Blog

by Claire Gray - May 17, 2024

Welcome to Mental Health Week! If you have been particularly active on LinkedIn this week, you will have noticed a tidal wave of content dedicated to raising awareness and reducing stigma around mental health. This week encourages open conversations around the struggle that comes with poor emotional wellbeing and calls for sustainable effort to prioritise mental health support and create compassionate communities.

by Hetty - May 09, 2024

In 2017, David Shutts OBE was faced with a dilemma. Despite several decades of a successful career in the Royal Navy and later as a regional business director, he suddenly found himself completely isolated from the world of work. And why? Because he had been diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer.

by Neve - April 25, 2024

In celebration of National Administrative Professional Week, we are pleased to introduce our very own Consultant Resourcer, Neve who will talk us through her day-to-day and what it takes to be a success in this role. The essential bridge between candidates and clients, resourcers play a pivotal role in identifying and attracting top-tier talent to fulfill a diverse spectrum of organisational needs.

by Emily Bain - April 18, 2024

The landscape of recruitment has been continuously evolving, driven by technological advancements, shifting demographics, and changing market dynamics. When climbing the career ladder, it is crucial to look ahead and anticipate how specific trends will shape the recruitment process in the UK.

by Claire Gray - April 16, 2024

Asset Management involves managing investments on behalf of a client to reach specific financial objectives. Typically such a firm will manage a portfolio of securities including stocks, bonds, and other assets with the aim of increasing their value whilst mitigating risk based on the client’s risk appetite.

by Tray Durrant - April 04, 2024

Chief of Staff (CoS) roles can come via the high-level Executive Assistant (EA) positions or from roles where the skills are directly transferable. Key skills would include; project management, written skills, outstanding interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to execute work expediently. The specific responsibilities can differ from one organisation to another. Chiefs of Staff serve as key advisors to the CEO or the Board, managing crucial projects for their executives or/and the entire business.

by Claire Gray - March 29, 2024

Spring brings a breath of fresh air! After months of gloomy days and soggy afternoons taking a toll on our spirits, it's time for a revival. With longer days and temperatures climbing to 12 – 14 degrees next week, let's seize the opportunity to explore the best of London.

by Emily Bain - March 25, 2024

A Family Office is a private wealth management advisory that serves high-net-worth individuals and their families. Family Offices can be structured in different ways. You can have a Single-Family Office that serves only one wealthy family or a Multi-Family Office that caters to multiple families.

by Julia - March 22, 2024

Quest professional and Bain and Gray have always had a strong relationship and my colleague, Hetty and I have had the pleasure of being involved with the 2024 graduates over the past month.

by Emily Bain - March 14, 2024

Executive Assistants (EAs) typically work with executive leaders within an organisation, board level and director level, handling all the executive’s administrative needs including scheduling appointments, answering phone calls, and replying to correspondence as necessary.

by Tray Durrant - March 14, 2024

Personal Assistants (PAs) offer multifaceted support to individuals at different levels, encompassing both professional tasks and personal responsibilities. Their assistance spans from managing administrative duties to handling personal errands like coordinating calendars and grocery shopping.

by Claire Gray - March 07, 2024

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we will be giving a fascinating glimpse into a female led UK business, our own! Bain and Gray was founded in 2009 by two female founders, Emily Bain and Claire Gray who have had extraordinary careers and a long-term passion for recruitment.

by Tray Durrant - February 18, 2024

No matter where we look these days, artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere! AI-generated images and videos remain a trending topic on multiple online forums and the launch of ChatGPT has left some of the brightest minds both excited and terrified. There is no denying that this technology is growing in terms of capability and popularity – sometimes even beyond our own comprehension!

by Tray Durrant - February 09, 2024

Introducing one of our most highly anticipated blogs to date. And it’s no surprise! Many of us have been raised with the belief that talking about money is a taboo - the idea of even hinting at a potential pay rise comes with a large side of anxiety. Is it normal to ask for a raise? In short…absolutely! It is not a favour or a gift! It is a symbolic recognition that you are contributing at a higher level than when your salary was initially set.

by Claire Gray - February 08, 2024

Job satisfaction is a critical ingredient to a thriving workplace, influencing both employees and employers. For employees, it stimulates feelings of fulfilment derived from various facets of the job such as the work environment, relationships with colleagues and management, opportunities for growth and compensation. Dissatisfied employees actually pose significant risks, including reduced productivity and increased turnover.

by Claire Gray - January 25, 2024

This sentence continues to surprise many: creating a positive and productive work environment hinges on the fundamental concept of accountability. When individuals fail to take ownership of decision-making, problem-solving, and addressing issues, tasks can often go unfinished, and goals can go unmet. When you are an assistant, the pursuit of accountability extends beyond completing tasks on time. It involves taking ownership of responsibilities and their outcomes!

by Julia - January 18, 2024

In order to kick-start our relationship, Astriid provided us with a hugely informative training session on invisible disabilities and long-term conditions in the work place. In this session we covered what these disabilities look like, how employers can be more supportive and the barriers in place for those with long-term conditions.

by Tray Durrant - January 10, 2024

Are you, perhaps, one of the many assessing their current satisfaction levels in career? Is it time for a fresh start? Even with our job board picking up when it come to opportunities, as a PA or EA it is essential you maintain a positive and professional reputation. The world is small, and you do not want to upset your current employer! This is a guide to help you prepare to say goodbye gracefully.