs. It’s amazing to see what a difference our fundraising makes to such a special organisation and to the families who benefit. We also try to have regular social events with the office to encourage collaboration and relationship building.

Have you got any tips for organising a sustainable Christmas party?

Many venues now have sustainability policies in place, so it is worth finding these out. Ask suppliers about their recycling and recyclable materials such as linen, napkins and cutlery. Are the decorations eco-friendly? Don’t forget the food! Include plant-based options, buy from local food producers, avoid food wastage so don’t over order. These ideas don’t just apply to Christmas Parties, but to all events. We all have different ideas of fun, so try to incorporate various ideas and entertainment in your party. Personally, I love a good Christmas party that isn’t overly structured and allows staff really to enjoy themselves.

Danielle Francis

Executive Assistant at Ankura Consulting

Wespoke to Danielle

Francis,

Executive Assistant at Ankura Consulting, about her role that extends to mentoring other PAs and EAs and also to organising work social and charity... activities....

“Keep learning! It’s something I promote and talk about all the time on webinars and to my mentees.”

Juliet Tolley

How did you come to be a Personal Assistant?

I always wanted to be a secretary! I was born organised and really enjoy helping make other people’s lives easier. As soon as I finished school, I enrolled at Pitmans Secretarial College and spent two years studying Business Management and Administration.

What’s your typical day at the Home Office?

I have a one hour ‘focus’ slot in my diary every morning when I check for any calendar changes, my to-do list and reminders for the day and pull together any info and docs my Exec needs. I attend a lot of meetings, but some are just for my benefit to understand what is happening. My afternoon is usually spent with any ad-hoc requests that have landed and catching up with my Exec and the team.

Are current political movements in the Government, Brexit and the war in Ukraine affecting your role, and if so, how?

In times of work surge or crisis at Home Office all the teams and departments pull together to support, volunteer, or be deployed where needed. I volunteered to assist with the ARC project (Afghan Resettlement of Citizens), helping Afghan families at hotels where they were staying, answering any questions and ensuring they were ready for appointments, had papers and were on the right coach at the right time to go off to Government sites to complete their citizen applications.

For Ukraine, teams were working around the clock to develop electronic systems and procedures that helped staff process thousands of visa applications, it was a huge task for everyone.

To help with Summer Surge travel, I volunteered to train as a Border Force Officer and am now deployed when needed at Gatwick Airport, saving summer!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I have a very rewarding career where I am truly valued and empowered to learn new skills, organise my own work and make decisions for and on behalf of my executives. Unlike any other role, an Assistant wears many hats and gets involved at the very highest strategic level of the business, becoming important and trusted partners among our Executives.

What do you find most challenging in your role?

The Home Office is a high profile, politically emotive area and demands can change rapidly. Whilst I do see the negative press coverage and regularly read inaccurate reports, I see first-hand and am involved in the every-day incredible work being achieved here. It is well known that 99.9% of the work done by the Home Office is not a headline!

What’s the tool, technology or service you couldn’t do without in your job?

My Outlook calendar! I literally put everything in it, notes, reminders, deadlines, things to do, all the birthdays, holidays, daily ideas, end of week achievements, monthly folder clean ups. It is the only way I keep my boss and myself on track!

What’s the best advice you’ve been given?

‘Grow wherever you are planted’.

This issue’s theme is sustainability. What are your top tips organising a sustainable Christmas party?

Electronic invites, reusable serving ware, rent tablecloths and napkins. Use local food providers who make and deliver by hand, and under-cater with food numbers to avoid waste, or give out food bags at the end of the evening. Use potted plants as table decs and give them away at the end, ditch the balloons!

PA at the Home Office

We sat down with Juliet Tolley, PA at the Home Office, Digital Data and Technology department, with nearly 30 years of experience within the Government, to uncover what her dream job looks like…

“Unlike any other role, an Assistant wears many hats and gets involved at the very highest strategic level of the business, becoming important and trusted partners among our Executives.”

How to gift sustainably

Abena Fairweather

CEO of Legacy Events, shares her tips on how we can all make more sustainable choices when purchasing gifts for clients or colleagues…

Giving gifts to clients and employees is a quick way to affirm important relationships. A sustainable gift given by your company says three things:

• We appreciate your contribution to our business.

• We care about the earth, its inhabitants and its resources and are trying to reduce our impact.

• We want to help you do the same.

When it comes to sourcing sustainable corporate gifts for your clients and teams, it’s easier to go green than you might think.

You’ve already done it in many areas of your everyday life: you think about your fashion purchases, you’ve considered your coffee habits, you’re thoughtful about food miles and you’re relentless about recycling. But how do you put all of that to work, at work? And when you’re already stressed in a role that’s known for being high pressure?

This is why we have created the Legacy Marketplace, so you can find only truly sustainable products for your corporate gifting in one place.

Here are three tips to help you be more purpose led when choosing corporate gifting.

2 - Don’t forget the packaging

Packaging makes a huge difference -

3 - Reflect your company’s values

is made

1 - Check how the product

Ideally, you want your gift to delight the recipient and also be practical and useful so that it does not end up in the bin. Aim for high quality products that are sourced ethically, without harmful or exploitative business practices and are made from a recycled material or low impact material (such as wood, bamboo, etc). Locally produced, artisan products are usually more sustainable, for their lower carbon footprint and their social impact.

how you wrap or present a gift adds to its value. Skimping on the outside can quickly devalue what’s inside. Use cardboard or fabric instead of single use plastic. Always aim at having a packaging that can be reused or that is recyclable or compostable.

In the gift that you send. If your business wants to send the message that it supports reducing plastic in the workplace, give a reusable water bottle.

The Legacy Marketplace helps you embody your purpose throughout the gifting process, without sacrificing quality or convenience. You can see the packaging policy for everything you buy, so you avoid the situation of sending beautiful gifts in cheap, unsustainable packaging. Made by events and sustainability experts, our platform will allow you to find truly sustainable suppliers for corporate gifting and giveaways in one place.

www.legacymarketplace.co.uk

,

You’ve already done it in many areas of your everyday life: you think about your fashion purchases, you’ve considered your coffee habits, you’re thoughtful about food miles and you’re relentless about recycling.

How to beat the Christmas party rush

Liz Taylor from the luxury event management company, Taylor Lynn Corporation (TLC), has seen a 30% increase in early bookings for Christmas parties, demonstrating the importance business leaders are placing on this year’s festive get together…

Liz is confident in declaring that this year, the Christmas party is THE most important event in the business calendar. Yet she has a word of advice for leaders and PAs in charge of the festivities. If you haven’t already begun to plan your Christmas party, then you need to start as soon as possible. Here’s why it’s so important!

PREFERRED DATES

Nobody really wants to party on a Monday. Thursdays and Fridays are the most popular nights for a Christmas party, so if you want to get either of those before they’re snapped up, you’ll need to be quick.

TIP: If the best dates have gone, think about switching the celebrations to a Sunday afternoon family party instead, with a visit from Santa.

PREFERENTIAL RATES

Venues are keen to ensure they have parties booked in ahead of time. It’s easier for them to plan staffing and food/ drink orders if they know they have guaranteed income, so it’s worth asking if there’s an ‘early bird’ option if you book your Christmas party now.

TIP: Insist any pre-booked bottles of wine are charged on consumption, so you only pay for what you use.

A MANAGEABLE PROCESS

The job of organising the office Christmas party will often fall to a PA or office manager who already has a full-time job. Starting early means you can break down your tasks into manageable chunks. Booking food tastings, venue viewings and brainstorming sessions in the six months leading up to the party means you can enjoy the planning process.

TIP: Spreadsheets with dates and reminders are your ally! And always allow contingency timings.

SECURE THE BEST

This year, the bar is raised when it comes to creative ideas and entertainment. Quality bands and artists can be booked up months, if not years, in advance. The same with other suppliers: lighting, floristry, catering, marquee hire. Bringing

the most experienced and inventive minds to work on your party will alleviate the pressure on you and infuse it with new ideas. Trouble is – the best is in demand!

TIP: The UK has a wealth of talented tribute artists. Consider a ‘festival’ vibe and fill the stage with acts that celebrate ABBA, Queen, Oasis and more.

MOTIVATIONAL MOMENT

Communicate your plans to current staff and new employees. Send a ‘save the date’ card to all with an early Christmas gift. We’ve used iced chocolate plaque invitations to great success. Give the team something to look forward to. Christmas parties planned well, can be a brilliant motivational tool.

TIP: If the party is ‘themed’ around an era or design, send items of fancy dress out such as hats/glasses, which set the tone for the party.

If all else fails – bring in the party planners! www.tlc-ltd.co.uk

Give the team something to look forward to. Christmas parties planned well, can be a brilliant motivational tool.

The mia is championing best industry practice

We spoke to Kerrin MacPhie, Chief Executive at The Meetings Industry Association, or the mia as it’s commonly known. MacPhie took over the reins last November as the only salaried position within the association’s board of business meetings and events heavyweights…

The mia is the largest, longest standing and most influential trade body operating within the UK business meetings and events sector. It’s also the keeper of AIM Secure, the UK’s only recognised quality standard for the sector, which was further enhanced during the pandemic to feature a number of increased hygiene protocols.

What does the mia do and why is it important to have an industry body for the meetings and events industry?

The mia plays a crucial role championing best practice and providing clarity and guidance around the big issues while also uniting and ensuring the sector is recognised as a key economic driver by government.

What attracted you to this position at the helm of the mia and what are you hoping to achieve during your tenure?

Throughout my 25-year plus career, I have always held the mia in high regard. I was immediately attracted to the role as it affords me autonomy to use my skills honed from having held senior posts in destinations, associations, hotels and convention centres as well as channel my boundless energy and passion for the sector for the greater good. It’s been a busy few months

since I joined, launching various initiatives and strategic partnerships but every day I am truly excited about the endless possibilities this role offers.

Ultimately, I am hoping to drive the mia’s ambitious strategic plan to further grow and deliver a first-class membership experience while also working with government to ensure the sector’s key economic contribution is truly recognised.

We are focusing on sustainability throughout this issue, and it is also one of the key areas for the meetings and events industry. How is the mia helping the industry to achieve its ambitious sustainability goals?

Sustainability continues to remain high on our agenda. Working with our strategic partner Green Tourism, we’re supporting our members with education and access to a whole raft of measurement tools to achieve the new Green Meetings standard, which supports our own AIM Secure accreditation.

What are the trends and developments you see shaping this industry most in the next few years?

Our infamously fast-paced sector has shifted up a gear since the start of the pandemic, adapting and pushing numerous boundaries. The key trends and developments including the metaverse, the next generation, sustainability and big data will no doubt shape the industry’s future, which is why they will be key topics for discussion at our forthcoming REIGNITE conference in November.

For more information on the mia and REIGNITE visit www. mia-uk.org.

Ultimately, I am hoping to drive the mia’s ambitious strategic plan to further grow and deliver a first-class membership experience while also working with government to ensure the sector’s key economic contribution is truly recognised.

Nobu Shoreditch

Sandi Richmond took the reins as the Executive Chef at Nobu Shoreditch in April this year, after gaining her Nobu training and experience first at Nobu Dubai and most recently at Nobu Istanbul. Our Editor had the pleasure of meeting Chef Richmond at the iconic Nobu hotel…

Sandi is originally from Durban, South Africa, where she trained in classical French cuisine and worked at hotels and even bush camps around Africa. The camps allowed her to develop her creative skills as vital ingredients were often lacking from supplies and had to be replaced with what was available. She also ran her own very successful African-Portuguese restaurant in Durban for four years, before accepting a position as a Head Chef at the One & Only in Cape Town, home of Africa’s only Nobu restaurant.

Sandi’s love affair with Japanese cuisine started when she dined as a guest at Nobu Cape Town. She didn’t know Japanese, let alone the Japanese-Peruvian style of food at all then and wasn’t sure what to order, so happily accepted the waiter’s recommendations. That was a defining moment for her. “I was blown away by the amazing food. I didn’t know about Nobu before then, but decided there and then to make my career within Nobu.”

What do you enjoy most about your job and what do you find are the most challenging aspects of it?

“Customer satisfaction is really important to me. The reactions of our customers, when they taste the food, says it all. That’s invaluable and instant feedback which we can observe from the open kitchen at Nobu. I also love training younger chefs.

Learning the names of the Japanese products and ingredients took a lot of work, to understand what they are and how they are made too. Studying Nobu’s books was a great help as they have glossaries of ingredients and explain well what the products he uses are. Thanks to the books, and the incredibly well-run training programme at Nobu restaurants, us chefs can learn the Nobu way of cooking. Nobu Matsuhisa himself visits the restaurants around the world and was here in Shoreditch this summer, cooking with us chefs and inspiring us all. My knowledge of the Japanese language is now very

good when it comes to food, but very limited outside the kitchen I’m afraid.”

What to you is the ’one ingredient’ that has made Nobu the success it is?

“There are many things but to name one thing would be his miso. He took miso to another level. A lot of his recipes have his amazing miso in them in one form or another.”

Female chefs are still a minority in the kitchens of high-end restaurants with only 17 per cent of chef positions in the UK held by women. Have you felt that your gender has put you under more pressure and facing more obstacles than your male peers?

“I’m sort of used to it growing up in a male dominated industry. I have however noticed the increase in the numbers of female chefs and have never myself felt hindered by my gender or not gotten a job because of it. This is a universal issue across many industries not just in restaurants”.

What’s your favourite Nobu dish?

“I have a lot of favourites but the Rock Shrimp with Creamy Spicy Sauce is something I eat every day and really enjoy. It’s a tempura dish, nice and crispy in a creamy egg sauce, served on a bed of lettuce, topped with chives. It must be eaten all together as the combination of all the flavours is mind blowing.”

www.noburestaurants.com

Customer satisfaction is really important to me. The reactions of our customers, when they taste the food, says it all. That’s invaluable and instant feedback.

Premium sporting experiences for your VIP guests

Corporate Hospitality events provide a great opportunity to bring teams and clients together. Show your appreciation by hosting a memorable event at a venue that will truly impress...

After you’ve impressed your guests with seminars, at meetings and with travel and accommodation, the next step is to host them. Corporate events and hospitality have

>>> WILLIAMS EXPERIENCE CENTRE

The Williams Experience Centre is an experience that never fails to impress, located at the home of the Williams Formula 1 team in Grove, Oxfordshire. Originally the base of BMW’s Le Mans project, the building was converted in 2002 and today stands as an awardwinning Experience Centre, offering a modern and creative environment in which to meet, train, network and entertain. With seven flexible event rooms catering from six to 250 guests, the Williams Experience Centre offers full support in event planning and execution with in-house AV facilities, dedicated event managers and 5-star

changed in part due to the restrictions we had to negotiate for in - person events during the pandemic. But the primary purpose of corporate hospitality has remained the

same, to strengthen relationships with clients, motivating the staff and gaining confidence of stakeholders, including clients, investors and industry influencers. We talked

to two well known institutions, Lord’s and Williams Experience Centre, both are worldrenowned venues in the world of sport and experts in hosting high level guests.

catering and service. While attending an event there, you also have the opportunity to view the largest private collection of F1 cars in the world. Housing more than 40 of the team’s seminal race cars, it is one of the largest private

collections of F1 cars in the world, charting the team’s history. Did you know that Williams offers live Race Day Experiences for the general public too? If you would like to understand more about these public days visit the website to purchase tickets

or speak to Williams’ events team regarding corporate incentive tickets.

For enquiries regarding the Williams Experience Centre, please contact events@williamsf1.com

www.williamsf1.com/ experience-centre

The Best Seats In The House

Within the cricketing world there are few iconic vistas that can stir the soul quite like Lord’s.

Throughout its 207-year history, the Home of Cricket – owned by Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) – has been at the heart of the global game, and the site for many historic moments…

The unique characteristics, perfectly combining charm and tradition, make it a Ground with a long and distinguished history. The Grade II*-listed Pavilion, the Long Room, the hallowed turf; these are some of the things that make the Home of Cricket so special.

From World Cup wins, to landmark personal milestones, Lord’s has played host to them all. It has that indefinable something, a distinctive atmosphere, and now with the recently developed Compton and Edrich stands, Lord’s has a luxury premium seating offering which guarantees the right to buy a ticket for a designated seat for all major matches on the cricket calendar.

The redeveloped Compton and Edrich stands form a significant part of MCC’s Masterplan and commitment to ensuring Lord’s remains the best place in the

world at which to watch and play cricket. The £52 million reconstruction, designed by one of the world’s leading architectural firms WilkinsonEyre, incorporate an exclusive premium

available to spectators, premium seating at Lord’s is more accessible than ever before. Whether you’re looking for the full hospitality experience, or just adding an extra layer to elevate your day at the cricket, Lord’s continues to invest in more premium seating experiences, providing an excellent variety and flexibility for supporters.

Few places can offer the exquisite sporting experience that the Home of Cricket boasts.

seating area with breath-taking views behind the bowler’s arm.

The two contemporary restaurants in the new stands pair world-class dining with the thrill of cricket, satisfying the appetite throughout the day’s play.

With such a diverse range of options

“We aim to continue to provide the very best facilities in world cricket and unparalleled service to all our visitors, whilst preserving the charm and character which is unique to Lord’s,” said MCC Chief Executive & Secretary, Guy Lavender.

To find out more about the range of premium seating options available please email premiumseating@lords.org or call 0207 616 8726

From World Cup wins, to landmark personal milestones, Lord’s has played host to them all. It has that indefinable something, a distinctive atmosphere…

The 616 Venue

The team at The 616 Venue has created a luxury venue out of a beautiful barn and its surrounding buildings, nestled in the famous Sherwood Forest...

“We recently hosted a client who’d booked the venue for a corporate getaway. Post-pandemic they had some serious ground to cover but we knew that they also needed a place to let off steam.”

Accommodating up to 26 overnight guests in 13 ensuite bedrooms, The 616 Venue is set in the ancient woodlands of Sherwood Forest. It features a stunning dining area with a large table that can comfortably seat 26, and a 60 person meeting room, known as the Orangery.

some trusted local musicians to entertain you.

The business facilities are designed to offer flexibility for presentations, brainstorming sessions, small group meetings and more. In addition to the dining area, the beautiful Orangery accommodates up to 60 attendees in a variety of meeting configurations, boardroom, theatre, classroom, cabaret, or banqueting style. Guests can use the built-in 88 inch HDMI ready TV. Additional indoor and outdoor sofas and

In late 2023 the venue will expand with a further 8 guest ensuite bedrooms, a swimming pool, and a unique underground spa.

The mini nightclub is based in the soundproofed cellar, with its very own built-in bar and taps, so if you have ever wanted to pull your own pint, now is the time. The sound system, and SFX lighting, combine to give an authentic nightclub feel. Guests can indulge their DJ aspirations or ask the venue hosts for

seating sets provide space for breakouts.

While the nightclub is undoubtedly a star attraction, it’s not the only special feature. At the end of a work session, guests can relax in the outdoor hot tubs or battle it out in the 80s style video arcade with games including Air hockey, Time Crisis shoot ‘em ups, Phoenix and other retro games.

Opened in 2021 and maintained to an exceptional level, The 616 Venue was built with sustainability in mind. The

Back to that nightclub. It must be experienced to be believed. But if all that dancing and pulling pints sounds exhausting, step outside and into one of the three luxurious outdoor hot tubs.

event team strives to be mindful of the precious resources in every aspect of the business. Natural and reclaimed materials, sympathetic to worldrenowned Sherwood Forest were used in construction and eco-friendly toiletries are provided throughout. Located on the outskirts of Wellow, a traditional Nottinghamshire village, The 616 Venue has great transport links and is easily accessible by rail or car. A large car park accommodates coaches and cars.

But its real draw is privacy and security. Once you’re inside the gates, you have the place to yourself. You don’t have to worry about other guests intruding on your meeting. It’s your venue and you decide how best to use it.

It’s this aspect that has attracted major brands planning new product launches, musicians and bands, high profile couples seeking time away, and anyone wanting the assurance of a protected environment.

But security doesn’t mean rigidity. The 616 Venue doesn’t limit you to using in-house caterers or require a food and beverage minimum. Instead, the concierge team can provide a private chef for your group, or you can bring your own refreshments. ‘No corkage, no cakeage’, is the venue’s catering philosophy.

The concierge team also assists with recommendations for team-building activities, both onsite and offsite, as well as special services and gifts for VIPs. The team is well-versed in working with PAs and EAs to provide those specially curated and thoughtful touches that elevate a retreat from good to spectacular.

Back to that nightclub. It must be experienced to be believed. But if all that dancing and pulling pints sounds exhausting, step outside and into one of the three luxurious outdoor hot tubs. Without naming names, the hosts say that some good management decisions and partnerships have been struck in those hot tubs. Maybe there’s something about being in the open air and under the Sherwood Forest night sky that knocks down your defenses!

For more information or to book a tour, visit www.forestevents.co.uk

Christmas gifting wrapped up

The season of gifting is fast approaching and we’re here to help you to get a head start with the PA Life guide to corporate gifting, including plenty of sustainable options...

>>>HUGGG

Christmas is a great opportunity for meaningful employee gifting, and as a gifting platform, we’ve noticed a recent shift towards more sustainable gifts.

Sustainability means consuming less and reusing more. It might feel like we can’t apply this principle to gifting, but there are plenty of ways to reward teams more mindfully. These values are being reflected within company cultures as well as individual spending habits: as of August 23rd, 36%* of office managers want to send sustainable Christmas gifts, with only the traditional categories of food and drink having a higher demand. Eco-friendly gifts are also a meaningful way for companies to align their

>>> MOLTON BROWN

Since 1971, we’ve been pioneers of positive luxury; today, we’re still championing beauty that’s kinder to the environment and becoming more sustainable every step of the way.

Cruelty Free. Our products, including all raw materials, have never been tested on animals and are vegetarian with a Leaping Bunny approval since 2012.

Responsibly Made In England in a carbon neutral facility which offsets through a wind energy project and has used 100% renewable electricity since 2016 and recycled 97% of its waste in 2021.

Return. Recycle. Reward.

Our UK and Ireland stores’ recycling scheme collects

principles with their employees, and show how much they care about our planet.

At Huggg, we don’t warehouse items to re-box

and re-send as gifts, ensuring that we’re carbon-neutral. Our supplier criteria help us source responsible gifts wherever possible. We favour brands that use plastic-free

packaging, are certified carbon neutral and are woman- or BAME-owned, amongst other values. Our sustainable gifts include beautiful Bloom & Wild bouquets in plastic-free packaging, recycled coffee cups by Circular & Co, Tony’s Chocolonely 100% slavery free chocolate and gifts from B Corp-certified companies Tea Pigs, Toast Ale and Hello Fresh.

The best part? Huggg makes it easy to get ahead of the Christmas rush and send sustainable gifts in a sustainable way. We wish you a happy, eco-friendly Christmas! Shop sustainable Christmas gifts: www.huggg.me

*From a recent survey of Office Management Group members.

we’re working on adding more. Our Refill pouches use 63% less plastic than our standard bottles and our iconic 200ml glass pump bottles are made from 100% recyclable glass.

for caps and pumps as well as the plastic bottles, with 10% off your next purchase. Plus, most of our bottles are at least 50% recycled plastic – in 2021, this cut our use of virgin plastic by the weight

of approximately 6.2 million Molton Brown 300ml bottles.

Refillable Packaging is available for most popular collections, including Body and Hand products and

Mindful Gift Wrapping: complimentary, bespoke gift-wrapping includes fully recyclable debossed boxes and our hand-curated sets are already wrapped and ready to treat your teams and esteemed clients. Becoming our partner means we’re devoted to doing good while making you feel good with our signature and exceptional Molton Brown experience.

To find out more, contact us at corporate@ moltonbrown.com and quote PA Life.

>>> PRESTIGE HAMPERS

Prestige Hampers is a leading online gifting specialist with over a decade of experience in luxury gifting. Based in the beautiful Yorkshire Valley, its expertise in artisan hampers and sustainable gifts is enjoyed across the UK, offering a prestigious, personal gifting journey for any organisation.

Prestige Hampers is proud to source only the finest produce to deliver an exceptional selection of handcrafted gifts, which is reflective of its enviable reputation. The company is also proud to be the highest reviewed hamper and gifting company, making it the most loved service in the UK!

>>> SNS COCKTAILS

Award-winning SNS Cocktails (Shake ‘N’ Serve) is a premium ready to serve offering, delivering bar quality cocktails at speed and without fuss.

First launched in 2017 to help caterers, hotels, and bars serve delicious cocktails in seconds, the range is now also sold direct to consumers.

SNS was recently used during the Commonwealth Games and has received Great Taste awards, making it official that its cocktails are “absolutely delicious”.

SNS’s bottles are fully recyclable – over 90% of its case boxes are re-used (before recycling), and recent packaging design changes have reduced energy use.

The stylish and sturdy glass bottles, together with carefully selected ingredients, further

ensure a long shelf-life and minimal waste.

With the promise of delicious cocktails in seconds, SNS is perfect for office drinks and Christmas parties, and they also make great gifts. Cocktails are for everyone (including Santa!), so let’s make it a ‘Cocktail Christmas’. Contact the team to discuss office party discounts and your Christmas gifting requirements. The team loves working with customers big and small to create bespoke packages and support the whole process from idea to delivery.

Email the company via hello@snscocktails.com or call 0737 9000 878

Prestige Hampers is trusted by many businesses of different sizes, offering a specialised one to one shopping experience helping organisations show their appreciation of their teams and clients.

The Prestige Hampers

Corporate gifting solution is the perfect way to show your team and clientele that you care. With a wide range of gifts available to meet all budgets and requirements, there is something for everyone. With the help of a dedicated sales manager, you can choose the perfect gift and organise any bespoke hampers. See how Prestige Hampers can help. www.

prestigehampers.co.uk

The festive guide to celebrations

The task of organising corporate Christmas celebrations is no small feat. Our round-up of some of the best party venues will help busy PAs make this year’s celebrations unforgettable, whether they be fun activities, a stylish dinner or a relaxed drinks gathering…

>>> BROWNS HOTEL

Ring in the festive season at Brown’s – London’s first hotel – in the heart of Mayfair, raising a glass to the year gone by with friends and colleagues. Reminisce over lunch or dinner curated by Michelinstarred chef Adam Byatt and his team of culinary masters at Charlie’s paired with Sommelier-selected wine.

The hotel’s Celebrations and Events Team can add a touch of sparkle to your celebration by decorating a private dining space for 12 guests or more with a bespoke menu and table setting.

Brown’s will ensure your celebration is as sustainable as it is magical. Menus are designed to minimise waste

>>>CITY CRUISES

Looking for a unique venue for your Christmas Party in London? City Cruises might just be the perfect setting for your event. From a work Christmas Party to a Christmas corporate event or a Christmas Day Lunch – you can take it to the next level with a stunning event space on the River Thames. We’ll go the extra mile to tailor your events to your needs. We have a range of delicious menus to choose from, drinks packages to suit any budget, along with the option for almost any entertainment you can think of!

Our boats offer the perfect venue to remind everyone of what this wonderful city has to

and meals are prepared with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. The hotel goes the extra mile by choosing suppliers who abide by non-invasive farming techniques and

environmentally responsible practices.

As an integral part of Mayfair’s community, they nurture longstanding partnerships with local artisans and producers. We’ll

toast to that!

To find out more about Brown’s green initiatives or to book a festive celebration, email eventsatbrowns@ roccofortehotels.com or call +44 (0)20 7493 6020

offer. If private hire is not what you’re looking for, we also have our Christmas Lunch and Dinner parties as well as Christmas Day Lunch sailings available. City Cruises are here

to welcome you onboard and showcase London in an exciting and unique way!

City Cruises are also proud to announce we are trialling HVO fuel- a biofuel which

will reduce our emissions to zero, making us one of the first ever passenger boats trialling such fuel on the Thames.

www.cityexperiences.com

CHRISTMAS PARTIES

>>> ODEON CINEMAS

We are entering the season of warm and cosy, and life will be full of bright lights and Christmas music as we approach the most wonderful time of the year. This means there is no better place to be than ODEON Cinemas to host your latest event. With locations all around the UK, here at ODEON we have the capacity to suit all group sizes. We also have areas to host pre-screening drink receptions with fantastic food and beverage options and a library of Christmas classics dating back as far as you can remember.

If you are looking for the perfect feel-good Christmas event to escape from reality, perhaps as a way to thank your clients or colleagues, whatever your reason, here at ODEON Events we have you covered.

>>> WHILTON MILL KARTING & OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

If sustainability is a consideration when booking your team’s Christmas party, a go-karting circuit might not be your obvious choice. Best known for go-karting and grassroots motorsports, being sustainable presents a challenge for Whilton Mill Karting & Outdoor Activities. However, it’s a task they tackled head on with great vigour. Their newly completed clubhouse and restaurant were built to carbon neutral specification. Much of this was achieved through the installation of a biomass boiler and PV panels, the latter provides energy back to the national grid. The waste contractor was carefully selected as nearly all the waste

We can turn your vision into a reality with private screenings of your favourite Christmas movie titles like Elf, Home Alone, and the Muppets Christmas Carol.

So, gather your friends and family and create a memory you will never forget. Christmas never looked so good!

Book a private screening today using the code PAODEON22

Contact Lucy on lthomas@ odeonuk.com for further

collected from the Whilton Mill site is sorted and repurposed. Finally, the team at Whilton Mill made a commitment that any new activities added should be sustainable. Last year they launched electric powered off-road buggies for juniors. This year’s new activity was archery for juniors, adults, and groups.

For Christmas parties, Whilton Mill’s offer is naturally activity and go-karting led. They have two cracking deals with savings of almost 20%:

The Turkey Chase – £62 per person for a race on the National Circuit in 390cc powered Biz Karts plus lunch and hot drink.

The Christmas Cracker - £82 per person for a race on the National Circuit in 390cc powered Biz Karts plus three-course meal and post-race drink.

For full details and t&c’s go to www.whiltonmill.co.uk/ christmas, email karting@ whiltonmill.co.uk or call 01327 843822

FAST CHRISTMAS

SAVINGS OF UP TO 20% ON CHRISTMAS PARTY GO-KARTING & MEAL DEALS...

Race into Christmas with Whilton Mill Karting & Outdoor Activities. Northamptonshire’s biggest outdoor go-karting circuit. Packaged go-karting and meal deals start from just £62 per person including VAT.

For full details and offer terms visit www.whiltonmill.co.uk/christmas.

>>> ARENA RACECOURSES

It really is going to be a ‘green’ Festive season this year as Arena Racing Company host shared Classic Christmas Party Nights at their racecourses up and down the country.

Reducing waste and single-use plastic at the racecourse group is nothing new; in 2019 Brighton became one of the first racecourses in the country to introduce a re-usable plastic cup at its race meetings, live music concerts and events. This has now been rolled out across the Group and this Christmas, the firm has taken a bold step further in not using any paper or plastic crackers for their party season. Instead, they have stepped up the entertainment with a variety of DJs, live bands and

>>> WESTMINSTER ABBEY

Since its founding by Benedictine monks, hospitality has always been at the heart of Westminster Abbey – playing host to royal weddings, state occasions, and every coronation since 1066. Today, almost 1,000 years later, you can hire a truly unique and historic space in a place where history happens for your next corporate event.

Cheyneygates, hidden above the entrance to the Abbey’s cloisters, dates back to the 14th century and was the birthplace of Edward V – nephew of Richard III and one of the renowned ‘Princes in the Tower. It makes an intriguing location for an intimate drinks reception, meeting or day conference.

The Cloisters at the heart of the Abbey form an

entertainment to provide the thrills and excitement.

The popular shared party nights can be found on selected dates throughout

December at Bath, Chepstow, Fontwell Park, Lingfield Park, Southwell, Uttoxeter, Wolverhampton and Worcester.

All the details, menus and

pricing can be found by visiting Arena’s venue hire site, YourVENUE, here: https://your-venue.co.uk/ christmas-parties

elegant semi open-air arcade around a large lawned garth and offer a magical venue for a truly special large-scale dinner or reception.

The 14th-Century Cellarium with its vaulted ceiling makes the perfect setting for an atmospheric dinner and the contemporary Cellarium Terrace space, offering unique views of the Abbey’s West Towers, a fantastic area for hosting a pre-dinner drinks reception.

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries – opened in 2018 by HM Queen Elizabeth II – sit 52 feet above the Abbey floor and can be hired, in conjunction with a larger dinner event, as the exclusive setting for a drinks reception amongst the Abbey’s greatest treasures.

Private tours can also be booked as part of Corporate Hospitality packages at Westminster Abbey, meaning your guests can experience all the key areas

of the Abbey (the Coronation Chair, Newton and Darwin, Lady Chapel, Poet’s Corner, the Quire and high Altar) and gain exclusive access to the Shrine of St. Edward the Confessor.

To find out more about these fabulous heritage spaces, visit the website or contact the Westminster Abbey Events Team for more information today.

Bookings@westminsterabbey.org

www.westminster-abbey. org/corporate-hospitality

Enjoy

10% off Christmas party bookings at Strand Palace

the Heart of London

PIVOT BRITISH BAR & BISTRO, COVENT GARDEN

Award-winning chef Mark Greenaway has extended his restaurant, Pivot, to span across two floors of the historic English townhouse which overlooks the famous Covent Garden Piazza. A new all-day menu has been created to chime with the expansion…

Originally just serving food in the restaurant upstairs, Pivot has taken over what was formerly Gentleman Baristas on the ground floor, in order to accommodate more guests. Pivot will now serve up a hearty English breakfast and subsequent all-day menu that celebrates nostalgic classics across both the ground floor and relaxed, dining room-style bistro upstairs.

With a focus on quintessential British cuisine and seasonal produce, Pivot’s modern British food is complemented with an impressive wine list, a lot of which is available by the glass.

Mark Greenaway comments: “We will be using fresh, sustainable and locally sourced ingredients to create simple, honest and, above all, incredible dishes in a traditional setting, a model upon which all bistros should be based”. With its rustic but homely and charming feel, Pivot offers a quintessentially British experience.

Pivot Bar – Ground Floor

The ground floor will now be home to

Pivot Bar – here award-winning coffee from The Gentlemen Baristas will be on offer as well as a quality range of beer, wine and cocktails.

The menu will have a focus on serving British breakfast and brunch options, as well as all-day items to include hearty sandwiches, salads, pies and bar snacks, with grab-and-go options for those passing through.

In the evening, the ground floor will transition into a bar to make the perfect location to enjoy a drink accompanied by a select menu of small plates based on the best British bistro cuisine.

Pivot – First Floor

On the first floor, the original restaurant will ‘Pivot’ into a British bistro providing wholesome, homely and well-cooked gourmet classics. The menu has been carefully curated by Chef Greenaway, who is voted #160 in the top 300 chefs in the world, renowned for his depth of

flavours and the care with which he treats ingredients.

Signature dishes include Cumberland sausage, bubble and squeak with caramelised onion, pan-roasted seabass with jersey royals in a chive and butter sauce and a seductive beef & bone marrow pie with shallots and a red wine sauce. There is also a whole section show-casing the best seasonal vegetables that can be ordered as a side or taken as a delicious dish on their own.

Greenaway believes that the newly streamlined Pivot is “a place where quintessentially British food and drink sit seamlessly side by side, where the whole is just as good as the sum of its constituent ingredients”.

www.markgreenaway.com/pivotcovent-garden, 07734 304218. PA Life Club member offer: 50% off food orders with code: Pivot50. Offer expires 9 December 2022, T&Cs apply.

Pivot is a place where quintessentially British food and drink sit seamlessly side by side, where the whole is just as good as the sum of its constituent ingredients.

HERITAGE SOHO

The first restaurant to offer the true taste of the Alps in the middle of central London, Heritage Soho is a spectacular spot to dine and celebrate in style…

Born from the passion to create incomparable flavours and much-loved food, the Soho Heritage’s menu is inspired by the flavours from the Alpine region and made with local ingredients from artisan producers across England and Switzerland.

The dining experiences feature classic dishes with a modern twist, the perfect culinary combination for your tastebuds to enjoy.

You’ll love their Raclette melted over potatoes and pickles, and fondue made the traditional Swiss way, moitié-moitié, using a blend of Vacherin Fribourgeois and Gruyère cheese sourced from Switzerland. As well as the rivers of cheese, there’s other delicious dishes to enjoy, including spaetzle, pan-fried trout, crispy duck breast, and a variety of steaks paired with a choice of divine housemade sauces including blue cheese, peppercorn, Bèarnaise or bone marrow. All of which can be enjoyed with their selection of wines, champagne and cocktails.

If you are enjoying some time in

central London, Heritage Soho is the ideal place to visit, day or night. It’s easy to access from Piccadilly, Leicester Square and Tottenham Court Road tube stations, and near to some of London’s most popular attractions and nightlife spots. Their West End location makes an ideal choice for a pre-theatre fix before a show! With their pre-theatre menu, you can tuck into some gourmet dishes including steak tartare, truffle dumplings and raclette and still make it in time for curtain up.

Pop by during a weekend for one of the most indulgent bottomless brunches in Soho – three courses including röstis cheese fondue, and chocolate fondue with seasonal fruit, plus add one of the drink’s packages for free-flowing fizz or cocktails.

Their bartenders are ready to wow you! Whether you are grabbing a few drinks after work or are looking for the ideal pre-drinking spot, Heritage has got you covered. Their cocktail menu has been creatively crafted by masterful

mixologists using the finest spirits from around the world. Lose yourself in one of the signature drinks or enjoy a good old classic. Ask for any classic cocktail, from Mojito, Bloody Mary, Mimosa, Espresso Martini, Old fashioned, Tom Collins, Cosmopolitan to Negroni… the list goes on and on,and their mixologists will be able to meet your request.

Feeling adventurous and want something unique, something with lots of personality? If that’s you, then you will adore their signatures; try the Alpine Twist or Sweet Dreams. For wine and champagne lovers there is a range of great options, including a unique collection of Swiss wines!

Heritage Soho is ready to give you and your guests a unique Après Ski experience. Whether you are looking for a regular reservation, want to book one of their Alpine experiences, or are holding a private event, the team are always ready to give exemplary service.

For enquiries and bookings, visit https://heritagesoho.co.uk

Whether you are looking for a regular reservation, want to book one of their Alpine experiences, or are holding a private event, the team are always ready to give exemplary service.

Scotland has it all

Scotland is known for its stunning Highlands and wild nature. It’s got an abundance of history from crumbling castles, to bloody wars of fighting clans, to royal drama, not to mention salmon fishing and whiskey to attract visitors…

But what do we know about Scotland as an events and meetings destination?

Many of its iconic heritage hotels, castles, and highland lodges have been turned into sought after venues, favoured by professional event and party organisers from around the globe. The most famous castles, such as Edinburgh

>>> CRIEFF HYDRO HOTELS

With eight hotels across Scotland, from Perthshire and the Scottish Borders to the West Highlands, Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels is the ideal destination for dynamic events, meetings and team building sessions. With panoramic views over the Tweed Valley, Peebles Hydro is in the heart of the Scottish Borders, only 22 miles from Edinburgh and 50 miles from Glasgow. With six flexible function spaces for three to 300, 30 acres of ground for activities, 1881

Gin Distillery & School, 132 newly refurbished bedrooms and team building at Glentress.

Set in dramatic Perthshire countryside, Crieff Hydro Hotel’s 900-acre estate is just an hour from Glasgow and Edinburgh, and 30

Castle and Stirling Castle, have seen many important guest and dignitaries over the decades. The country also offers state of art convention centres and many excellent academic institutions for large-scale conferences, especially in the attractive cities of Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Glasgow.

All that history and beautiful landscapes, mixed with an array of amazing venues and expert organisers, make Scotland the perfect destination for conferences, corporate meetings, global product launches and incentives. In addition, Scotland also has a reputation for tackling issues like climate change and human

rights and is seen as an innovator and driving force for change in many areas that impact our environment and the future of our planet. The hosting of COP26 in Glasgow as a carbon neutral conference last year was a great example of this. This is another great reason for considering Scotland for your next important event.

minutes from Perth. With recent significant investment into The Melville, a flexible high-tech space that is perfect for a corporate meeting or conference, Crieff Hydro has 11 versatile meeting and event spaces for six to 600. With 30

different team building activities up at Action Glen, the resort also features a 38-seat cinema, 215 bedrooms, 55 lodges and a Country Club with pool, gym and Victorian Baths.

Or to really get away from it all, Isles of Glencoe Hotel,

Ballachulish Hotel and Kingshouse Hotel on the West Coast offer delegates views like no other, countless outdoor activities and are the perfect setting for smaller meetings and events.

www.crieffhydro.com

Photo credit: Visit Scotland, Kenny Lam

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

The bright, and modern spaces of Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh offer a unique setting for meetings and conferences which will stay long in the memory of the delegates. With full access to the Garden during events, it is the ultimate break-out and lunch break space.…

Centrally located in Scotland’s historic capital, the stunning surroundings of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) offer an unforgettable destination for your business event or conference.

Within easy reach of Edinburgh’s city centre, the Garden’s exceptional venue spaces are set in 70 acres of magnificent landscape, home to one of the world’s top botanic gardens and a conservation Living Collection of over 13,500 species of plants.

Offering a range of indoor and outdoor settings, from intimate meeting rooms to the grandeur of the John Hope Gateway Building, these venues can be transformed to suit all occasions.

Situated on the west side of the Garden, the John Hope Gateway Building is a bright, modern and adaptable space with capacity for up to 200 clients. Floor to ceiling

windows lead out on to a large terrace area overlooking the Biodiversity Garden, providing a stunning backdrop for a reception or networking event.

Also within the Gateway building, the David Douglas Room and Patrick Geddes Room provide the perfect

was built in 1820 and nestles at the foot of the Rock Garden – perfect for lunchtime networking for up to 100 guests. Boasting period features, high ceilings and an abundance of natural light, business facilities include a PA system, wi-fi and adjustable lighting.

of the giant redwoods –creating a truly unique and memorable business destination for your delegates.

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a world leading centre of excellence in plant science, conservation, horticulture and education. Together, its four Gardens across Scotland are home to one of the largest and richest plant collections on Earth.

meeting or breakout spaces for smaller groups. Both have access to a private decked area, wi-fi and adjustable lighting.

A short stroll across the Garden offers additional business and networking spaces.

Refurbished in 2022, the magnificent Caledonian Hall

These event spaces are available to book all year round with each one offering a different ambiance to complement your event. Guests will enjoy full access to the Garden’s many highlights – from the splendour of the 165 metrelong Herbaceous Border to the cathedral-like atmosphere

At a time when 40 per cent of the world’s plant species are under threat, its role is to explore, conserve and explain the world of plants for a better future. When you book your event with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, you become a part of this important journey.

All venues are wheelchair accessible.

www.rbge.org.uk/venue-hire/ Email - venues@rbge.org.uk

Tel - 0131 248 2941

These event spaces are available to book all year round with each one offering a different ambiance to complement your event.

Gleaneagles

– 5 star hotel, spa and golf resort

There is no finer place to feel inspired than Gleneagles, Scotland’s premier hotel and sporting estate. Perched in the heart of the beautiful Perthshire countryside, it is one of the world’s most iconic destinations, where guests walk in the footsteps of presidents, princesses and prime ministers.

When the glorious playground that is Gleneagles first opened its doors in 1924, it became known as the “Riviera in the Highlands”, dedicated to leisure and pleasure in the most luxurious of surroundings. Almost a century on, it’s that same spirit which makes it the perfect destination for the most memorable events and meetings. It’s a space where innovators and big thinkers can relax, while also soaking up the luxury, style, glamour and exceptional service the hotel is famed for. The sprawling 850-acre estate is off the beaten track in the stunning Ochil Hills, allowing guests to feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of their

intimate room for brainstorming ideas. Whatever venue is required, a dedicated event manager is on hand to help create an unforgettable experience. Gathering at Gleneagles can make a real impact on a business, with each versatile and beautifully designed space adapted to be a place where imaginations will run wild and plenty of creative breakthroughs can take place.

At the very heart of Gleneagles is The Ballroom, a space steeped in history and with a full stage and lighting rig available. The Henry Hall is also perfectly situated at the centre of the hotel, while The Billiard Room is a beautiful spot for dinners, drinks and presentations, with a

daily life and breathe in the fresh Perthshire air.

It’s also incredibly accessible for business, being only an hour’s drive from both Edinburgh and Glasgow, and also boasting its very own railway station, which sits on the daily direct route from London to Inverness.

As a hotel that’s known around the world for hosting legendary meetings – from the G8 Summit to the Commonwealth Heads of Government - Gleneagles bursts with lively celebrations, animated conversations and 15 captivating spaces suitable for any size event, whether that’s a state-ofthe-art arena, an atmospheric cellar for private wine tastings, or simply an

deep bay window allowing the soft Scottish light to flood in. For meetings where guests really want to impress, the grand country house Drawing Room has a timeless elegance; The Parlour has a similar feel to it, as a formal room with fireplaces, grand portraits and antique furniture. Smaller spaces include the library-like The Broadcasting Room, which famously hosted the very first outside radio broadcast in Scotland; country-style kitchen room, The Pantry, and The Study, which is perhaps the most intimate space in Gleneagles - as snug as it is formal, it’s ideally suited to informal lunches. A flexible space is The Assembly Room, containing three different rooms which are configurable

Gathering at Gleneagles can make a real impact on a business, with each versatile and beautifully designed space adapted to be a place where imaginations will run wild and plenty of creative breakthroughs can take place.

in different ways - The Reading Room, The Writing Room, and The Card Room. For group activities or perhaps a corporate BBQ, there is The Shooting Lodge, found at Gleneagles’ world-class shooting school, with shooting one of over 50 country pursuits on offer at the sporting estate. The most unusual space is The Cellars, where private dinners and wine and whisky tastings take place, while The Glendevon has the best views over

the lawns and hills. Lastly, just a short stroll from the hotel is The Arena, a purpose-built space for product launches, awards dinners and conferences.

When it’s time to switch off, dining options at Gleneagles can be tailored to each group, with Scotland’s only two Michelin-starred Restaurant amongst the many to choose from. Meanwhile, the American Bar serves up glamorous cocktails, or The Century Bar is ideal for a whisky nightcap. To feel rejuvenated, guests can try a country pursuit - from archery to fishing to brand-new addition of axe-throwing - and master a new skill, or simply venture into the great outdoors on a country walk. Guests can also make the most of complimentary access to the Health Club’s impressive three-pools, a state-of-the-art gym and fitness classes, or book in for a luxurious treatment at the new Spa at Gleneagles.

www.gleneagles.com

Monday 28th November 2022 6 - 9pm

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We have teamed up with De Vere for a night to remember, bringing you drinks and canapés with festive classics to sing along to and a photobooth to get your Christmas snaps!

We are also incorporating the PA Life Star Awards into the party, recognising the hard work and dedication of PAs, EAs, VAs and Office Managers. Nominations close at midnight, October 31st!

For more information, visit our website or send your enquires to editorial@palife.co.uk.

Visit our website:

We have a great autumn to look forward to! It kicked off in style at PA Life Summit and PA Life Club’s 10th anniversary party and continues on the same high note with a full calendar of Meet Ups in London, Birmingham and beyond. See our highlights of the summer just gone and what not to miss this autumn. Not a member yet? Enjoy 20% off when you join the PA Life Club. Booking code BDAY10.

Our Partners

Photo by Kevin Lines Photography

WHAT YOU MISSED...

PA Life Summit & PA Life Club’s 10th birthday party

Over 50 senior PAs joined the PA Life Summit on September 8th at Hilton London Canary Wharf to take part in prearranged meetings and networking with over 30 events, hospitality, gifting and business travel suppliers. The day started with a breakfast, followed by excellent talks. Sam McAlister, ex-Newsnight producer, who negotiated the Prince Andrew interview go-ahead. Paul Pennant from Today’s PA, talked us through his top Outlook Tasks tips. We also had a fantastic breathwork session by Be In Your Element.

After a successful Summit it was time for PA Life Club’s 10th anniversary celebrations. It was

The pick of our recent Meet Ups:

Theatre Royal Drury Lane, June 23rd: 26 Club members were treated to a champagne reception at the beautifully refurbished theatre ahead of the fascinating theatre tour with stories of stars, Royal scandal and even murder, taking in all the accessible areas, including a cellar with an old armchair that had belonged to Hitler. The tour ended at the Grand Salon’s lovely terrace where we enjoyed sumptuous cocktails, more wine and delicious canapes whilst our members carried on networking.

Shiva Hotels: The five-star boutique Shiva Hotels hosted us twice. On July 5th we visited the Middle Eight Hotel in Covent Garden. The reception was held

in the beautiful Balcony area where the hotel’s GM, Christian Graf, gave us a talk about the historic former music venue ahead of the tour of the hotel and a visit to the downstairs speakeasy bar which is available for private functions and frequently hosts special event nights.

On July 19th we met at the newly opened, more intimate, The Guardsman Hotel in Westminster, moments away from Buckingham Palace. Despite the +40°C temperatures, a group of Club members made their way to this cool and sophisticated hotel to enjoy cool Pimm’s, champagne and fantastic canapes after been

shown around the hotel, taking in one of the Residence suites with a private roof terrace.

On July 26th the Barbican hosted a breakfast at its award-winning Sustainable Conservatory. We were blown away by the size of the Conservatory - the second biggest in England housing over 1,500 species of temperate plants and trees, terraces and a pond brimming with koi and carp. It’s a hidden tropical oasis in the middle of a city and a very special venue for events and parties, with meetings rooms to book as well.

great to see so many Club members there, networking with their peers and the suppliers and event sponsors who all stayed for the party.

A big thank you to Popkakery for the most delicious chocolate brownies! Huge thanks also to our raffle prize donations by Prestige Hampers, Prestige Flowers, and Clearwater Hampers.

WELCOME TO OUR LATEST MEMBERS:

Cathy Blackett, Coutts

Michele Goering, Priavo Security

Marie Goodes, Unilever

Cheryl Mason, William Murdoch Primary School

Linda Moss, CSG International

Alexandra Perry, David Lock Associates

Charlotte Quinnell, The Hummingbird

Bakery

Natalie Richardson, London South Bank University

Chrissy Schneider, Hammerson PLC

WHAT’S ON – TOP PICKS FOR YOUR DIARY

Awards, networking and the best events for PAs

PA LIFE CHRISTMAS PARTY

We will party in style this year, hosting the festive celebrations jointly with De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms at their iconic Covent Garden hotel on November 28th, from 6-9pm. Join us for drinks, nibbles, entertainment and networking with your peers from the PA community. RSVP at www.palife.co.uk

THE PICK OF OUR AUTUMN MEET UPS

• Aero semi-private jets hosts a reception at Soho Residence on October 6th

• GO Sport Travel invites you to hear about their sports and music packages at Great Scotland Yard Hotel on October 11th

• Church House Westminster’s Breakfast to Impress at their newly refurbished event space is on October 21st

• Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve in Kent invites you to experience their unique event spaces and a safari at their wildlife park venue on October 25th

• Eastside Rooms, Birmingham’s newest conference centre, invites our club members to experience all that their venue has to offer, plus an overnight stay. November 10-11th

For member bookings, and for new members to join PA Life Club, please visit www.palife.co.uk/pa-life-club

ARE YOU A PA LIFE STAR WINNER?

The nominations for this year’s PA Life Star Awards are now open! The awards recognise the hard work and dedication of PAs, EAs, VAs and Office Managers, and champion everything they do in their constantly evolving roles. The Awards ceremony will be part of the PA Life Christmas party. To find out more about the categories and how to nominate yourself, a friend or a colleague, visit www.palife.co.uk or email editorial@palife.co.uk.

PA LIFE CLUB’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY OFFER

As part of our 10th anniversary celebrations we are offering 20% off annual memberships for new members, making it just £39 to join! Book using code BDAY10 by October 31st.

PA SHOW COMES TO THE HEART OF LONDON’S CANARY WHARF BUSINESS DISTRICT

The new boutique edition of the popular PA Show will take place on November 2nd at East Wintergarden. Apply for your pass and book the seminars you wish to attend at: www.thepashow.com

Work & life

Sandria Plummer is a PA Life Club member with a 20-year career as an Executive Assistant in many roles across multiple sectors. She’s use her experience and opportunities well to land her current position as an Office Manager at Imperial College London…

What do you enjoy the most – and the least – about your job?

I enjoy the busyness of my job while building relationships with internal and external stakeholders. This is invaluable when working in a large organisation. Also, using the skills and knowledge accumulated from past roles in financial, travel and event management, scheduling and HR, ensuring continuous systems improvement while using best practice. The least would be the bureaucracy which can be associated with public sector organisations.

How has your role changed with technology and which tools are invaluable in your role?

My role as an Office Manager brings added responsibilities across three teams in the professional services directorate. I use Microsoft Teams and Zoom, social media, Otter.ai, Canva and Grammarly a

lot, in addition to Imperial’s in-house finance, HR, and management systems.

Are there any skills you’re looking to improve over the next few months?

Yes, I’m currently learning French as it’s been on my to-do list for several years.

Best advice you’ve ever been given?

Keep on learning, improving, and evolving in your role as you never know what advancement opportunities may come your way. Also, connect with other like-minded professionals in your industry and beyond.

Who do you most admire and why?

My late mother Amy, who arrived in the UK during the Windrush era from Jamaica. She raised five children while working multiple jobs and was very strategic, organised and focussed. I also admire my three children who are

enjoying successful careers in the creative industries.

Best thing about being a Club member?

I enjoy the networking and development opportunities as a PA Club Life member attending beautiful venues such as Trinity House, Ascot Racecourse and The Theatre Royal in Covent Garden.

What are your favourite things to do in London?

As a member I visit V&A and The Tate museums a fair bit, most recently The Vision & Virtuosity Tiffany & Co. exhibition. Kettner’s Studio in Soho House is one of my favourite restaurants and I love Kensington & Chelsea for the beautiful shops, galleries, and restaurants near my office, where I also use my ClassPass wellness app to work out at fitness studios to wind down after work.

www.linkedin.com/in/sandriaplummer

between PAs and their industry suppliers

“Connect with other likeminded professionals in your industry and beyond”

EXPERIENCE WILLIAMS RACING

Which of our seven meeting rooms would be perfect for your next venue?

For enquiries regarding the Williams Experience Centre, please contact events@williamsf1.com.