At the top of their game
THE creme de la creme of personal assistants enjoyed a glittering awards ceremony at The Ivy in London last week.
The winners of the PA of the Year Awards, now in their eighth year, were announced and they all received their well-earned trophies.
It was one of the toughest years yet for the judges who had to choose a shortlist of 18 from over 500 nominations, and then narrow these down to just four winners.
Our awards shine a light on the country’s most talented PAs, those working tirelessly in the background to ensure everything runs like clockwork at firms nationwide.
Sarah EL-Doori, marketing director at PA, EA and office support professionals jobs’ site Secs in the City, which hosts the awards, said: “PAs, EAs and office managers make essential contributions to the businesses they work for in roles with increasing responsibility. Our aim is to recognise, celebrate and reward the behind-the-scenes work that these individuals do.”
This year saw the launch of the office manager of the year award, a new gong created to reflect the growing scope and professionalism of another key back-office role.
Awards partner, specialist PA recruitment consultancy Tay Associates chief executive and judge, Susanna Tait, said: “Every year the quality and calibre of nominations rises, making it increasingly difficult to pick a winner in each category.”
Congratulations to all those who were nominated, and the brilliant finalists.
The four winners of the 2019 PA of The Year Awards are:
PA of the Year Sarah Hodson, The Social Company
The winner of this year’s flagship award, Sarah, 34, is PA at Michelinstarred restaurant business The Social Company.
She is also private PA to the Social Company’s owner Jason Atherton and his wife Irha, having recently coordinated their house move and refurbishment alongside supporting the global expansion of their restaurant business.
The judges were blown away by Sarah’s attention to detail, multitasking ability and 24/7 availability.
Sarah, from London, said: “I’m absolutely delighted and still can’t quite believe it. On the night of the awards I met so many incredible PA/EAs, all of whom were equally deserving. Jason and Irha told me how proud they are, which was really lovely. My team have all been so lovely too.
“But it felt rather odd receiving congratulations from across the globe when so often the role of PA does not usually gain much attention, despite the significant role it plays.”
Legal PA of the Year Joanne Wilson, Hall Brown Family Law
Joanne, 48, from Manchester, started her career as a legal secretary on a youth training scheme. She then worked as a support team manager at Pannone (part of Slater & Gordon) before joining start-up firm Hall Brown, now ranked in the top 200 for its specialism. Nominated by the firm’s two managing partners, the judges were impressed by Joanne’s humility and her professional commitment.
Office Manager of the Year Cat Mangan, Murphy Philipps Architects
Cat, 31, from London, has clearly made an impression on her colleagues as office manager – she received 35 nominations.
Cat gained 12 years of experience in various team and office management positions before joining Murphy Philipps Architects. She has gone above and beyond to create a community and culture for the business.
In addition to the graduate trainee programme that she supports, the judges were impressed by Cat’s commitment to creating an environment that furthers the physical and mental wellbeing of her colleagues.
The office manager of the year gong reflects the scope of a key back-office role
Outstanding Achievement Award Cecilia Klemen, office manager and senior EA
Cecilia, 43, started her career in TV production and private equity firms in Hungary. She moved to London 15 years ago where she took on a team manager role with Deloitte before moving into a senior EA position at Credit Suisse. After four years at Barclays, Cecilia was headhunted by HSBC for her most recent office manger and senior EA role with 46 direct reports. Judges praised Cecilia’s coordinating, planning and organisational skills.