On Friday 14th October the IAM was delighted to witness the PA event of the year: the 11th annual Executive PA Magazine Awards. The Awards showcase the cream of the crop in the PA industry, and this year there was no end to the high calibre of British talent.

Taking place at the Grange Tower Bridge hotel in London, IAM CEO Jenny Hewell was honoured to be selected to help judge the finalists. A good PA is a valuable investment to any organisation, providing flawless support and professionalism to managers all over the world. The IAM recognises how important their work is and as a champion of this vital role, we were delighted to take part in the event this year.

Joining Jenny on the judging panel was Executive PA Magazine Editor Cora Lydon, recruitment partner Nick Root from Parker Wells and Gemma Swain from Secsinthecity. All of the judges had the hard task of choosing a winner from the following five award categories: Best Organised Event, Employer of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Boss of the Year and PA of the Year. 

The IAM were proud to sponsor the Newcomer of the Year Award, and this year it went to Erin Murphy from Boxwood (pictured) for the amazing contribution she has made to her organisation and role. Our sincere congratulations go out to Erin and we look forward to catching up with her in the future on her success.

Bounty went home with Employer of the Year. They were congratulated on their excellent internal training programme which included team building exercises and networking events. Boss of the Year Award went to Fay Sharpe from Zibrant, who beamed on her success: “Living proof that you can be a career woman and a mother.”
 
Last years PA of the Year winner Dawn Carey admitted that she still felt humbled by her winnings a year on. She shared with the attendees that ‘self confidence’ and ‘a good sense of humour’ are essential to PA success.

Seema Shah from Sportech Plc won the PA of the Year Award. Praised as, ‘an integral part of the organisation’ we were told how the company would be ‘lost without her’. Seema won an exclusive holiday to Milan for two which included a city tour, limousine transfers and personal shopper. Congratulations Seema, enjoy your success!

The evening ended with a fantastic rendition of ABBA’s greatest hits from tribute band, Planet Abba.

The IAM would like to thank the organisers for putting on such an incredible night of achievement. Most of all, we would like to congratulate each and every person who entered the competition. The skills and achievements of both the nominees and finalists were outstanding. It was a privilege to be witnessing the great work and success of so many who work within the PA world. Well done everyone - what a success!