Summer Issue 2021

Corporate hospitality re-opens its doors We take a look at post-pandemic options for entertaining your staff and clients, including private dining at Ascot Racecourse, restaurants, academic venues and more...

PA PROFILE Orlaith O’Brien recounts how she has adapted professionally and personally through the pandemic...

SKILLS ACADEMY Here’s your opportunity to ramp your career and become the best assistant you can be!

HOW TO Expert advice on booking venues, flights, planning the Xmas party and attending the big industry events...

PLUS Check out our guide to corporate gifting, the PA Show and all the latest PA Life Club news...

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WELCOME...

As we put this issue of PA Life to press, restrictions have been lifted, but the so-called ‘Pingdemic’ has begun, with hundreds of thousands of individuals being asked to isolate, leading to retail, hospitality and many other businesses being affected by this dreadful virus once again.

We live in hope that lockdowns do not follow and, of course, deaths and cases of Long Covid. Not even the experts can predict what is to come over the next few months, but with an increasingly double-jabbed adult population, the signs are certainly brighter than they were just a few months back at the start of 2021.

But let us look at what we’ve collectively learnt over the course of the pandemic to date. Well, firstly – as both the subject of our PA Profile, Orlaith O’Brien and of our PA Life Club interview, Stacey McEwan have said – this time has proved beyond doubt that many people are more than capable of working productively and efficiently outside of the office. We’ve happily dropped the commute, and we’ve embraced a better work/life balance. The challenges of home-schooling aside (please let that never return!), we’ve enjoyed having more time with our families (well, mostly...) and the opportunity of hanging out the washing inbetween tasks shouldn’t be under-estimated.

There is no substitute for meeting people face-to-face; being able to judge responses and monitor body language, for starters. But, at the same time, we have discovered that

Many are predicting that working life will not return to ‘normal’ – and for the better. We don’t need to be in the office 5 days a week.” not every meeting needs to be in person; many meetings really can be done via Zoom or Teams – we’ve had to do just that over the past year, after all.

We’ve also learnt that the pandemic has had a dramatic impact on the mental wellbeing of many of our friends, colleagues and associates. We hope that, with restrictions lifting and a gradual return to the office for many, this will help those who have suffered and are continuing to suffer.

Similarly, the return to ‘normal’ will mean anxiety for some and we need to recognise that, for every individual eager to get back to the ‘old’ way of life, there is another who is panicking at the thought of sharing an office kitchen and a lack of social distancing.

There will be things that we have to re-learn, too, not least how to interact with colleagues on a more regular basis – in person, and outside of a video screen.

But many are predicting that working life will not return to ‘normal’ – and for the better.

Report after report show that most people simply don’t want to return to the office for five days a week. They want a hybrid way of working, attending the office a couple of days a week; working remotely for the rest of the time. And why not? We have all proved over the past year that working from home works for everyone. Employers get more productivity from their staff; we have a happier home life, the opportunity to walk our children to school and back (and sort out the washing), and avoid the time-wasting and budget-sapping commute. Now THAT’S what I call a New Normal...

Lisa Carter, Associate Editor

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NEWS

Introducing... the PA Life Skills Academy

PERSY London – The capital’s first, prebooked, fixed fare, all Electric Black Taxi APP PERSY London launched hot on the wheels of Boris Johnson’s announcement of the ten-point plan to make Britain greener, ensuring that by 2030 all petrol and diesel vehicles will be banned.

Founders of PERSY London, Steve Walsh and Nicky Fells, are serious about protecting the environment and keeping one of London’s most famous icons alive by offering a new premium fixed price electric black taxi service via a free downloadable APP. Nicholas is a Black Taxi driver by trade and received his badge in 2005. He has had the benefit of years of knowledge and has evolved with the trade. Steve has spent over 25 years in Financial Services across operations and IT. “Through extensive market research we found a gap in

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the market for a premium, competitive fixed price fare taxi service that is respectful to the environment and offers the best value distance fares into, across and out of London,” said Walsh.

The PERSY promise: The PERSY London community of certified, professional drivers will always ensure that your licensed electric six-seater TXE carriage is clean and adheres to PERSY London’s strict hygiene standards.

The taxis are equipped with a purpose-built partition that separates the driver and passenger compartment, easy to clean surfaces and an intercom system that allows driver and passenger to always communicate clearly, without the need to do so ‘face-to-face’.

To learn more visit www.persylondon.com

We’re delighted to announce the PA Life Skills Academy, a two-day virtual conference that will give you the skills you need to take your career further, opening up new opportunities within your current organisation – or arming you with the knowledge to land that next great position.

It’s your opportunity to

improve your employability and become the best Assistant you can be!

Our line-up of experts and training specialists will focus on helping you to improve your hard skills – the ones that are repeatedly highlighted as being of particular importance to employers.

For more information, turn to page 36...

Event design - indoors, outdoors or a bit of both with Vector Lighting & AV As human beings, we like to socialise: since records began people from across the globe have gathered for sport, fun and more recently business. Face-to-face meetings are more important than they have ever been, bringing staff and customers together.

Over 30 years Vector Lighting & AV has seen its fair share of change, but one thing is for certain: people like to get together. These interactions spark the next step in a company or organisation’s journey allowing ideas to germinate, generating sales and motivating staff to develop.

Creativity is part of the firm’s DNA, designing with the latest technology allowing your event to shine amongst a sea of Zoom.

With giant LED screens, audio and lighting Vector strives to create spaces for customers that deliver the wow factor. Every project receives the same care and attention whether delivering a simple exhibition stand or a whole conference event across multi room spaces.

Vector delivers events in your hometown, London or a city in Europe, with the experience and capability to make your next event shine. www.vectorlighting.co.uk

COURIERS

A Courier’s Guide to Remote Work Delivery Hybrid working looks set to continue for many businesses across the UK even after all the Coronavirus restrictions are lifted. Which means added complexity for PAs, EAs and TAs managing and equipping teams across multiple locations. Same day delivery can help.

Here’s how to do it right...

At Gophr, we’ve helped hundreds of businesses across the UK adapt their working practices over lockdown; from delivering meal kits at lunchtime, to wet signatures halfway across the country, to entire home offices to remote workers.

Here’s what you need to know to get the most out of same day delivery: 1. Know your next day from your same day. Same day is speedier than next day (obviously), it can be booked in advance and quite often, you don’t need to label or even box up.

2. Communication and live tracking will make your delivery life so much easier, so look for partners with tracking links and live chat functions.

3. Make changes as early as you can to avoid cancellations and additional costs.

4. If you’re sending sensitive documents, then DBS-checked couriers are a must.

5. Save time and money by booking return journeys or wait and returns at the same time. And, if you’ve got lots of parcels to send in the same city, book multi-drops to consolidate them all into one journey.

6. More accurate descriptions = better vehicle allocation. You know you’ve entered the wrong dimensions when a pushbike turns up to collect office furniture.

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7. Get prepped for pick up so you don’t get charged with waiting time costs or cancellations. “I give our remote workers as much time as possible to get ready for the courier, with details to add to the parcel and timings so it’s ready to go.”

8. For packages of any value, you’ll need to check insurance levels. Couriers should offer different levels as standard, with options to upgrade if needed.

9. Stick to Covid-safe regulations as ‘post lockdown anxiety’ remains a real issue for many. Make the most of your courier’s contactless delivery option.

10. Consider how you can use delivery creatively to deliver office culture to the home... new starter welcome packs, employee gifting, or even a book swap...

Choosing the right delivery partner can make all the difference. Gophr delivers same day, for everyone from retailers like Co-op and HelloFresh, to law firms and local independent agencies. And, we make same day delivery simple; simple to quote, book, track and manage online. It only takes a couple minutes to get set up at www.gophr.com or if you want to find out more or talk through your business needs, email us at partnerships@gophr.com.

PA PROFILE

Orlaith O’Brien Eighteen months ago no-one could have foreseen the profound changes a global pandemic would inflict on our working and home lives. Orlaith O’Brien, EA to five executives at tech giant Endava, recounts how she has adapted…

Photography: Isabel Jennings

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PA PROFILE

7KDQNIXOO\ ZLWK SHRSOH JHWWLQJ YDFFLQDWHG ZH DUH FRQÀGHQW business travel will come back to being a regular part of our lives - I’m already booking international trips again.

Tell us about your role.

I work for a company called Endava, an information technology and services provider. My role is Executive Assistant to five execs. In addition to this, I supervise the Facilities Manager within our London offices.

How did you come to be an EA? I guess I grew into the role. Coming out of university, my first ‘proper’ job was an Office Assistant for a publishing company.

Through time, I was promoted to Office Manager. At the time, it was a small firm, but growing rapidly, and the Managing Director needed some help with his diary management, travel etc. He had never had a PA previously so we had a chat and decided that I would take on the role. It was learning curve for both of us!

How has your job changed over the past 18 months during the pandemic?

It’s been strange for sure! At the beginning, when we had our first lockdown, time management was key as I also had to juggle home-schooling. Diary management increased, travel bookings disappeared, with the exception of a few flights in between lockdowns. Online social gatherings became a focus as people were really missing out on general face-to-face conversations and water-cooler moments. I’ve also been heavily involved in making sure the office is Covid-safe for people to return.

Are you back at the office yet?

Yes, I started going back when the restrictions were lifted in April this year. I’ve been doing two days per week in the office and it’s so nice to get back into that routine. Having said that, I don’t think I’ll ever go back to working in the office five days per week - it has been lovely being able to do school runs and achieve a healthier work/life balance, without a two-hour round trip train commute every day.

Is your company planning to return completely to the office, or will there be any hybrid working for your teams?

We will be introducing a hybrid way of working, starting in September. Our people teams are currently working on the plan. Our offices across the globe vary and so will the returnto-work plans.

How have you managed to keep your teams connected during lockdown? Have you organised online team-building activities, for example?

We had a range of team building activities across the business,

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ranging from quizzes to virtual team building activities, wine and cheese tasting evenings. We learned a lot from these. For example, doing it in smaller groups generally worked best. And not always having an agenda to ensure it didn’t feel like ‘organised fun’. The business is also heavily promoting wellbeing - we’ve held online yoga classes and provided staff with access to the Calm app.

In ‘normal times’ do you organise company events such as Christmas parties, company conferences, etc?

Yes, I do. And I’ve missed it so much! We would usually have at least two parties per year. In fact, the last time we had a party was Christmas 2019. But now things are looking like they will go back to normal, so I’ve started to organise the Christmas Party for 2021. I’m really looking forward to it.

What are your company’s plans when it comes to such events over the coming months?

After much discussion we decided that it would be a bit risky/ naïve to hold a summer party. Rules are still changing by the day. However, fingers crossed we will be able to go ahead with the Christmas Party.

How has booking business travel changed for you? And how are things looking for your company going forward, given that you have teams in different parts of the world?

Travel bookings disappeared during the lockdown. Very recently I had fun researching private jets for a European tour that’s coming up. Thankfully, with people getting vaccinated, we are confident that travel will come back to being a regular part of our lives, although it is still tricky as each country has its own rules and restrictions. Luckily, Endava has a Mobility Team who are on the ball when it comes to this and can advise us accordingly.

Was embracing video conferencing a challenge for you and your teams?

I personally didn’t find it too bad initially. However, I know some people did struggle and I can completely understand why. In-person interaction is unbelievably important in order to maintain a good working relationship.

What services, products and solutions have been invaluable to you during lockdown?

Couriers, and the various video conferencing programmes. It’s crazy how many industries still require wet signatures. Several times per week, I would have documents sent to more than one person for signing before forwarding to its final

PA PROFILE

I have to remind myself of the positives from the last year as it would be so easy to get engulfed by all the gloom and doom destination. I’m now on first name terms with my local FedEx courier!

What have been your biggest challenges during lockdown?

Home schooling was definitely a huge challenge, but also could be quite nice (when my son actually listened to me). I also really missed the social aspect of the office, having random chats and being able to get up and walk around, as opposed to travelling from the sitting room to the bathroom to the kitchen and back. And then there have been the more practical elements to consider too, such as having access to a proper printer/scanner and stationery. Having said that, it also made me extremely conscious of how much luckier I am than some. I have a garden and nice areas nearby to go for walks and runs, so I was able to break away from my desk and get fresh air.

Are there any positives you can take from the situation over the past 18 months?

Absolutely! And I have to remind myself of those positives

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because over the past year, it would be so easy to get engulfed by all the doom and gloom. I actually stopped watching/ listening to news reports and negativity in the world. People’s mental health has suffered so much. And that’s something which Endava has also been conscious of and really put a lot of time and effort into ensuring people’s wellbeing is looked after. During lockdown, because you were allowed out for exercise, I embraced that opportunity and started running, which I really enjoyed.

What advice would you give to aspiring EAs? Believe in yourself and your capabilities. I have often come across the opinion of ‘You’re just a PA’. It’s infuriating and can do damage to your confidence, so I would advise people to rise above that outdated mindset. Also, ensure you get along with your team. I remember one role I had (earlier in my career) and I would regularly go home and cry because of how I was treated or spoken to. I stayed in that role for two and half years. I now look back and wonder how I coped for that long.

I’m happy to say, I haven’t experienced that since!

HOW TO...

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Venues are eager to welcome events back and have done a huge amount of work to give confidence to event planners and delegates post-Covid.

How to choose a venue post-pandemic Mandy Jennings, CEO at Venues of Excellence, shares top tips for selecting a venue for post pandemic conferences and events…

As the Government lifts restrictions on the MICE sector, I would love to share my top tips to give you confidence and reassurance as you start planning your company events for 2021 and beyond.

Number of delegates v available space It’s likely that you’ll have fewer people attending your event in person, but you’ll need more space per person than before where possible… a priority when creating your venue shortlist.

Hesitant to head out for site inspections?

Many venues are now using virtual tours to enable prospective clients to view their venues. These provide an excellent insight. We work with our fantastic preferred partner View It 360 to provide a Virtual Tour Gallery for our venues.

Are your events Hybrid ready?

You may have a reduced number of delegates attending in person – but you can boost this number with a hybrid solution. When sourcing, be sure to check they have an adequate internet bandwidth and connection speed with

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the digital infrastructure you require, enough space for cameras, lights and other equipment.

Venues accredited ‘We’re Good to Go’ In 2020 Visit Britain launched guidance to help our industry reopen safely. This is a great independent accreditation to look out for when you are sourcing venues which confirms that the venues have: • High hygiene standards Venues will help you communicate to your delegates about rigorous cleaning and top-notch hygiene standards. You will need to think about what activities you have planned and how these will be performed safely and hygienically.

Ask venues about their cleaning policies; how often are they cleaning, do they use innovative cleaning technology, is the venue able to temperature check your delegates and will they supply cleansing wipes and sanitisers throughout the venue?

• Effective social distancing Consider the design of the venue and whether your delegates will be able to flow between rooms easily and safely; is

there a one-way system in place and how organised is it? Look for separate entry and exit routes for guests. You may need to consider adjusting break times to avoid queuing.

For registration, can you have an app or have delegates use a self check-in area or perhaps use an app or QR code?

• Covid-safe catering Event food will be very different in a post-Covid world, so check with the venues how refreshments and meals will be presented and served. This will be useful information to share with your delegates in the event info, so everyone knows what to expect on the day.

Venues are eager to welcome events back and have done a huge amount of work to give confidence to event planners and delegates so if you are unsure about anything then just ask.

Here at Venues of Excellence we have a free venue find team who can talk you through all your options and will answer any questions you have to ensure you have peace of mind that your venue choice will deliver what you need.

HOW TO...

“

When organisers follow the guidance, install relevant protocols and communicate with stakeholders, everyone stands the best chance of staying safe.

How to organise a Covid-safe meeting Jack Marczewski, Event Director of The Meetings Show (at ExCeL on September 30th & October 1st), discusses the steps event organisers can take to keep delegates safe at their meetings and events…

In-person meetings and events in the UK have been on hold for over a year due to restrictions to stop the spread of Covid-19. Now, as restrictions lift, many are planning to organise and/or attend in-person meetings and events again.

The latest survey of planners by Northstar Meetings Group, which has been tracking sentiment since March 2020, found that nearly three quarters (71%) are in favour of meetings industry organisations or related businesses holding in-person events, showing real appetite for the return of face-to-face.

This sentiment was reinforced by the fact that 24% of planners said they were already planning new events rather than postponing.

However, as most of us have been encouraged to keep our distance from those outside our households to protect one another for so long, some may also – understandably – be feeling nervous about getting out there and mixing with others again.

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Anyone hosting meetings and events therefore needs to protect those attending, but also reassure them that their priority is keeping them safe.

The number one rule for organising a Covid-safe meeting is to choose a venue that takes safety seriously and has Covid-secure measures in place.

ExCeL in London, for example, has worked alongside the Association of Event Venues (AEV) to develop the All Secure Standard. This is an industry-wide benchmark for the safe return of events.

There are similar benchmarking schemes offered by the Meetings Industry Association (AIM Secure) and VisitBritain (We’re Good to Go) which set guidelines for venues to meet to receive their accreditation.

When you have decided on your venue, the next key step is to ensure you communicate with all stakeholders. Keep having conversations with your host venue or event manager about the steps being taken to keep your staff and delegates safe.

Then, communicate with your attendees about the work you and your proposed venue are doing to keep them safe when they visit, and tell them how they can support this.

Communicating safety plans with everyone involved in your event before it happens is essential. Telling them what is expected of them while attending and underlining their role in keeping themselves and their fellow attendees safe before the date itself will inspire confidence and avoid any misunderstandings on the day.

We at The Meetings Show have already learnt the value of bringing people together and recognise the part that pre-show communication plays in achieving this.

Each event or meeting is unique and therefore practical operations for safety will differ for each one. But when organisers follow the guidance, install relevant protocols, and communicate with their stakeholders, everyone stands the best chance of staying safe.

HOW TO...

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The benefits of private flying are significant, but it is important to be aware of how to book a flight safely and legally.

How to safely book a private flight and ensure you avoid illegal charters Glenn Hogben, CEO at The Air Charter Association, offers some important guidance to ensure that you book a private flight safely and legally…

Arranging business jet travel for the first time may seem like a daunting experience for many. But, providing you follow guidance, it is simple and provides a secure and seamless experience for your team. While the benefits of private flying are significant, it is important to be aware of how to book a flight safely and avoid inadvertently chartering illegally, by booking an aircraft that adheres to the strict regulations set by the industry’s governing bodies.

Use accredited members of The ACA to book and operate your flight Arranging a private flight requires extensive knowledge to locate the most suitable, cost-effective, safe and legal solution. You can book your flight through an accredited broker or directly with an accredited operator member of The ACA, to ensure that you’ll be working with a company which upholds the association’s highest standards and Code of Conduct.

Discuss the requirements with an accredited charter broker To plan the journey and minimise time

spent at the airport, you or your charter broker will need to provide the operator with a range of information, starting with the point of origin, destination city or airport and passenger details. Your broker will be able to ensure you can fly into the most suitable airport for your ultimate destination and that the journey is as seamless as possible.

Check the operator’s licences – Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and Certificate of Air Worthiness – and insurance If you are booking with an accredited charter broker, these checks will be completed for you. However, if not, make sure the operator of the flight holds an AOC, the approval granted by a national aviation authority to use aircraft for commercial purposes.

Is your pilot correctly qualified?

When the pilots are provided by the certified operator (if booking through a charter broker, they will be able to confirm this is the case) they will have stringent training and qualifications required by the aviation authorities for the specific aircraft.

Be extremely cautious about arrangements where pilots are provided separately to the

aircraft. In these circumstances professional advice should always be sought to check qualifications are current and apply to the aircraft being used.

Trust your instincts Almost anyone can put together a convincing website or app these days.

However, an impressive online presence does not necessarily mean that the operator is legitimate. And, if you are in a hurry to get a flight booked, it is easy to book with operators whose websites make credible-sounding claims – but then fail to do proper due diligence against fraud. Please always be on your guard and verify bank details on the telephone before making new payment transfers to ensure communications haven’t been intercepted and bank details changed.

There are many increased risks of flying on an illegal charter as not only will it likely void the operator’s insurance cover but it could also invalidate the passenger’s life assurance.

If in doubt, please get in touch and to find an accredited member visit our website https://www. theaircharterassociation.aero/.

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XMAS PARTIES

Party in the car park this Christmas Following on from a difficult 18 months, hosting a Christmas party may seem challenging.

However, events remain possible with the help of the latest tech trends and a bit of Christmas spirit. It could still be the season to be jolly…

In a pre-Covid world, event planning platform Eventbrite revealed that UK organisations were set to spend a whopping £955m in 2015 on entertaining staff at Christmas parties. So it’s safe to say the standard has been set high for 2021 festivities.

Following on from Boris Johnson’s announcement to relax Covid restrictions, rounding up your team and heading to the hustle and bustle of the local pub may seem like the most convenient option. But what employers should now be considering is how to combat safety concerns amongst staff members. How can your Christmas party celebrate company achievement whilst reassuring your team of a safe event with good infection control? Although this move towards normality may seem a positive notion, it could also be a daunting prospect for some of your team.

Industry expert, Duncan Strain (pictured), of Silent Noize Events offers: “Christmas parties offer a unique opportunity for employee gratitude and team bonding and it’s a time when organisers really need to hit the right spot, especially to match the scenes of pre-Covid entertainment.”

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large gatherings and events falls on the large shoulders of the Government departments, but we can all see that huge efforts are being made to bring a new normal back to our lives.

Strain is optimistic that outdoor venues will pave the way for a season of merriment: “The past year has thrown a bit of a spanner in the works for the events industry, but we’re all in it together and are hungry to get the festive period going again. Silent discos are a safe way to bring people together for a time of appreciation and some much-deserved fun – we It is very possible that many a cannot wait.”

Christmas party will this year Now rolling into a posttake place outdoors, with pandemic environment, safety guests wrapped up against the remains a top priority for the UK events scene, so here’s a few weather and under outdoor outdoor locations to treat your heaters. co-workers with a safe and silent disco.

- Outdoor car park – a quirky location excuse, why not make outside the hub with plenty of open-air space for the spot for your portable Christmas party? perfect picture opportunity to show your With the Government’s roadmap likely friends. to allow large events to go ahead, it - Local park – they say that green doesn’t matter if you are a team of 200 spaces are great for health. Why not up or 2,000: silent discos cater for all group the ante with some music entertainment sizes. Many silent discos feature colour and dancing to keep the chill at bay? changing headsets, offering multiple - Back garden – put up the string channels of musical choice, ensuring lights, bring the bar outside and light the there is something for everyone. firepit – your personal garden area is an Of course, the potential of future ideal space to celebrate in silence. peaks in infections due to the return of That’s where the great outdoors comes into play. The rise in outdoor events has increased significantly over the past year, seeing organisers breaking down the confines of their four walls and turn to gardens, beaches, or even the office car park. Brits have shown once again what a hardly sort they are and it is more than likely that this resilience will see many a Christmas party taking place outdoors wrapped up against the weather and under outside heaters. So, with the weather not allowed as an

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THE PA SHOW

ITS TIME TO FOCUS ON YOU! A brief delay, but The PA Show will be back on September 1st & 2nd. Find out more...

As an executive support professional, you spend your time looking after others, keeping the business cogs turning and being the glue that keeps companies together.

Now it’s time to focus on you! Your personal development, your learning, your networking opportunities, and your future.

Do you want to learn skills to future

proof your career? Do you want to be a Microsoft expert? How about being more assertive, pay negotiation and communication? You can gain all of these skills and your CPD accreditation over the 2 most important days in the executive support community’s calendar.

The PA Show takes place on September 1st-2nd 2021 at ExCeL London.

This is is your time to shine, and we would like to offer PA Life readers VIP badge entry for the 2021 show.

Register for the show using the link – https://cutt.ly/PAshow You can also enter the following code for a 10% discount if purchasing a conference pass - PAShow11

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GIFTING

SPECIAL TREATS FOR ALL As we begin to emerge from the pandemic, what better way to welcome your staff back to the office, or re-engage with your customers and clients, than some high-quality corporate gifts? Here we showcase some delicious options… >>> TEAPIGS With lots of us still working from home this summer – as well as getting through lots of cups of tea - your team will be trying to keep their water intake up. It can be a struggle to get your two litres a day and people quite often want to avoid flavoured or sugary drinks.

Luckily, teapigs cold brews are the perfect gift idea for keeping your colleagues refreshed. Specially designed to brew quickly in cold water, teapigs cold brew is a dead simple, all-natural way to pep up your water this summer and make glugging your way through two litres a day an absolute breeze simply pop one in your water

bottle or glass and… well, that’s it!

Following the success of its cold brew teas last summer, teapigs has introduced three brand new members to the range with

pink grapefruit, watermelon & hibiscus and blackcurrant & raspberry joining the already popular cucumber & apple, lychee & rose and peach & mango. The toughest decision is

choosing which to try first.

To make it even easier for your team to track their water goals, teapigs has teamed up with Joseph Joseph to create a brandnew cold brew starter kit, complete with a water bottle that tracks what you’re drinking.

Plus, if you’re back at the office and the thought of grabbing any old glass out of the dishwasher makes you cautious, then gifting each team member their own personal water bottle to use exclusively is an eco-friendly way to minimise the number of cups that are being used.

Contact Lizzy on lizzy@ teapigs.co.uk or call 0208 847 3980 to learn more.

>>> EAT MY LOGO

MONTEZUMAS Show how much you appreciate your staff and clients this year with beautiful, chocolate gift boxes, brim-full of Montezumas’ delicious truffles, bars, buttons and bites. With huge statement hampers to individual, hand-finished truffle cartons, Montezumas has got you covered for all occasions, from Xmas gifts to return to work treats! Sign up to the newsletter for 15% off all orders over £300 before Sept.ember 30th. www.montezumas.co.uk

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Eat My Logo’s mission is to ‘Make Your Brand Tasty!’ and it does this by creating the best quality cakes, cupcakes, brownies, biscuits, and other delicious baked goods that are branded with high quality totally edible logos or messages. Eat My Logo has grown from origins in a traditional celebration cake shop and is now housed in a 9,000 square foot bakery.

Every week the team create tens of thousands of Edible Logo Branded products that are sent to hundreds of locations across the UK and beyond. The team is very proud of its bakery where they use a combination of high-tech

equipment, traditional recipes and good old fashioned people power to make the best products. The products look great and

taste even better, perfect to help large and small businesses promote their brand in a fun and tasty way.

The products are used in

many different ways to promote new business launches, business milestones and for businesses to treat, reward and celebrate their own staff.

Eat My Logo provides thousands of products for business events, exhibitions and celebrations in large office complexes across the country. The company is always adding new products to the range to keep the proposition fresh and exciting.

As the world re-opens Eat My Logo is excited about the future and how it e can help businesses celebrate this new chapter. www.eatmylogo.co.uk

DINING

RESTAURANTS & PRIVATE DINING

>>> AQUAVIT

Eating out and dining for business and pleasure are back on the agenda.

PA Life takes a look at some great partners for food and functions… >>> CHEFPASSPORT The secret to keeping your remote team engaged is FOOD! Bring your colleagues from all over the world together for an unforgettable culinary experience.

ChefPassport, the European leader for virtual cooking experiences, is here to make your team stronger via interactive and fun online cooking sessions led by top chef Instructors.

Fancy a Pad Thai for lunch? Or an after-work Mexican apero?

ChefPassport organises your event in the blink of an eye, connecting participants all over the world and providing private dedicated sessions, as well as interactive cooking breaks during global virtual conferences with hundreds of participants.

You don’t have time to do the groceries? ChefPassport takes care of that as well.

Choose the convenient Food Basket delivery option and

receive your ingredients a few days before the event.

Interested? Book a call today to discuss your needs: chefpassport.com/business

>>> THE KINGS ARMS HOTEL HAMPTON COURT Given its location, it’s no surprise that the Kings Arms is steeped in history. Though built in the Georgian style, the building dates back to 1709 when Queen Anne was monarch.

The location is also super convenient if you live or work in the south-east, or have visitors flying in - it’s a 20-minute drive from Heathrow.

Once inside the hotel you’ll walk through an elegant lounge and cocktail bar, with The Six restaurant (named in deference to Henry VIII’s wives), private dining room and an al fresco terrace also

available for meetings or socialising.

The Six restaurant, overseen

by Michelin Star Chef Mark Kempson and Head Chef Jack Scoines, offers traditional, seasonal British menus, with a serious dash of panache.

As well as being a fantastic place to stay or meet for business or pleasure, the Kings Arms also caters for events too, including tasting dinners. We highly recommend.

020 8016 6630

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Following an extended hiatus due to the global pandemic, the Michelin starred Aquavit London has reopened its doors to diners once more.

The first thing to consider, before we get to the important matter of food, is location. Aquavit is tucked away in the newly developed St James’s Market area just south of Piccadilly. So, it’s not only super easy to get to, but also shielded from all of the West End’s traffic and noise.

There are also several other bars and restaurants in the same area, plus offices, so there’s a nice buzz about the place.

The inside is a fantastic blend of welcoming Nordic style and modern design cues, with huge windows and high ceilings – plus a sizeable downstairs area for private hire or when things get busy.

In short, Aquavit is perfect for a central London business meeting or dinner with a little bit of extra class – and we would certainly recommend a social visit too! www.aquavitrestaurants. com

HOSPITALITY

An explosion of the senses at Ascot Racecourse this summer

This summer, events and racing return to Ascot presenting a spellbinding explosion of the senses with world-class horse racing, high fashion and exquisite Fine Dining on the cards as the gates of the racecourse open once again...

Racing at Ascot offers the perfect series of opportunities throughout the summer season for employers to bring their teams together again, rewarding them with an exhilarating and memorable day after a challenging 18 months. The racecourse’s pristine lawns are in full bloom and its grounds alive with an electric atmosphere as racegoers enjoy an exciting card of Flat racing alongside relaxed, summer socialising.

Hospitality at the iconic Berkshire racecourse puts you at the heart of the action as you watch the finest thoroughbred horses thundering down the track.

With a range of superb packages and flexible group offers year-round, there is something for every team to experience the very best in corporate hospitality. Fine Dining and Hospitality packages at Ascot Racecourse are available across all 26 horse racing events throughout the year and start from £169 per person + VAT.

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Highly anticipated forthcoming race days to consider include the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup on Saturday 7th August, which is a perfect blend of thrilling entertainment on and off the track, and one of the most popular racedays of the year.

This unique fixture in the global racing calendar sees many of the world’s top jockeys compete for points to lift racing’s ultimate team prize, with four teams battling it out across a thrilling six-race contest. Live entertainment follows the racing, offering the perfect after party to the day.

Racing weekends on Friday 3rd September and Saturday 4th September and Friday 1st October and Saturday 2nd October will continue to thrill racegoers and offer a food and drink focus with a brand-new BBQ pop-up from Smoke & Fire Festival on both Saturday racing events.

Ascot’s Private Boxes remain one of the most coveted ways to enjoy a day of racing, offering the opportunity to fill your own

private corner of the racecourse with friends, family or clients. Boxes come with a variety of views and range in capacities, with spaces available from 10 people right up to 72. Larger spaces can also be exclusively hired for larger groups with the option to completely personalise the experience, from the décor to the menu and entertainment.

Every luxuriously furnished box comes with its own private bar and dining area with a variety of food and drink options to suit all requirements. With private balconies and large televisions, you won’t miss a second of the all-important action on the track. Private Boxes start from £169 per person + VAT.

The Ascot corporate hospitality team is dedicated to creating memorable occasions for each and every client, taking a tailored approach to all aspects of an event. On non-racing days at Ascot Racecourse, 1711 by Ascot – the venue’s awardwinning catering team behind the iconic Royal Ascot menus – are still hard at work delivering stand-out private dining experiences. Available across a vast array of stunning venue options around the racecourse, tailored menus can be created for as many as 1,100 guests or for events as intimate as just 10 people.

For more information and to enquire about hosting an event at Ascot, please visit www.ascot.co.uk/ eventsatascot

VENUES

VENUES

Are you looking for inspirational venues to get your team or clients together, inside or outside, whatever the weather? Here are a few ideas to get you started…

>>> WWT LONDON WETLAND CENTRE WWT London Wetland Centre is an idyllic venue to hold your event, from meetings, awaydays and product launches to Christmas parties and celebratory functions.

Located on the banks of the River Thames in Barnes, WWT London is a wildlife charity that works to support conservation and is home to rare and beautiful wildlife.

Only 10 – 15 minutes from Hammersmith and Barnes Station, it offers ample free onsite parking, allowing delegates ease and choice of transport.

Set in 42 hectares of scenic lakes, pools and meadows, the reserve offers a unique setting close to the heart of London and is complemented by first rate facilities and catering.

WWT’s experienced events team will manage your event, providing a professional but informal and friendly service.

It offers flexible event space over a variety of rooms seating from 10 – 150 delegates and catering for all needs. Its spaces are equipped with smart screens, wi-fi and PA systems

for all your needs.

The Water’s Edge Room has dual aspect views with a private decked balcony, offering stunning views over the reserve and towards central London.

The Observatory is a split-level flexible space with floor to ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the tranquil reserve, edged

with the London skyline.

The Thames H20 Building is a state-of-the-art meeting room incorporating large smart screens ideal for presentations, corporate videos, films or drinks receptions. It boasts a glass fronted entrance foyer and a covered deck area overlooking the reserve.

A range of catering options are available, covering everything from informal to formal options including reception drinks on arrival.

WWT London Wetland Centre is part of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust By holding your event with there you will be directly contributing to our national and global conservation work. www.wwt.org.uk/ wetland-centres/london

private safaris, all of which can be tailored to suit the wants and needs of your team.

During your visit to the Reserve, the Executive Chef Lee Edney will design a customised menu for your event, using the very best seasonal and locally sourced produce. The chefs can cater for business breakfasts, working lunches, fine dining, BBQs, drinks receptions and banquets.

If you want to take advantage of this unique venue, Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve offers a wide variety of unique overnight stays, ranging from luxury lodges to glamping huts, perfect for

longer conferences, corporate entertaining and team building away days.

Port Lympne works in partnership with internationally renowned animal conservation charity The Aspinall Foundation and as such is very different from conventional zoos.

The park is leading the way in animal care, and is a breeding sanctuary for the world’s most rare and endangered animals. By visiting the park, adopting an animal, staying in one of the short break accommodations, you are directly helping to save animals from extinction. www.aspinallfoundation. org/port-lympne/

>>> PORT LYMPNE HOTEL & RESERVE Whether your event requires conference facilities, team building or away days, Port Lympne Reserve could be the ideal venue.

It offers several private meeting spaces located within the decadent Port

Lympne Mansion; a grade II listed country house in the heart of the Reserve.

With extensive views across the Kentish countryside, Port Lympne is home to 15 acres of beautiful gardens adjacent to its meeting rooms, allowing you to enhance your event with one of the unique outdoor activities.

Activities include bespoke animal encounters, animal enrichment activities, cocktail making, team building and

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ACADEMIC VENUES

Top class events are back!

Academic Venues are opening up post-pandemic, ready to host your meetings, conferences, awards nights and more. PA Life takes a look at some of the leading lights... >>> CONFERENCE OXFORD Why not hold your event at the University of Oxford? Let Conference Oxford be your first point of contact when looking for a venue for a residential or day conference, a meeting, a celebratory dinner, an awards ceremony, a party or a wedding, the list is endless! The group represents 68 unique venues across the city of Oxford. Its venues offer a broad array of facilities, suitable for all events, with over 500 meeting, conference and event rooms, over 7,000 college bedrooms, historic college dining halls, glorious garden quads, world

renowned libraries and museums and wonderful sports facilities. Conference Oxford offers a free service to help you find your perfect

venue including: * A quick and easy venue search amongst its University and college venues * Site visits arranged for you

to view your preferred venues’ facilities * Support and advice should you need to use more than one of its venues for your event Whatever your requirements, the Conference Oxford team will provide you with the information, advice and support necessary to ensure you have a memorable and successful event .

To make an enquiry or find out more, contact Marie O’Connor on marie@ conference-oxford.ox.ac.uk. www.conference-oxford.com

ACADEMIC VENUES

>>>ROBINSON COLLEGE Robinson College, the youngest of the University of Cambridge Colleges, offers a number of fantastic venue spaces for conferences, events and functions.

Situated in the very heart of historic Cambridge, and only 10 minutes’ walk to the famous Backs, it has great road or rail transport links from London, East of England and Midlands.

After a year of remote working and zoom fatigue, why not get your teams back together for a training session or team-building workshop at our state-of-theart CWB Conference Suite, host a Back Together BBQ in its beautiful grounds, or reengage your clients with a conference or formal function.

>>> REGENT’S CONFERENCE & EVENTS Regent’s Conferences & Events offers unique indoor and outdoor event spaces within four acres of private grounds in Regent’s Park – a true hidden gem in the heart of the capital.

Presenting a solution for large-scale events unlike any other in London, Regent’s’ grounds are encased in landscaped tranquillity where the countryside meets the city. Comprising pristine lawns and lush foliage with an

The College boasts an array of different event spaces from its tiered Auditoriums seating up to 270 guests, to formal Dining

elegant, ivory-lined marquee in the summer months, Regent’s creates a magical setting for parties of up to 1,200 guests. The expansive space aids a limitless range of events, including summer parties, weddings, family fun days, team building events, conferences and festivals, demonstrating the tremendous versatility of the venue. Inside, the venue offers several spaces, each packed full of charm and character. The light and spacious rooms can host

Halls and flexible flat floor spaces. The CWB Conference Suite is the newest event offering, and offers a standalone event

conferences of up to 370 delegates or more intimate dining and meeting set-ups with huge versatility.

Herringham Hall, with its high ceilings and tall, arched windows, is an impressive space which lends itself brilliantly to dynamic events including launches and parties. Just minutes from Baker Street tube station, the venue is conveniently located just a stone’s throw away from London’s West End. www.regentsevents.co.uk

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space including a main Plenary Room and three syndicate rooms, all with flexible layouts, natural daylight and inbuilt AV to suite your event needs.

The catering is known as some of the best in Cambridge, and the venue’s team of chefs produce a variety of menus making use of local and seasonal offerings. All menu packages offer exceptional taste and quality, whether it is for a casual garden party or a formal banquet.

Robinson College’s flexible offerings are built around you and your needs. Why not contact a member of the team to discuss holding your next event at Robinson College Cambridge. www.robinson.cam.ac.uk ROEHAMPTON VENUES Roehampton Venues SW15 is on the edge of Richmond Park, South of Hammersmith Bridge and with close links from London Waterloo.

The venue offers interchangeable conference spaces and a selection of modern and historic grade listed venues, as well as a 30-bedroom hotel on site.

With such a varied portfolio, whatever the brief, the team believes it can tick all the boxes for venue finders and event bookers.

020 8392 3505 www.roehamptonvenues. co.uk

ACADEMIC VENUES

IMPERIAL VENUES Imperial Venues, Imperial College London, offers more than 100 flexible event spaces in South Kensington.

Spaces range from a Grade II listed townhouse with private courtyard garden, to modern meeting rooms, classrooms and lecture theatres.

Event organisers can take advantage of Imperial’s professional event services, including in-house catering, superb audio-visual equipment, full event management and on-site accommodation during the summer.

With such an array of venues in a superb central London location, Imperial is suitable for a range of events including meetings, conferences, symposiums, dinners, drinks receptions and more. Get in touch with the team by calling them on 020 7594 9494

ROYAL HOLLOWAY, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON Royal Holloway is a stunning conference and event venue. The iconic Grade 1 listed Victorian Founder’s Building, built around two quadrangles, is a unique retreat for conferences, meetings and events – as well as providing the perfect setting for functions and celebrations.

The venue has a portfolio of versatile state-of-the-art conference spaces, from small meeting rooms, to modern 100-400 seat capacity auditoriums.

These facilities, combined with great value rates, make Royal Holloway a fantastic option for a whole range of events.

The venue also offers stunning dining and banqueting facilities. The superb collection of art in the Picture Gallery provides a truly spectacular backdrop to gala dinners, while the elegant Dining Hall with its high, ornate ceilings, provides a vast space in which

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to create a unique sense of occasion.

The venue has an excellent selection of over 2,500 bedrooms, including en-suite double and single rooms, as well as standard single and twin rooms, all within easy reach of both meeting, dining and sports facilities.

Royal Holloway is ideally located in Egham, Surrey, close to the M25, M3, M4, Heathrow Airport and London Waterloo.

Visit venue.royalholloway.ac.uk, email sales-office@royalholloway. ac.uk or call 01784 443045.

HOSPITALITY

TEAM BUILDING & CORPORATE HOSPITALITY After 18 months apart, it’s time to start bringing your teams together again! Here are some great providers and ideas to get you started… >>> EVOLUTION FITNESS Team development wellness workshops are fun and designed to improve working relationships through a wide range of games that will challenge teams to communicate and cooperate together well.

The workshops are challenging and create positive energy whilst improving their working knowledge of each other through a variety of gettingto-know-you-games and then onto a wide variety of fun and exciting team and individual games.

These consist of building games, skill games, puzzle and word games that work to build a greater foundation of team trust whilst developing the teams to

work together constructively and effectively with greater rapport and enthusiasm.

In doing so, a healthier working environment will be created whereby they feel

more happy and talkative through their improved knowledge of each other, whilst building effective working relationships. teamwellnesssolutions.co.uk

>>> CORPORATE PEAKS Corporate Peaks knows everything has been a bit off-kilter! But like everyone, they are excited as business travel plans resume.

Corporate Peaks continues to be dedicated to helping time-crunched PAs, EAs and office management to deliver unique M.I.C.E travel, helping your next business event shine, with a focus on Fun and Energetic yet professional experiences that people are sure to remember.

So, whether sun, ski or city, work with Corperate Peaks to create a trip that your business family truly deserve... www.corporatepeaks.co.uk

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>>> SARDATUR MEETINGS & EVENTS Sardatur has provided Italy Luxury Holidays for over 30 years. With specialist knowledge of the best resorts, places of interest and events, they have access to unique and bespoke experiences for your corporate events.

Sardatur specialises in tailor-made MICE and corporate travel. When it comes to planning your meetings, incentive tours, conferences and events in Italy, Sardatur is the perfect option. Its specialist team has a wealth and depth of experience with first-hand knowledge of each of the hotels and resorts in its portfolio. They take care of everything down to the last detail, providing you, our client, with a unique, burden-free experience.

Its Selection of hotels and resorts in Italy have been hand-picked by discerning experts. From intimate boutique hotels in Puglia, to luxury business hotels in the big cities, to hotels by the beach in Sardinia and those that command spectacular views of the Amalfi Coast, Sardatur provides the perfect Italy Luxury Experience. www.sardatur-holidays. co.uk

TEAM BUILDING

>>> SWINGERS CITY Swingers City is totally unique and outrageously fun, making it the ideal venue for a host of occasions ranging from meetings, team building, client entertaining, festive celebrations or simply a night out for a group of colleagues and friends looking for something a little different.

Open daily from 12pm ’til late, featuring some of London’s most exciting street food vendors, cocktails and entertainment, we have all the components you

need for an unforgettable social experience.

The scale of the venue, the stunning bespoke crazy golf courses, the beautiful private hire spaces and the quality of the food and drink will keep your guests talking about your event for a long time to come.

Swingers City has a variety of packages and event spaces that can be booked for groups of 6 to 500 guests so, there’s something to suit every party size and budget. www.swingers.club

>>> REGENT’S CONFERENCES & EVENTS Escaping the confines of an office and taking your team somewhere inspiring – where there’s plenty of space to restore their mental energy while testing their comfort zones – is a perfect recipe for a successful team building day.

With four acres of beautifully manicured gardens, Regent’s Conferences & Events in central London offers the space, convenience and an abundance of tailor-made activities to meet any team building brief.

Its dedicated team has extensive experience of hosting events to meet every organisational dynamic and goal. From competitive cooking and tango dance-offs to forensic crime scene challenges and Krypton Factor-style mazes, Regent’s is perfectly placed to help create a truly valuable day to increase team morale and boost productivity.

Organised team sporting competitions, boot

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camp-style challenges, as well as 9-hole crazy golf and inflatable assault courses have all graced their idyllic York Lawns, which can accommodate up to 1,200 guests and can be discovered privately nestled in the tranquil grounds of Regent’s Park.

Regent’s also works with ethical suppliers specialising in wellness to offer holistic team building packages with a specific focus. These options are especially effective for leaders with a very specific objective for their team building day, but who may require guidance on a memorable and effective activity. www.regentsevents.co.uk

>>> LONDON BUSHCRAFT Join London Bushcraft for an alternative team building event, and challenge your colleagues to team up and find their wild side. This is the only bushcraft company in the capital with an established track record of delivering events for corporate organisations up to director level.

Its events are dynamic, fun and hands on, delivered by professional, authentic and highly knowledgeable instructors. All events are bespoke to ensure a personalised programme, the best venue and to achieve your required outcomes.

Work with the London Bushcraft team to build your programme. Example: • Organise your colleagues into dynamic groups competing in a survival scenario • Get to know each other better while learning new skills in a more relaxed campfire

environment • Entertain, reward and bond with clients trying new and interesting experiences • Enjoy high quality food and drink prepared and served in the outdoors using traditional cooking methods • Treat your staff to a unique day out of the office London Bushcraft offers an inexhaustible range of exciting, challenging, rewarding and fun activities for companies to access.

With a proven track record of delivering corporate events of any size, choose London Bushcraft as your activity partner and let its expert team deliver a day that you, your colleagues and clients will never forget. www.londonbushcraft.com

PA LIFE CLUB

Introducing the PA Life Skills Academy – Secure your place!

The PA Life Skills Academy is a two-day virtual conference that will give you the skills you need to take your career further, opening up new opportunities within your current organisation – or arming you with the knowledge to land that next great position.

It’s your opportunity to improve your employability and become the best Assistant you can be!

Our line-up of experts and training specialists will focus

on helping you to improve your hard skills – the ones that are repeatedly highlighted as being of particular importance to employers, including: • Bossing Microsoft Office • Project Management Made Simple • Organising Successful Events • How To Use Event Tech To Perfect Your Virtual & Hybrid Events • Management Skills

… and much more!

The PA Life Skills Academy will take place virtually via Zoom, meaning that it’s never been easier to learn and develop your skills.

All sessions will also be recorded and provided to you after the event, allowing you to continue your learning journey going forward.

All delegates will also receive a Digital Goody Bag

including discounts on online and live training to allow them to continue their learning and development journey after the event.

Attending the PA Life Skills Academy will cost just £120 for the two days – but attendance is limited, so snap up your tickets now at www.palife.co.uk/pa-lifeskills-academy.

Alternatively, for more information contact Freddi Jackson on 01992 666720 or via f.jackson@

Grab Gett’s ultimate guide to getting back to the office We are delighted to welcome our new headline PA Life Club sponsor - corporate Ground Transportation Management (GTM) specialist Gett.

Gett organises corporate fleet, ride-hailing, taxi, and limo providers on one platform, optimising the entire employee experience, from booking and riding to invoicing and analytics, saving you and your business time and money.

What’s more, in a bid to help out professionals like yourself, Gett wanted to put together something that would help you navigate that uncertainty.

They spoke to company leaders, office managers, personal assistants, and other

professionals to get their insight into what they’re doing to get back to the office.

The result is the Ultimate Guide to Getting Back to the Office, which you can download for FREE from www. gett.com/resources/ultimateguide-to-getting-back.

If you want to make sure your team have a modern solution that allows them to get where they need to go effortlessly and on-budget, Gett would be happy to chat to you about what value they have driven for other customers and give you a look at their unique platform and how it works. Find out more at www.gett.com.

Proudly sponsored by

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PA LIFE CLUB

3 PA Life Summit 2021

1. The PA Show 2021

The PA Life Summit is specifically designed for senior PAs who want to find solution providers and discover innovative opportunities to help respond to the daily challenges of their professional lives. www.palife.co.uk/ pa-life-summit.

The PA Show is the largest gathering of Executive Support Professionals in the UK, bringing together 1,000s+ of the community under one roof on the NEW dates of September 1st & 2nd 2021, at ExCeL, London. www.thepashow.com

FIVE THINGS TO DO

Networking, learning and things to keep in mind

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Event Organisers Summit

The Event Organisers Summit brings together reputable suppliers and Corporate Event Organisers who want to find inspirational and innovative ideas for their business. www.eventorganiserssummit.co.uk.

5 2. London Venues Summit A highly focused event that brings together delegates and suppliers, the Summit consists of one-to-one business meetings, interactive seminars and valuable networking opportunities; all to enable you to create lasting business relationships. www.londonvenuessummit.co.uk.

The Meetings Show 2021 The Meetings Show is the best platform in the UK for the events, meetings and incentives industry to come together to source, learn and network. And it all takes place at London’s ExCel Sep 30th - Oct 1st www.themeetingsshow.com

PA LIFE CLUB

“This period has proved that staff are more than capable of working LQGHSHQGHQWO\ RXWVLGH RI WKH RIÀFHµ

Work & life Stacey McEwan works as an Executive Assistant at a London-based consumer goods company. She tells Lisa Carter about navigating the pandemic as an Assistant, the biggest challenges she’s faced and slipping back into high heels...

How did you get your current job?

I was temping and was contacted about a two-week placement. 14 years later I am still here. Initially, I had every intention of returning to my former industry but was kept busy, interested, and observed there were a number of retirement parties and even the young people had been there for some time.

Everyone spoke so highly of the company, so when an opportunity arose for me to stay, I jumped at the chance.

What is the best thing about your job?

I love that I have a great degree of control and freedom/autonomy within my job and have always been given the opportunity (in fact, it is very much encouraged) to innovate. There is a genuine spirit of cooperation and shared goals. One of my initial surprises was, for such a large cooperation, it was

extremely relaxed. I had worked in some aggressive environments, hence why I decided to temp, I’ve found my current employers are the antithesis of that.

How has lockdown been for you?

I’ve had an overall positive lockdown; cemented relationships, made new friends – believe it or not – and gained more time with my little one. It has, of course, had it challenges; a little mundane at times. Our world shrank as my only outing during the peak was the weekly expedition to the shop because online grocery shopping was impossible to secure. However, if that is as bad as it got for me, I’ll happily take it.

Did you work from home before lockdown?

I was lucky enough to be able to work from home one day a week.

Would you like to continue with flexible working options going forward?

Absolutely, and if the last 15 or so months have proved anything, it’s that employees are more than capable of working independently outside of the traditional office environment. And if this promotes a more balanced home and work-life, then everyone benefits.

What has been the most challenging part of your job during the pandemic?

Navigating the new ways of working. In many cases, this has been for the better and I know they will continue post pandemic. I have missed that interaction with colleagues which cannot be replicated over Teams/Zoom. And dressing up and make-up – or lack thereof – was a surprise contender on the list of what I missed. I will have to slowly ease myself back into heels...

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