This is not the first time business support has faced a period of change. And it certainly will not be the last. Having worked closely with business support professionals for over a decade, one thing has always stood out to me: this profession moves forward. It evolves, adapts and grows with every shift in business [...]
After over a decade of recruiting Executive Assistants (EAs), I’ve learnt that what many clients think they want in an EA isn’t always what they actually need. It’s a conversation I have time and time again. Often, leaders naturally look for someone who feels familiar; someone from the same industry, with a similar working style, [...]
Around two years ago, I was diagnosed with ADHD. Like many people, I didn’t recognise the signs in myself for a long time. Once I did, it was as though I could finally see the patterns that had shaped how I worked and lived. I realised that, unknowingly, I’d often held myself back, not through [...]
Why Hiring an Executive Assistant in Manchester Could Be the Best Decision You Make This Year […]
Hiring a Personal Assistant (PA) is a valuable step for any executive or organisation. Whether it’s your first time working with a PA or you are rebuilding support after a gap, a structured and well-prepared onboarding process is essential. It sets the tone for the relationship, ensures clarity from the start, and gives your PA [...]
Since launching our dedicated Virtual Assistant (VA) division in 2020, Lily Shippen has watched the market shift and develop at pace. Five years on, one thing is clear: the demand for UK virtual assistants continues to rise, with more businesses than ever seeking flexible, high-quality support. The reasons behind this are varied. For some, it’s [...]
In the world of business support, Personal Assistants (PAs) and Executive Assistants (EAs) play a vital role. They are trusted partners to senior leaders, relied upon for their judgement, discretion, and ability to keep things moving. Yet despite the weight of responsibility they carry, professional development for PAs and EAs is often overlooked. That’s where [...]
Over the past year, we’ve seen a rise in professionals exploring a career change into PA (Personal Assistant) and EA (Executive Assistant) roles. At Lily Shippen, it’s something we’re asked about almost weekly. Many people want to know how to break into this competitive field without prior experience. […]
The way we work is shifting once again. After several years of hybrid and remote models, 2025 has brought a clearer direction. Many employers are now expecting staff in the office four days a week. This approach is widely referred to as RTW4 (Return to Work Four Days a Week). […]
In 2025, many businesses still underestimate the strategic value of hiring the right business support professionals. These individuals play a critical role in streamlining operations, maintaining company culture and supporting senior leadership, yet recruitment for these roles is often treated as an afterthought. The result is a hiring process that defaults to convenience over specialism, [...]
