An outstanding delivery

Emma Kernan-Staines FAPA DipPA, PA to Sir Trevor Brooking CBE at the FA and a passionate supporter of APA, and its journey to create a career pathway for PAs, gave a highly personal and passionate take on her career and beliefs when she spoke at the Office* 2010 Show at Earls Court this week.

Interviewed by Gareth Osborne, Emma told a packed Keynote Theatre about her route to becoming a PA, her strong relationship with and commitment to her Boss, the challenges and frustrations she faces as a PA and how she now wants to use her experience to help others achieve the same job satisfaction she enjoys from working with Sir Trevor.

Emma presented and answered questions in her typically calm yet self assured manner which was doubly impressive given that she is within 3-weeks of the arrival of her second child.

Gareth, the Director General of APA, said, “Emma is an outstanding PA and a true ambassador for the PA profession. The audience was thrilled to hear her speak and she has received numerous accolades subsequently. Emma has worked tirelessly at the FA to win HR and senior management support for her ‘FA PA Pathway’ programme which we now hold up as a model of best practice for major employers across the UK.”

“I am sure all APA Members and staff would wish to join me in sending best wishes to Emma, Ben and India on the pending arrival of their new team member,” concluded Gareth.

APA

APA verdict: Office* 2010 a Triumph

“The outstanding success of the last two days has put many ghosts to rest for the PA profession” said Gareth Osborne commenting on Office* 2010 held this week at Earls Court. “And full credit must go to the organisers, Diversified, who have invested heavily to ensure PAs got a show they can be proud to associate with.”

“Office* was delivered by a professional and dynamic team led by its MD, Carsten Holm and they worked tirelessly to ‘get it right’ and definitely succeeded,” said Gareth. “There may be one or two minor lessons to learn for next year but Diversified have shown keenness at every step to get better and better.”

APA used the event to launch the first ever Degree designed exclusively for PAs. The new BA in Business Administration for PAs, developed in partnership with Middlesex University Business School will play a major part in APA’s mission to ‘elevate the status of PA to that of a profession.

“We were thrilled to see so many of our Members at the show and they spent time networking as they visited our Stand. Next year we intend to have an APA Members lounge adjacent to the stand for even greater interaction”

“Overall, and especially for a first show, it was a definite 10/10 and APA has already committed to being there again next year but we would like to hear Members views on what they liked and what they would like to see enhanced. Please let me know your thoughts through this and all others APA mediums,” concluded Gareth. “The PA profession more has a credible annual show and a professional business running it. The future looks bright and the floor looks extremely pink!”

APA

Better deals ahead for Broadband users

Media regulator Ofcom is aiming to make it easier for consumers and businesses to switch broadband provider, it has been reported.

The watchdog says customers should be empowered in their relationship with internet service providers (ISPs) but, at the moment, the complications involved with changing vendor mean this is not the case. Research conducted by Ofcom found that 45 per cent of web users believe switching ISP is too complicated a task.

Gareth Osborne of APA said, “If the regulators are able to improve the freedom of users then the suppliers will be forced to make prices more competitive and services choices more innovative. Businesses and consumers are likely to change providers as they search for increased value and improved customer service.”

However, industry specialist s feel it will be difficult for the regulator to enforce immediate changes, given that there are two ISPs, and potentially a third in some cases – in the form of landline operator BT - involved in any switching transaction.

"Currently most users perceive that it's a bit of a pain and it's quite difficult to switch providers,” said Gareth “And it shouldn’t be. This is a proactive and commercial essential action and APA will be writing to Ofcom to encourage them to progress their aim.”

APA

Jude joins the team

APA is thrilled to announce the appointment of Judith Fine to the Membership Team of APA. She has impressed us with her knowledge of the PA profession and her passion to make it even more important within the world of business. She will be supporting our interests in the West Midlands and surrounding counties and helping identify and recruit new members there.

Judith (or Jude to everyone who knows her) runs a freelance PA business called Finesse Jude has over 16 years experience as a PA and Marketing Manager/Director. Having spent 10 years working at 3i plc looking after 7 Industrial Advisers (ex MDs/FDs of businesses), she gained experience in different sectors including printing, oil and gas, food and drink, chemicals and automotive. She spent a number of years organising travel all over the world, conferences in a number of venues around Europe and spent a large amount of time visiting those countries.

From there, she worked for IDN Telecom plc as PA and Marketing Executive for the company. She supported the Board, brought all the marketing in-house from an outsourced agency and arranged seminars around the UK. When IDN sold to Redstone plc, Jude became Marketing Manager and PA to the Managing Director, controlling the entire Marketing budget for one of the four key divisions in the company.

It was at that time, that Jude decided to use her skills and experience helping a number of individuals/businesses who all needed PA and marketing support, so that is just what she did! Her clients include catering industries, designer shoes, charities, professional services and training companies.

Jude is a PA in the true sense of the word. She absolutely loves the diversity of the projects/tasks she gets involved in and just loves the job she does. In her spare time, she is an absolutely gym freak and will often be found on a cross trainer or treadmill together with Blackberry! She also enjoys meeting new people, putting people in touch with each other and talking!! She is contactable at judith.fine@paprofessional.com.

Welcome to the team Jude.

Gareth , APA