Blogs

What In-House EAs Can Learn from the Virtual Assistant Model […]

The Juggling Act: An EA’s Guide to Sanity […]

Why Temporary Business Support Staff Are Essential This Summer […]

Our Top 5 CV Tips for 2025 […]

I was sat soaking up the expectant chatter, just observing. A room full of Executive [...]

Can You Really Have It All? […]

Hiring Isn’t Just About Skills. It’s About Chemistry Too. […]

Spotlight On: Private PAs in Cheshire – Why Demand for Discreet and High-Calibre Support is [...]

Emotional Intelligence: The Soft Skill That Delivers Hard Results […]

Our original blog, How To Become a Private PA, published in 2020, remains one of [...]

Top Skills Every EA Should Have in 2025 […]

Spotlight On: St. Michael’s Manchester and the Rise of Business Support Opportunities […]

There’s a pattern we’ve seen time and time again. […]

Hiring a Virtual Assistant (VA) can bring game-changing support to your business. But even with [...]

5 Common Mistakes Businesses Make When Hiring an EA […]

This is not the first time business support has faced a period of change. And [...]

After over a decade of recruiting Executive Assistants (EAs), I’ve learnt that what many clients [...]

Around two years ago, I was diagnosed with ADHD. Like many people, I didn’t recognise [...]

Why Hiring an Executive Assistant in Manchester Could Be the Best Decision You Make This [...]

Hiring a Personal Assistant (PA) is a valuable step for any executive or organisation. Whether [...]

Since launching our dedicated Virtual Assistant (VA) division in 2020, Lily Shippen has watched the [...]

In the world of business support, Personal Assistants (PAs) and Executive Assistants (EAs) play a [...]

Over the past year, we’ve seen a rise in professionals exploring a career change into [...]

The way we work is shifting once again. After several years of hybrid and remote [...]

In 2025, many businesses still underestimate the strategic value of hiring the right business support [...]

Spotlight On: Bristol’s Business Support Market […]

In today’s evolving business landscape, the need for high-quality executive support remains constant, but how [...]

For those of you who do not know, I set up Lily Shippen in 2016 [...]

In 2025, the role of the Executive Assistant has evolved significantly and for good reason. [...]

South-West London is a fantastic place to build a career in business support. With a [...]

When I embarked on my career as a Legal PA in 1991, the workplace looked [...]

In 2024, I highlighted a major issue on my LinkedIn with the National Careers Service’s [...]

Lily Shippen has won the Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award, an independent seal of excellence, [...]

Leeds has firmly established itself as one of the fastest-growing cities in the UK, recognised [...]

The role of a Chief of Staff has become increasingly prominent in businesses of all [...]

A Couple lines About Me […]

Six years ago, I qualified as a midwife. I soon after found myself feeling unfulfilled [...]

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When I took my first step into the workplace in 1991, I was eager to [...]

Let us begin with a few facts: My name is Matthew Maney, I’ve just turned [...]

The festive season is upon us, and while it brings joy and celebration, it can [...]

In the early days of my life, my parents instilled in me a fundamental lesson [...]

I recently was very close to being stranded in Rwanda. […]

In today’s demanding business environment, having a highly skilled Executive Assistant (EA) or Personal Assistant [...]

The role of the Executive Assistant (EA) has evolved significantly in recent years. Executive Assistants [...]

Executive Assistants and Personal Assistants often find themselves in roles that require not just skill [...]

Recently, we partnered with one of the largest companies in the world to assist with [...]

In today’s competitive job market, a well-crafted job description is your first opportunity to sell [...]

In today’s high-paced working environments, it is crucial to handle pressure whilst managing your own [...]

Change is always with us in the world of admin assistance. Over the years, we’ve [...]

In recent years, the title Chief of Staff has gained significant popularity in the UK, [...]

For many business owners, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), hiring an Executive Assistant [...]

For many founders, especially those leading small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), hiring an Executive Assistant [...]

Now, let’s talk about AI! AI for EAs, PAs, and administrative professionals. […]

In the dynamic world of business, having the right support can make all the difference. [...]

Recruiting is no walk in the park right now. It’s a competitive landscape, and both [...]

In today’s fast-paced business environment, having the right support staff is crucial for maintaining efficiency [...]

My daughter attends an all-girl’s grammar school and I love to see the wonderful range [...]

My recent thoughts on personal branding got me thinking… […]

Navigating the job application process can be extremely challenging, especially in the current market and [...]

In the fast-paced world of corporate leadership, the C-suite is where decisions are made, strategies [...]

Having been made redundant, I now find myself ‘open to work’ for the first time [...]

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As an Executive Assistant (EA), I’ve spent years mastering the art of seamless coordination, and [...]

Ant and Dec, French and Saunders, and Shrek and Donkey are all duos who work [...]

Historically, and even in today’s working world, there are several misconceptions and incorrect assumptions about [...]

In today’s fast-paced business environment, finding the perfect Executive Assistant (EA) can be a game-changer [...]

In today’s dynamic business environment, understanding the roles of Personal Assistants (PAs) and Executive Assistants [...]

Why do we network? […]

I’ve seen first-hand the profound impact that workplace bullying can have on both individuals and [...]

By now, ChatGPT has likely become a familiar presence in all of our professional lives. [...]

I had the privilege of returning to my old school, Shrewsbury School, as a guest [...]

In any organisation, the receptionist plays a pivotal role as the first point of contact [...]

As a Business Manager in the Public Sector, my evolution from an Executive Assistant (EA) [...]

Today, on World Environment Day 2024, we’re thrilled to unveil our newest initiative aimed at [...]

The idea of stepping outside our comfort zone is a concept that can be as [...]

As a proud resident of Luton, my journey (to date) has been full of diverse [...]

I recently had the incredible opportunity to attend the “Anything is Possible” event courtesy of [...]

I want to talk about Coaching and Mentoring and how invaluable it is for the [...]

Is having an ego and mastering self-promotion the same thing? […]

As Executive Assistants, we are often the invisible force driving the efficiency and success of [...]

We’ve all heard the sayings, “It’s lonely at the top” and “heavy is the head [...]

Loneliness in the workplace – something which is rarely discussed openly, but which is certainly [...]

When I started working at a Solicitors office at 17 years old, I never dreamed [...]

In the corporate world, the term “personal branding” often evokes images of purposeful and charismatic [...]

My colleague Lily and I recently attended the HR Summit at the Raddison Blu Hotel [...]

Interviews are undeniably nerve-wracking. The knowledge that a simple conversation might be all that stands [...]

And no, I’m not talking workload. I’m talking about increasing the strategic value of your [...]

Most days, you’re one of the first people in the office and one of the [...]

The Oxford English Dictionary defines loneliness as; “The feeling of being alone; the sense of [...]

The do’s and don’ts of a video call with your Recruitment Consultant. […]

In today’s competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent has become more challenging than [...]

As a small business owner in the UK, private healthcare is a desirable benefit I [...]

With the Christmas break in touching distance, the vast majority of us are beginning to [...]

Is it ok to be ‘your true self’ in the workplace? […]

As of October 2023, 93% of UK mobile users have a smartphone which is essentially [...]

With recent statistics stating that a huge 57.1 million people in the UK are social [...]

In an ever increasingly competitive candidate market, gaining access to your recruitment consultant can at [...]

Health benefits are now amongst the most sought-after benefits in the UK – consistently coming [...]

Our top tips to building a sense of ‘belonging’ in the workplace. […]

The Recognisable Traits of a Poor Leader […]

In today’s competitive job market, retaining top talent and keeping employees engaged is more critical [...]

At 34 years old, I was about to be made redundant, as we moved our [...]

In the fast-paced and ever-changing world of Executive Assistants and Personal Assistants, possessing a blend [...]

Is Transparency of pay important when hiring? […]

Showing appreciation to your staff is crucial to ensure that they feel respected and valued. [...]

Employee engagement is arguably one of the most important contributing factors to a thriving workplace. [...]

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recruitment is transforming the way organisations identify, assess, and hire talent. [...]

From what perspective is it an expensive problem?! […]

We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Luiza Barwood, Head of People and Talent Acquisition, [...]

One of the most critical factors in the success of any business is its people. [...]

A list of ‘MUSTS’ when searching for your next role […]

The word culture is one that (perhaps) has become overused? […]

In today’s dynamic workplace, the question of whether or not employers have a responsibility to [...]

How will recruitment evolve over the next 5 years? […]

In 2023, employers have changed the way they recruit, recognising and acknowledging the need to [...]

In the fast-paced world of executive leadership, a CEO’s success often hinges on their ability [...]

Last week, I had the pleasure of delivering a presentation on artificial intelligence (AI) and [...]

Working effectively with a Recruitment Consultant can be a game-changer in your job search, a [...]

AI has been a buzzword across a number of sectors in 2023. In this blog, [...]

Your Hiring Insights as a HR Leader. […]

Why is a temp hire valuable to my business? […]

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In today’s rapidly changing job market, many individuals are exploring alternative options for employment. [...]

Do employers need to move quicker when hiring? […]

In today’s fast-paced digital era, businesses face numerous challenges that demand streamlined operations and optimal [...]

There are all sorts of myths about being a Personal Assistant (PA) or an Executive [...]

In every professional work setting, trust forms the foundation for healthy working relationships and career [...]

In today's highly competitive job market, attracting top talent has become even more important than [...]

We care about what we do. […]

We’ve all had those days or weeks when work feels like an uphill battle. Your [...]

The power of effective employer branding and how it helps in attracting top talent to [...]

There are no moral shortcuts in the game of business or life. There are, basically, [...]

Ask this of anyone, and you are likely to get very different answers.Career advice, for [...]

Starting out in retail management and pounding the shopfloor for more years than I care [...]

A day in the life of me, Samantha Gillespie, Senior Principal Recruitment Consultant Extraordinaire at [...]

At Lily Shippen, we pride ourselves on producing high-quality content that provides value to our [...]

In an increasingly competitive job market, having an effective hiring process is essential to ensure [...]

Our Managing Consultant, Victoria, brought her son, Jamie, in to do a day of work [...]

In today’s world, personal branding has become more critical than ever, especially in a professional [...]

Robert qualified as Solicitor in 2008 and joined Bermans in July 2019, becoming a Partner [...]

Having a good manager is arguably the most important element of any successful workplace. A [...]

Friendships in the workplace can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, having friends [...]

Receptionists are often the first point of contact for customers and clients, and play a key [...]

Recruiting the right receptionist within the Manchester market can be a challenging task, especially if [...]

Hiring a Private Personal Assistant (Private PA) can be a great way to delegate tasks [...]

Oxford Languages defines an “Executive Assistant” as “a person employed to assist a high-level manager [...]

If you are a business owner or manager in London looking for a receptionist, you [...]

Feeling overwhelmed, finding yourself being drawn into the minutiae when you should be looking at [...]

Once you’ve identified that you want to hire a Receptionist, it is important to do [...]

For the first time in my life, I have found myself in a womxn-only organisation. [...]

As the role of a business support professional continues to evolve, so does the need [...]

Our recent Salary and Marketing Update revealed that there is a clear need for businesses [...]

London and Manchester-based recruitment agency Lily Shippen has just released its 2023 Salary Survey which [...]

An Office Manager is a varied and all-encompassing role, focusing on ensuring the smooth day-to-day [...]

You don’t typically need to be Degree educated to become an Office Manager, However, most [...]

Why work with a specialist agency to hire an Office Manager? […]

Office Managers play a crucial role in the smooth running of a business. Not only [...]

Robert qualified as Solicitor in 2008 and joined Bermans in July 2019, becoming a Partner [...]

When I suggested I write a blog about this topic, I thought it would be [...]

In our latest guest blog. Rob Maddocks from Bermans has written a compelling piece of [...]

What do Human Resources professionals want? : […]

When looking to source and hire a Human Resources (HR) candidate, it is important to [...]

A Human Resources (HR) function plays a vital role in an organisation’s performance and success [...]

If you are looking for a new opportunity within a Human Resources function, you have [...]

If you're interested in pursuing a career in Human Resources, there are several steps you [...]

Lily Shippen has won the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award, an independent seal of excellence, [...]

Once you’ve identified that an Office Manager is what your organisation needs, it is important [...]

In the simplest of terms, Human Resources (HR) is the division of a business that [...]

As we kick start the new year, there is plenty for businesses to reflect on [...]

We are all becoming increasingly aware of our impact on the environment – or at [...]

If you aren’t a seasoned attendee of networking events, the whole thought of it can [...]

I recall someone once said to me…. ‘You need to be the person that does [...]

We are all keen to move on from the pandemic (for a number of reasons). [...]

When a company is faced with the task of hiring new staff, there is always [...]

How was 2022 for you?  Whether it was good, bad, or a mixed bag, some [...]

 Are offices still important for the workplace? […]

Imposter syndrome can rear its ugly head in many ways…maybe you feel you didn’t speak [...]

Having spent much of my professional career as a Senior PA/EA and EA Team Manager, [...]

You have been invited for an interview, the initial excitement that you are one step [...]

‘Do I know you?’ […]

Recession.. sounds scary.. especially for the unemployed. I get that; it’s a tough time with [...]

Does the perfect work/life balance exist?  […]

Although structuring your CV can feel like a daunting task, ultimately, you are celebrating your [...]

Imposter Syndrome is a term that, sadly, I hear pretty regularly, whether that’s in the [...]

Late twenties I was worried about leaving my life in Manchester, my friends, my family, [...]

Yes! An invitation to interview for your dream job… You’ve done your research and are [...]

And here I am, some two years later, having joined Lily Shippen back in 2020. [...]

Love it or loathe it, hybrid working is here to stay. […]

We are all aware by now that we are in the midst of a cost-of-living [...]

Given that the past few years have been a rollercoaster, to say the least, the [...]

If you have recently decided to move to London, you’re probably feeling a mix of [...]

Are you a little bit lost in your career path? Are you struggling to find [...]

Starting a new job is both exciting and terrifying in equal measure! […]

Are you looking for that first step into HR? An HR department is integral to [...]

Have you recently graduated, or are you at an entry-level and looking to take that [...]

Why you should choose an HR Recruiter for your hiring process? With increased success rates, [...]

Are you interested in a career in HR but don’t know where to start? Perhaps [...]

If you’re a graduate who’s looking for a new job, you might be wondering if [...]

There are a number of advantages to outsourcing your hiring process to a specialist recruitment [...]

Executive, secretarial and business support recruitment you can rely on.  […]

Networking. We’ve all seen and heard of its importance, but what exactly constitutes networking and [...]

Stress, in both our personal and working life, is inevitable. However, stress, like many things, [...]

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We all know the feeling – waking up after a night of tossing and turning, [...]

Lily Shippen has strengthened its presence, with the appointment of a director to launch a [...]

The Grinch may have stolen Christmas last year, but this year Lily Loves is on [...]

With the effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic, many companies have changed the way in [...]

When you need to fill a position quickly, and want to make sure that you [...]

Having a superb personal assistant can make all the difference between reaching and maintaining success [...]

If you are a Personal or Executive Assistants who is looking to further progress in [...]

A common misconception is that being a Receptionist is an easy job. We strongly disagree [...]

Mental health is just as, if not more, important than physical health and is something [...]

When it comes to finding a new job, one of the most effective ways is [...]

Finding full-time work that you enjoy, and that challenges you to grow, can be tricky. [...]

With more companies, entrepreneurs and individuals seeking remote support now than ever before, it is [...]

Once you’ve come to the decision that you are going to recruit an Executive Assistant, [...]

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin dapibus bibendum purus, sit amet interdum [...]

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin dapibus bibendum purus, sit amet interdum [...]

A specialist secretarial recruitment firm has strengthened its presence in the capital, with the appointment of their Head [...]

We all know that running a business is no easy feat, and that it requires [...]

Partnering with the best PA recruitment agency, that truly understands your company, needs and culture, [...]

Specialist executive and business support recruitment firm, Lily Shippen, has launched a free online directory [...]

Secretarial recruitment firm, Lily Shippen, has received the inaugural Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award, which [...]

When a Personal Assistant hands in their notice, has to take time off for a [...]

It has been found that, on average, a recruiter, employer or hiring manager spends between [...]

Meet the recruiter who can identify unique and talented PAs whose mission it is to [...]

The R Word – the word of 2020 most likely to fill you with dread, [...]

The Office of National Statistics stated that approximately only 30% of people employed within the [...]

A Private PA typically works for one individual, whether a celebrity, high-net-worth individual (HNWI) or [...]

Whilst burnout in relation to work has been a long-standing issue within the business landscape, [...]

With the current restrictions brought on by COVID-19, employers, senior management and team leaders are [...]

As lockdown 2.0 continues in the UK, and the winter weather has well and truly [...]

As the UK enters its third week in lockdown 2.0, the majority of the UK [...]

Having now been in lockdown in the UK for a large portion of the year, [...]

When discussing the benefits of hiring a Virtual Assistant, one of the most commonly mentioned [...]

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin dapibus bibendum purus, sit amet interdum [...]

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin dapibus bibendum purus, sit amet interdum [...]

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin dapibus bibendum purus, sit amet interdum [...]

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin dapibus bibendum purus, sit amet interdum [...]

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin dapibus bibendum purus, sit amet interdum [...]

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin dapibus bibendum purus, sit amet interdum [...]

If you are Personal Assistant or Executive Assistants who is looking to further progress in [...]

As a Personal Assistant or Executive Assistant you are probably the go-to person and have [...]

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin dapibus bibendum purus, sit amet interdum [...]

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin dapibus bibendum purus, sit amet interdum [...]

Companies who have continued to hire during lockdown are facing the challenge of having to [...]

A specialist secretarial recruitment firm has strengthened its presence in the capital, with the appointment of their Head [...]

A specialist secretarial recruitment firm has strengthened its presence in the capital, with the appointment of their Head [...]

The sixth instalment of our ‘Lily Loves’ blogs features the brilliant Chloe Q Studio, a [...]

The sixth instalment of our ‘Lily Loves’ blogs features the brilliant Chloe Q Studio, a [...]

A specialist secretarial recruitment firm has strengthened its presence in the capital, with the appointment of their Head [...]

The fifth instalment of our ‘Lily Loves’ blog features ‘GETYERMACARON’, a business born during lockdown and set [...]

The fifth instalment of our ‘Lily Loves’ blog features ‘GETYERMACARON’, a business born during lockdown and set [...]

Specialist secretarial recruitment firm, Lily Shippen, has announced a unique collaboration and offering that has [...]

Specialist secretarial recruitment firm, Lily Shippen, has announced a unique collaboration and offering that has launched alongside PA training specialist, Your Excellency Ltd.  [...]

Specialist secretarial recruitment firm, Lily Shippen, has announced a unique collaboration and offering that has launched alongside PA training specialist, Your Excellency Ltd.  [...]

The fourth instalment of our ‘Lily Loves’ blog features an incredible business which is celebrating its 25th anniversary [...]

The fourth instalment of our ‘Lily Loves’ blog features an incredible business which is celebrating its 25th anniversary [...]

The third instalment of our ‘Lily Loves’ blog features a new business which was officially [...]

The third instalment of our ‘Lily Loves’ blog features a new business which was officially [...]

The second instalment of our ‘Lily Loves’ blog features the wonderful Oli The Choc. Oli’s [...]

The second instalment of our ‘Lily Loves’ blog features the wonderful Oli The Choc. Oli’s [...]

Hiring an Executive Assistant can have a multitude of benefits for you and your wider [...]

Here at Lily Shippen we are passionate about adding value, not just for our candidates [...]

Here at Lily Shippen we are passionate about adding value, not just for our candidates [...]

If you’ve come to the decision that you are going to recruit a Personal Assistant, [...]

As an Executive Assistant you are probably the go-to person and have to wear many [...]

As a Personal Assistant or Executive Assistant you are probably the go-to person and have [...]

We all know that effective internal communications are fundamental to business success. However, getting started [...]

We all know that effective internal communications are fundamental to business success. However, getting started [...]

If you are Personal or Executive Assistants who is looking to further progress in your [...]

If you are anything like the team at Lily Shippen and love going out for [...]

If you are anything like the team at Lily Shippen and love going out for [...]

If you are anything like the team at Lily Shippen and love going out for [...]

We all know that effective internal communications are fundamental to business success. However, getting started [...]

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Whilst lockdown restrictions are slowly easing within the UK, the majority of companies and their [...]

Whilst lockdown restrictions are slowly easing within the UK, the majority of companies and their [...]

Whilst lockdown restrictions are slowly easing within the UK, the majority of companies and their [...]

As a result of the global Covid-19 pandemic, businesses all over the world have had [...]

As a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic, businesses all over the world have had [...]

As a result of the global Covid-19 pandemic, businesses all over the world have had [...]

The advancement of technology and changes in the business landscape over recent years has brought [...]

Whether you are celebrating what should have been your wedding day, hen or stag do, [...]

Being a Virtual Assistant has several different benefits such as the flexibility with regards to [...]

Being a Virtual Assistant has several different benefits, such as the flexibility with regards to [...]

Being a Virtual Assistant has several different benefits such as the flexibility with regards to [...]

The idea of hiring Virtual Assistants (VAs) or remote support professionals was, until relatively recently, [...]

The advancement of technology and changes in business landscape over recent years has brought with [...]

The advancement of technology and changes in business landscape over recent years has brought with [...]

As the UK approaches it’s 9th week in lockdown, although some small changes have been [...]

As the UK approaches it’s 9th week in lockdown, although some small changes have been [...]